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

Should you visit Volos or Bologna?

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 Bologna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a youthful, authentic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bologna

Bologna is a culinary, beautiful, and fun city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Bologna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Bologna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos than Bologna, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Volos is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Bologna is known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Bologna is popular for its Terracota buildings, large international student population, and being the birthplace of Bolognaise pasta.

How is Volos different from Bologna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bologna 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 Bologna?

Bologna is very good for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Bologna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It has many historical and religious landmarks, active squares, and impressive museums including the Basilica of St. Petronius, St. Stephen Basilica, the Leaning Towers, and the Portico of the Madonna di San Luca.

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 Bologna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Bologna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Foodies will appreciate the city's well earned culinary reputation. Some people even consider Bologna to be a food capital in Italy. There are cooking classes and food tours around town, as well as many great restaurants that serve up local dishes. Visitors should try Tagliatelle with Ragu (now famously known around the world as Bolognaise), Tortellini in broth, and Mortadella (salami).

Dining out in Volos is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Bologna.

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.

Bologna is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The young population that is filled with international students means that the city has a fun and active nightlife scene. Some of the city's best neighborhoods for nightlife include Centro Storico, where the tourists hang out, the University District, which is perfect for students in their 20s, and Via dell'Indipendenza, which is popular for an upscale evening out.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Bologna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for Beaches?

Volos is a well-known place for the beach. However, Bologna is not a beach destination.

Volos is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Bologna is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for its Old Town?

Bologna is a very popular place for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bologna. The old town is filled with Terracota buildings, which give the city its nickname, La Rossa (The Red).

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Bologna?

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

Bologna is well-known for its shopping. The city hosts regular open-air markets where you can pick up local produce or local items. It is among the best shopping destinations in the region. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Piazza Maggiore, Mercato di Mezzo, Mercato delle Erbe, or Via Rizzoli.

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 Bologna Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Bologna.

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 Bologna. There are kid-friendly museums such as Museo Geologico Cappellini and the interactive history museum of Museo della Storia di Bologna. There's even a museum solely dedicated to gelato - Gelato at Carpigiani Museum. If your kids need a bit of time in nature, check out Dulcamara farm or the Botanic Garden. On the weekend you many be able to catch a show at Margherita's Puppet Theatre.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for Couples?

Both Volos and Bologna are good 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.

Bologna is a good city for couples to visit. With beautiful museums, interesting architecture. and lively squares, this is a great city for a couple's holiday. It's filled with romance, but it has less tourist crowds than some of Italy's more popular cities.

Is Volos or Bologna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bologna is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bologna. It's not a popular as some of the other cities in Italy and Europe, but it still has a number of hostels and a good backpacker scene.

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 Bologna Better for Students?

Bologna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Bologna. It's a top study abroad destination in Italy and is home to a few great universities including the well ranked University of Bologna. There are many great activities for students and a variety of fun places to explore.

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

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Volos and Bologna.

Volos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that travels around town.

You'll find some public transit in Bologna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient and reliable bus system.

Is Volos or Bologna a more walkable city?

Volos and Bologna are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Bologna is a very walkable destination. Most sights are always within a 30 minute walk, and the city itself is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Bologna or Volos?

How long in Volos or Bologna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Bologna than Volos. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Bologna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bologna 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 Bologna.

One day in Volos or Bologna?

In Volos, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Bologna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fun destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Volos or Bologna?

In Volos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bologna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bologna?

Volos is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Bologna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bologna. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Bologna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the culinary destination of Bologna. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volos and Bologna, we can see that Bologna 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 Bologna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bologna 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 Bologna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volos or Bologna?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Bologna. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Bologna, 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 Bologna?

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 Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Bologna. The summer months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bologna this time of year.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Bologna averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the summer, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Bologna. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bologna for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Bologna. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Bologna fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Bologna. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Volos during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bologna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bologna can get quite cold in the winter. Volos is much warmer than Bologna in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Bologna fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bologna. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Bologna. Many visitors come to Volos in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Bologna for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Bologna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Bologna during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Bologna. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bologna and Volos