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

Should you visit Volos or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a playful, fun, and energetic lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Volos and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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 Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volos than Lake Garda, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volos is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and big city activities, while Lake Garda is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lake Garda is more touristy than Volos and is known for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. 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 Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

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 Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Lake Garda

Foodies will find both Volos and Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Volos or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Lake Garda

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Lake Garda.

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.

Lake Garda is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Is Volos or Lake Garda Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Lake Garda

Volos is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Volos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Volos
Lake Garda

Volos and Lake Garda are great 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 Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Is Volos or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Volos
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Lake Garda?

Volos
Lake Garda

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

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 Lake Garda to go shopping. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.


Is Volos or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Volos
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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.

Lake Garda is one of the most popular family destinations. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Volos
Lake Garda

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

Lake Garda makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

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 Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Lake Garda is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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 Lake Garda Better for Students?

Volos
Lake Garda

Volos is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Lake Garda is not popular with students.

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

Volos
Lake Garda

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda can get you to some places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Volos
Lake Garda

Volos and Lake Garda are great 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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Volos?

How long in Volos or Lake Garda?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda.


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

One day in Volos or Lake Garda?

With shopping and nightlife around the youthful city of Volos, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volos, one day is sufficent for most.

In Lake Garda, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this playful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake 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 Lake Garda?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Volos, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lake Garda. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Lake Garda?

Volos, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

Volos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the playful destination of Lake Garda. 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.


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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda is €166. 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 Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Volos and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Lake Garda? 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 Lake Garda


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Lake Garda 66

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

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

  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128
  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda 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
    Lake Garda 42

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 Lake Garda

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

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Lake Garda 30

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 Lake Garda

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

  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • 2 Hours Walking and Boat Tour in Sirmione Highlights: $53
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Best of Sirmione with Boat Tour and Grotte di Catullo : $97
  • Boat Tour of the Islands of Lake Garda with Aperitif: $76
  • Canyoning "Vione" - advanced tour, for sportive beginner: $106
  • Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda: $75
  • Dolomites Full-day Tour from Lake Garda: $76
  • Experience in Sirmione Lake Garda: $98
  • Fabulous Heritage of Sirmione - Walking Tour: $185
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49
  • From Dolomites Bus Tour: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

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

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


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



When is the best time to visit Volos or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

In the autumn, Volos is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in October than Lake Garda. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Lake Garda. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Lake Garda. In January, Volos is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Volos or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Lake Garda. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Volos is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the spring, Volos often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Lake Garda. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Volos

Volos Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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