A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Bilbao for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Volos or Bilbao?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Volos and Bilbao can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a vibrant, youthful, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Bilbao?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than Bilbao. Volos is bigger than Bilbao, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bilbao is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Volos is well known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Volos is famous for The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks.

How is Volos different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bilbao and Volos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volos or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Bilbao specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

Volos offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.

Is the Food Better in Volos or Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Volos. Greece cuisine is very regional specific, and this area has its own dishes that are very different from elsewhere in the country. Deep fried kolitsianoi (sea anemone), boubari (local sausage), and spetzofai (sausage, tomato, and peppers) are just some of the unique dishes in the area.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Bilbao.

Volos has a large number of nightlife venues. The universities around town keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are a number of bars and clubs that are fun throughout the year.

Bilbao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Bilbao is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Volos is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful beaches. If you're willing to travel out of town, this region has some of the best beaches in Greece. The summers are cooler than other parts of the country and the winters are milder, so this is both a beautiful and a comfortable place to explore.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Bilbao is very good for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Bilbao. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Bilbao?

Bilbao is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

Many visitors go to Volos to go shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Bilbao.

Volos is a family-friendly city. If your kids are adventurous, they'll enjoy horseback riding or exploring the area's beaches. There's also the Archaeological Museum of Volos and Agios Konstantinos Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Both Volos and Bilbao are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Volos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Bilbao is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bilbao is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Bilbao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

Volos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination and you won't find that many hostels in the area.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Students?

Both Volos and Bilbao are notable destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Volos. You'll find several universities in town. The port city also offers access to different parts of the country.

Bilbao is popular with students. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Is Volos or Bilbao Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bilbao is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Bilbao can get you to some places easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

You'll find some public transit in Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

Is Volos or Bilbao a more walkable city?

Volos is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Volos is a very walkable city. The city is flat and there's a historic district that you can explore on foot.

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable city. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Volos Worth Visiting? and Is Bilbao Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Volos?

How long in Volos or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volos and Bilbao. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bilbao than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

Families should spend more time in Volos than Bilbao. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Volos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bilbao than Volos if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Bilbao.

One day in Volos or Bilbao?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Volos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Bilbao, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this authentic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Volos or Bilbao?

Volos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bilbao. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Bilbao?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bilbao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bilbao. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Bilbao?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the youthful destination of Volos. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the friendly destination of Bilbao. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volos and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao is more expensive. And not only is Volos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volos and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bilbao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bilbao than you might in Volos.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Volos Expensive? and Is Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volos or Bilbao?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Bilbao. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Bilbao, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Volos or Bilbao?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Volos or Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bilbao for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volos is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Bilbao. Most visitors come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Bilbao because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Volos is around the same temperature as Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Bilbao. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Volos usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Bilbao in the Spring?

Both Bilbao and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the activities around the city.

Volos is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Volos