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

Should you visit Volos or Genoa?

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 Genoa 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.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Volos or Genoa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Genoa are both popular with visitors, Volos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volos is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Genoa is known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Genoa is more touristy than Volos and is known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. 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 Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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 Genoa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Genoa

Foodies will find both Volos and Genoa both to be excellent 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 Genoa is an experience not to be missed. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Volos or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Genoa

Volos is great for its evening party scene. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Many people head to Volos for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

Is Volos or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Genoa

Volos is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Volos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Volos
Genoa

Volos is great for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination 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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Volos or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Genoa?

Volos
Genoa

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

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 Genoa to go shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.


Is Volos or Genoa Better for Families?

Volos
Genoa

Genoa 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, Genoa is very family-friendly. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Volos
Genoa

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

Genoa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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 Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Genoa

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

Many backpackers visit Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

Volos
Genoa

Genoa is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Genoa is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

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 Genoa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volos
Genoa

Genoa 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 Genoa can get you to some places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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 Genoa a more walkable city?

Volos
Genoa

Volos and Genoa 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.

Genoa is a very walkable destination. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Volos?

How long in Volos or Genoa?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Genoa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Genoa 2-4

One day in Volos or Genoa?

In Volos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this authentic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This port 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 Genoa?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Genoa. 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 Genoa?

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

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


A week in Volos or Genoa?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the youthful destination of Volos. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the colorful destination of Genoa. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Genoa 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 Genoa is €150. 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 Genoa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Genoa 88
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Genoa 176
Compare Hotels in Volos and Genoa

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Genoa? 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 Genoa


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 Genoa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Genoa 8.69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa

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

  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $118
  • Savona Cruise Port to Genoa hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Private transfer from Genoa to Portofino with Hotel or Cruise Port pick-up: $120
  • Private Transfer: Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa City in Minivan: $65
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa to/from Portofino: $123
  • Private Transfer from/to Genoa Airport: $71
  • Private Transfer from Genoa, Savona or Portofino to Genoa Port by Luxury Vehicle: $66
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Port to Genoa, Savona or Portofino by luxury vehicle: $66
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Milan city: $107
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa hotels: $26
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport(GOA) to Portofino Cruise Port: $49
  • Private Transfer from Genoa Airport GOA to Santa Margherita Port: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Genoa?

Prices for flights to both Genoa 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
    Genoa 51

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 Genoa

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

  • Genoese cooking lesson in the garden with lunch: $68
  • Genoa Old town Food Tour: $74
  • Itinerant dinner in the old town: $75
  • Street Food Tour: $84
  • Do Eat Better Experience - Food Tours in Genoa: $86
  • Traditional Food Tour: $91
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Camogli: $93
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Savona: $93
  • Dining experience with cooking demo and wines in Rapallo: $93
  • Traditional Home Cooking Class in Genoa: $93
  • Tour of Genoa historic center and wine tasting with dinner: $93
  • Small-group Street food tour in Savona: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Genoa 20

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 Genoa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour from Via Del Campo 29 Rosso: $82
  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Genoa: $104
  • 3 Hours Private Walking Tour of Genoa from the Cruise Terminal: $240
  • Aquarium of Genoa + Panera Ice Cream Taste experience: $32
  • Aquarium of Genoa Ticket and Whale Watching Cruise: $70
  • Aquarium of Entry Ticket and Aperitif: $31
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Genoa: $152
  • Cesarine: Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience in Genoa: $141
  • City Sightseeing Genoa Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $27
  • Departure by Private Car from Genoa City to Genoa Cruise Port: $44
  • Discover Genoa, old town walking tour: $131
  • E-bike tour in Genova: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Genoa 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:

  • Guided Eco Hiking and Sea View Wine Tasting in Portofino Park: $75
  • 3 Hour Pesto Making and Wine Tasting Activity in Campetto Genoa: $105
  • CAMOGLI: PRIVATE Ligurian Wine Tasting Experience and walking on National Park: $125


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Genoa. 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 Genoa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Genoa averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives more rain than Genoa. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Genoa 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Volos or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volos as well as Genoa. Many travelers come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets less sunshine than Genoa. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in October than Genoa. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Genoa 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Volos or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Genoa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Volos is much colder than Genoa in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Genoa. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Genoa 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Volos or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Volos during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Genoa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Genoa averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Genoa. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Genoa 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Genoa and Volos

Volos Genoa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)