A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Lagos for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Volos or Lagos?

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 Lagos 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Lagos

Lagos is a scenic, adventure-filled, and dramatic resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Volos and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • 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
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Volos or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Lagos are popular destinations, Volos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volos is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. 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.

How is Volos different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Lagos

Volos is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Volos
Lagos

Foodies will find both Volos and Lagos both to be high quality 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 Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Volos or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Lagos

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Lagos.

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.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Volos or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Lagos is a perfect choice. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Volos is not a resort destination.


Is Volos or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

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.

Is Volos or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos 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, Lagos is a very popular vacation destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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 Lagos Better for Hiking?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Volos is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Lagos?

Volos
Lagos

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Volos and Lagos.

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 Lagos to go shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Volos or Lagos Better for Families?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is one of the most popular family destinations. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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 Lagos Better for Couples?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos 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, Lagos has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Lagos

Lagos 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, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other 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 Lagos Better for Students?

Volos
Lagos

Volos is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Volos
Lagos

Volos is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos 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 Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.


Is Volos or Lagos a more walkable city?

Volos
Lagos

Volos is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Volos?

How long in Volos or Lagos?

In either Volos or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Volos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Lagos? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Lagos 3-5

One day in Volos or Lagos?

In Volos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this vibrant 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 Lagos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This resort 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos. 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 Lagos?

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.

Lagos is a fun place to experience. In Lagos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Lagos?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic destination of Lagos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Lagos 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 Lagos is €118. 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 Lagos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Lagos 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Lagos 122
Compare Hotels in Volos and Lagos

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Lagos? 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 Lagos


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 Lagos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Lagos 31

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 Lagos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lagos:

  • Transfer Praia da Luz - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $58
  • Transfer Burgau - Alamos Golf (Portimão): $54
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lisbon: $613
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Lagos: $373
  • Private Transfer: Seville to Algarve (Faro district): $373
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Seville: $373
  • Private Transfer: Lagos to Lisbon: $427
  • Private Transfer: Faro/Lagos to Porto: $800
  • Private Transfer: Faro/FAO to Seville: $352
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Lisbon: $426
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Seville: $320
  • Private Transfer: Albufeira to Lisbon: $394

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Lagos?

Prices for flights to both Lagos 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
    Lagos 34

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 Lagos

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

  • Classic Food Tour - Lagos: $97
  • Full-Day West Coast Adventure with Hiking, Sunset, Dinner & Wine : $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Lagos 26

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 Lagos

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

  • Ponta da Piedade Costal cruise and Caves-2h: $29
  • 2-hour Kayak Tour of Ponta da Piedade Caves and Beaches: $37
  • 4x4 Off-road Algarve Natural Park West Coast Tour : $58
  • Adventure to the Benagil Caves on a Family Friendly Catamaran - Start at Lagos: $43
  • Algarve Private Tour: Sagres and Benagil from Lisbon: $832
  • Algarve: Aljezur, Arrifana, and Costa Vicentina Private Tour: $144
  • Algarve: Family photoshoot experience: $213
  • Algarve: Lagos Sightseeing guided Tour with e-bikes: $62
  • Algarve: Lagos sightseeing guided tour with E-bikes: $71
  • Amado Beach Walking Tour: $55
  • Benagil Caves- Speed Boat Tour: $44
  • Benagil and Dolphin Wacthing Boat Tour with Marine Biologists: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Lagos 6.79

Sample the Local Flavors in Lagos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Lagos:

  • Lagos Wine Tasting and Tapas: $44
  • Small group Wine Tasting Tour from Lagos: $65
  • Small-Group Day Tour of Silves and Monchique with Wine Tasting: $86
  • Benagil Secrets: Jeep and Boat Tour with Wine Tasting: $104


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Lagos?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Lagos. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 26°C (78°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Lagos 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Lagos. Most visitors come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Volos is much colder than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Lagos. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Lagos 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Lagos. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year.

In the winter, Volos is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volos in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Lagos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Volos usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Lagos 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Volos is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 14°C (56°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Lagos. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Lagos 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Lagos and Volos

Volos Lagos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 146 mm (5.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 316 mm (12.4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 243 mm (9.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 27°C (81°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)