A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a majestic, world-class, and spectacular mountain town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc


Is there more to do in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Volos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Volos is more popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Volos and is known for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Volos is well known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Volos different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Volos is not a skiing destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the world's best ski destinations. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Volos is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Volos specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Foodies will find both Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc both to be high quality destinations.

Volos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an experience not to be missed. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.


Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a perfect choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Beaches?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.


Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specifically for its hiking. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volos. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very family-friendly. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volos. 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.


Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has plenty to offer. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Volos is a good city for couples to visit. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Students?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not popular with students.


Is Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can get you around easily. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Volos
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are high quality 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Volos Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Volos?

How long in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.


  • How many days in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7

One day in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Volos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this epic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This mountain town 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Volos for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

The destination of Volos offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a fun place to experience. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this spectacular destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Volos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Volos is €95, while the average daily cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
Compare Hotels in Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Volos


Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Volos Hotel Prices and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

Also for Volos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $257
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $524
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $280

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $229
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $170
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $162
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Volos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Volos 30
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volos

For Volos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Session "Pelion Flavours": $71
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $444

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80

Tours and Activities in Volos

For Volos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $211
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $38
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $214
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $197
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $49
  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $240
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $735

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
  • Bespoke Private Chamonix Experience: $196
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $195
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $144
  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $823


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.