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

Should you visit Volos or Malaga?

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 Malaga 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Volos and Malaga: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Volos or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Malaga are roughly the same size, Volos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volos is better known for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Malaga is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Malaga is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. 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 Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Malaga

Volos is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Volos
Malaga

Foodies will find both Volos and Malaga 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 Malaga is an experience not to be missed. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Volos or Malaga Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Malaga

Malaga 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 Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga Better for Music?

Volos
Malaga

Malaga is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Volos is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Volos is not a live music destination.


Is Volos or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Malaga

Volos and Malaga 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.

Malaga has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Is Volos or Malaga Better for Beaches?

Volos
Malaga

Volos is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful 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.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Volos or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Malaga

Malaga is a very popular place for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Volos does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Malaga?

Volos
Malaga

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

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 Malaga to go shopping. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Volos or Malaga Better for Families?

Volos
Malaga

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Malaga.

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 Malaga. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Volos or Malaga Better for Couples?

Volos
Malaga

Both Volos and Malaga are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Volos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Malaga is a good city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.


Is Volos or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Malaga

Malaga 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, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga Better for Students?

Volos
Malaga

Malaga is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Malaga is very popular with students. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international 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.

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

Volos
Malaga

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.


Is Volos or Malaga a more walkable city?

Volos
Malaga

Volos and Malaga are high quality 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Volos?

How long in Volos or Malaga?

Both Volos and Malaga have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Malaga.

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Malaga? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Malaga 3-7

One day in Volos or Malaga?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Volos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port city 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 Malaga?

Volos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Malaga?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Malaga?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Volos. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this welcoming destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Malaga 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 Malaga is €140. 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 Malaga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Malaga 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Malaga 150
Compare Hotels in Volos and Malaga

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Malaga? 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 Malaga


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 Malaga Hotel Prices.

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

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: $260
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $283
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $532

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Malaga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Malaga:

  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Nerja: $132
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Malaga Fuengirola or Marbella: $55
  • Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Algeciras or Tarifa: $150
  • Vip Private Transfer from Malaga Airport to Gibraltar Border: $165
  • Transfer from Malaga Airport to Costa del Sol Hotels (Any Hotel): $42
  • TRANSFER MALAGA AIRPORT from OR to ESTEPONA-PRICE ALL INCLUSIVE: $126
  • Private transfer from Malaga airport to hotels on the Costa del Sol: $110
  • Private Vip Transfer from Malaga Airport to Sevilla: $220
  • Private Transfer from/to Seville to/from Malaga & Stop Alhambra: $233
  • Private Transfer from/to Motril to/from Malaga with private driver: $160
  • Private Transfer from airport to Malaga : $69
  • Private Transfer from Torrequebrada to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Malaga?

Prices for flights to both Malaga 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
    Malaga 35

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": $72
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $110

Typical Food Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of dining costs in Malaga are as follows:


  • Dinner for 2
    30
  • Dinner for 2
    44
  • Breakfast for 2
    8.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Malaga

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

  • Paella Cooking Class with English Guide in Malaga: $77
  • Horse and Flamenco Show in Malaga with Dinner: $77
  • Paella Cooking Class in Malaga: $85
  • Malaga Tapas Cooking Class: $90
  • Andalucia by Sunset - half day tour including dinner and Ronda pickup: $93
  • Sardines On Skewers Show Cooking in Malaga beach: $148

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Malaga 31

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": $39
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $50
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $188
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $199
  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $213
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $217
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $747

Typical Entertainment Prices in Malaga

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Malaga are as follows:


  • Entrance to Castillos
    7.10
  • Concert
    31

Tours and Activities in Malaga

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

  • Sealife Benalmadena Entrance Ticket: $21
  • Winery and Olive Mill Guided and Tasting Tour with Tapas: $121
  • 1 Hour Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $88
  • 1 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $99
  • 1 Hour Malaga Panoramic Segway Tour : $38
  • 1.5-Hour Roman Theater and Alcazaba Castle Walking Tour: $17
  • 1h buggy tour: $116
  • 2 Hour Buggy Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $143
  • 2 Hour Family Buggy Tour, Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $165
  • 2 Hour Quad/ATV Tour Off-Road Adventure in Mijas: $143
  • 2 Hours Buggy Safari Experience in the Mountains of Mijas with Guide: $126
  • 2 Hours Kayak Tour in Cerro Gordo Natural Park, La Herradura: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Malaga 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Malaga

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

  • Malaga Nightlife Pub Crawl Tour with Drinks and Clubs Entry: $18
  • Frigiliana Small-Group Hike and Wine Tasting Tour from Malaga: $61
  • Winederlust Wine Tasting: $66
  • Malaga Shore Excursion: scenic & walking tour, Alcazaba visit with wine tasting: $73
  • Sun and Wine Route - Small group, wine tasting and lunch included: $77
  • Evening Tapas Tour and Wine Tasting in Malaga: $88
  • Day trip from White Washed Town, Vineyard & Wine Tasting: $93
  • Flamenco, Tapas and Wine Tour: Best of Málaga in one Evening: $98
  • Traditional Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $120
  • Malaga Tapas and Wine Tour: $138
  • Axarquia VIP Wine Tour with Gourmet Winery Lunch Experience: $231


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Malaga?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Malaga. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Malaga, 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 Malaga?

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 Malaga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Malaga. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volos is around the same temperature as Malaga in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Malaga fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. 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 Malaga. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Malaga. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volos or Malaga in the Autumn?

Both Malaga and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Volos is cooler than Malaga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Malaga averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Malaga. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Malaga. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Malaga 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Volos or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Volos during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Malaga this time of year.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than Malaga. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Malaga. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Malaga 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Volos or Malaga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Malaga. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Volos is cooler than Malaga in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Malaga fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga 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 Malaga during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Malaga. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Malaga 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Malaga and Volos

Volos Malaga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (78°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 102 mm (4 in)