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

Should you visit Volos or Kotor?

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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a authentic, vibrant, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. 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 Kotor: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Volos or Kotor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Kotor are popular destinations, Volos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volos is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kotor attracts visitors for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Volos is famous for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Volos different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Kotor

Volos is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Volos
Kotor

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

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Kotor

Volos is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Volos or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Volos
Kotor

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Volos is not a resort destination.


Is Volos or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Kotor

Volos and Kotor both offer nice 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.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Volos or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Volos
Kotor

Volos is well known for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Volos or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Kotor

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

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Volos does not have a historic old town.


Is Volos or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Volos
Kotor

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

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Kotor?

Volos
Kotor

Volos is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Volos is a great destination for shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Volos or Kotor Better for Families?

Volos
Kotor

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Kotor.

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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.


Is Volos or Kotor Better for Couples?

Volos
Kotor

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

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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 Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Kotor

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

Many backpackers visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Students?

Volos
Kotor

Volos is very good for students. However, Kotor 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.

Kotor is not popular with students.


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

Volos
Kotor

Volos is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Volos or Kotor a more walkable city?

Volos
Kotor

Kotor 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 Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

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 Kotor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Volos?

How long in Volos or Kotor?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Kotor? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Kotor 3-4

One day in Volos or Kotor?

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.

Even though Kotor 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 town 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Kotor?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant 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.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Kotor 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 Kotor is €100. 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 Kotor in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Kotor 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Kotor 98
Compare Hotels in Volos and Kotor

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Kotor? 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 Kotor


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 Kotor Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Kotor 9.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $280
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $522
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kotor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kotor:

  • Transfer service: $130
  • Transfer from Tivat airport to Dubrovnik city: $96
  • Transfer from Tivat Airport to Budva: $65
  • Transfer Tivat Airport - Kotor Old Town (and viceversa): $53
  • Tivat Airport (TIV): Private Transfer to Kotor Cruise Port: $90
  • Private transfers from Kotor to Podgorica Airport and City: $52
  • Private transfer from Tivat to Dubrovnik airport: $185
  • Private transfer from Nikki or Obala Djurasevica to Tivat airport: $49
  • Private transfer from Herceg Novi to Dubrovnik airport: $119
  • Private transfer Tivat(Kotor)-Dubrovnik: $147
  • Private Transfer from Tivat or Porto Montenegro to Tivat airport: $27
  • Private Transfer from Tivat airport to Tivat city or Porto Montenegro: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Kotor?

Prices for flights to both Kotor 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
    Kotor 43

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 Kotor

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

  • Kotor private cooking class with lunch and Old town guided tour: $225
  • Kotor and Perast Private Tour with Cooking Class and Boat Ride: $261
  • Cooking class in a local home & old town walking tour: $304

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Kotor 8.32

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: $213
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $240
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $733

Tours and Activities in Kotor

Here are a few actual costs in Kotor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Speedboat Tour to Lady of the Rocks and Perast Old Town : $177
  • "Adriatic Adventure: Blue Cave & Islands Speedboat Tour": $46
  • 1-Day Montenegro Hiking Tour to Durmitor National Park : $118
  • 3-Hour Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks Private Speedboat Tour: $293
  • All inclusive - Lovcen tour: $130
  • Ancient Budva & Unique St.Stephen Private Tour: $92
  • Bay of 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle Board Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour: $53
  • Bay of 2.5-Hour Kayak Tour : $54
  • Bike & hike tour : $81
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $130
  • Bike tour - Downhill from Njegos Mausoleum to Kotor bay: $133

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Kotor 8.51

Sample the Local Flavors in Kotor

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kotor:

  • Private tour: Homemade food and wine tasting at my family home: $125
  • Private National Park Lovcen with food and wine tasting: $136
  • Wine tasting and magical tour from Kotor, Budva, Tivat (Lovcen,Skadar lake): $250
  • National Parks Skadar Lake and Lovcen+Wine tasting (Private tour): $259
  • Skadar Lake National Park with Wine Tasting: $426


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Kotor?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In July, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 26°C (78°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volos or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Kotor. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Volos is around the same temperature as Kotor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Kotor. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Kotor 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Volos or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Kotor. Many travelers come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the winter for the cuisine.

In the winter, Volos is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volos in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Kotor averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Volos usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Kotor 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Volos or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 14°C (56°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Kotor. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Kotor and Volos

Volos Kotor
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 26°C (80°F) 47 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (53°F) 224 mm (8.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 215 mm (8.5 in)