A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Volos vs. Ios for Nightlife, Beaches, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Volos or Ios?

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 Ios 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Ios

Ios is a vibrant, beautiful, and striking 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 Ios: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Ios?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volos than Ios, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volos is better known for its big city activities, while Ios is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ios is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. 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 Ios?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

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 Ios? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Volos and Ios both to be great 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 Ios is an experience not to be missed. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Volos or Ios Better for Nightlife?

Ios 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 Ios just to party. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios Better for Resorts?

Ios is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Ios Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos and Ios 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.

Ios has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Is Volos or Ios Better for Beaches?

Ios 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, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

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 Ios Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Ios?

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

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 Ios to go shopping. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Is Volos or Ios Better for Families?

Volos is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Volos is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Volos or Ios Better for Couples?

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

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

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 Ios Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios 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, Ios is extremely popular for backpackers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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 Ios Better for Students?

Volos is a popular place for students. However, Ios 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Ios 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 Ios can get you to some places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

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 Ios a more walkable city?

Volos is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios 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.

Ios is a somewhat walkable city. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Ios or Volos?

How long in Volos or Ios?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volos and Ios. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Ios than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ios.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Ios?

With nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Volos, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

In Ios, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this backpacker-friendly destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Volos or Ios?

Many people visit Volos for a weekend. With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the authentic city of Volos, there's plenty to do. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

The destination of Volos offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Five days 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.

Ios is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ios. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Ios?

Volos, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Ios, 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 Ios Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volos or Ios?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Ios, 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.