A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Volos or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Volos and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Volos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volos is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Volos and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. 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.

How is Volos different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Volos is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos and Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Volos is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Cinque Terre?

Volos is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Volos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

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

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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre 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, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Volos is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Volos and Cinque Terre.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Volos or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Volos?

How long in Volos or Cinque Terre?

In either Volos or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Volos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Volos or Cinque Terre?

In Volos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this vibrant city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region 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 Cinque Terre?

Volos is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Cinque Terre?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Cinque Terre?

Volos is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Cinque Terre?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 360 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Volos or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volos or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Volos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Volos is cooler than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volos or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the spring, Volos often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Volos