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

Should you visit Volos or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Volos and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Volos or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volos than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volos is better known for its big city activities, while Hvar is more popular for its museums, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Hvar is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. Volos is well known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Volos is famous for The Archaeological Museum of Volos.

How is Volos different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Hvar

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

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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 Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Hvar

Foodies will find both Volos and Hvar both to be superb 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 Hvar is an experience not to be missed. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Volos or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Hvar

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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.

Is Volos or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Hvar

Volos and Hvar both offer notable 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.

Hvar has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.


Is Volos or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Volos
Hvar

Volos and Hvar are superb choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hvar. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Is Volos or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Volos
Hvar

Hvar is very good for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Hvar?

Volos
Hvar

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Volos and Hvar.

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 Hvar to go shopping. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.


Is Volos or Hvar Better for Families?

Volos
Hvar

Hvar 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, Hvar is very family-friendly. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Volos
Hvar

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

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

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 Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Hvar

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Hvar is extremely popular for backpackers. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Volos
Hvar

Volos is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Volos
Hvar

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and Hvar.

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

You'll find some public transit in Hvar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Volos or Hvar a more walkable city?

Volos
Hvar

Volos is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.


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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Volos?

How long in Volos or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Volos or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar 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 Hvar.

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

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

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


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

One day in Volos or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this party-oriented destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This island 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 Hvar?

Volos is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Volos or Hvar?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the youthful destination of Volos. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hvar. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Hvar?

The youthful city of Volos offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Hvar. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Hvar 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 Hvar is €102. 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 Hvar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Hvar 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Hvar 76
Compare Hotels in Volos and Hvar

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Hvar? 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 Hvar


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 Hvar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Hvar 47

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hvar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hvar:

  • Speedboat Transfer from Hvar Town to Split Airport: $535

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Hvar?

Prices for flights to both Hvar 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
    Hvar 38

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 Hvar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hvar.

  • Hvar Charming Abandoned Village Small Group Tour and Local Dinner: $180
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $187
  • Hvar Hidden Gems Small Group Half Day Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $202
  • Hvar Abandoned Village Tour with Local Dinner: $214
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour with Traditional Dinner: $234
  • Food Tour: Traditional Flavours and Food Sampling on Hvar: $262
  • The Best of Hvar in a Day with Wine tasting and Local Dinner: $273
  • Hvar Small Group Wine Tour and Authentic Dalmatian Dinner: $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Hvar 7.48

Tours and Activities in Volos

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

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

Tours and Activities in Hvar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Hvar are as follows:

  • BLUE CAVE & 5 islands tour from Hvar: $98
  • 1-Hour Battle Archery Game in Hvar Adventure Park: $22
  • 1-Hour Private Paintball Adventure in Park Hvar Jelsa: $23
  • 3-Hour Lavender Tour from Hvar: $150
  • Adventurous Blue and Green Cave group tour: $86
  • Back to the Roots - Ancient Island Interactive Experience: $141
  • Beach bar Laganini and Hula Hula half-day Private Boat Tour: $918
  • Blue & Green cave tour with yacht from town Hvar: $229
  • Blue Cave & Vis Island speedboat tour from Hvar: $109
  • Blue Cave and Pakleni Islands group Tour from Hvar: $107
  • Blue cave group tour with swimming and snorkelling from Hvar: $76
  • Blue cave tour with speed boat from town Hvar: $196

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Hvar 9.18

Sample the Local Flavors in Hvar

Also in Hvar, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Hvar Wine Tasting Experience: $118
  • Hvar Wine tasting small group experience: $131
  • Private Hvar Wine Tasting Tour : $142
  • Wine Tasting Tour: $157
  • Chocolate and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from Hvar: $175


When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Hvar, we can see that Hvar 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 Hvar Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volos or Hvar?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Hvar. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is around the same temperature as Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. 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 Hvar. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Hvar. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Hvar 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Volos is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Hvar. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Hvar 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Volos during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Hvar 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Hvar. The spring months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Volos is around the same temperature as Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hvar during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Hvar. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Hvar 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Hvar and Volos

Volos Hvar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)