A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Volos vs. Chania for Food, Beaches, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Volos or Chania?

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 Chania 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 shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chania

Chania is a idyllic, charming, and picturesque 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.

Volos and Chania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Chania?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Volos. While Volos is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Volos is known for its nightlife. Chania is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Volos different from Chania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chania 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 Chania specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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 Chania? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Chania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

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 Chania Better for Nightlife?

Volos is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Volos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Volos or Chania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos and Chania both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

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

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Is Volos or Chania Better for Beaches?

Chania is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Chania is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Volos. 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.

Is Volos or Chania Better for its Old Town?

Chania 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 Chania. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is Volos or Chania Better for Hiking?

Chania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Chania?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Volos and Chania.

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.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Is Volos or Chania Better for Families?

Chania 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, Chania is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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 Chania Better for Couples?

Chania is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

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 Chania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for 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 Chania Better for Students?

Volos is a nice place to visit for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

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

Chania is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Volos or Chania a more walkable city?

Volos and Chania are excellent 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.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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

Should I spend more time in Chania or Volos?

How long in Volos or Chania?

It's fun to spend time in either Volos or Chania. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Chania due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 3-4 days is enough time in Chania.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Chania?

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 Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Chania?

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 Chania. 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 Chania?

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.

Chania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Chania. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Chania?

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 museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Chania. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Chania, we can see that Volos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Chania?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Chania, 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 Chania?

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 Chania in the Summer?

Both Chania and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Chania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Chania averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets less sunshine than Chania. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chania receives 380 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Chania. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Chania receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Chania in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Chania. Many travelers come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Chania. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Chania fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Chania during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Chania receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Chania. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chania receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Chania in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Chania. Many visitors come to Volos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Volos is much colder than Chania in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Chania fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chania. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chania receives 118 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chania. Volos usually gets less rain in January than Chania. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chania receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Chania in the Spring?

Both Chania and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Volos is cooler than Chania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Chania averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Chania. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Chania during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Chania receives 237 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Chania. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Chania receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chania and Volos