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

Should you visit Volos or Palermo?

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

Volos

Volos is a youthful, authentic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Volos and Palermo: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Volos or Palermo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Volos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Volos different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Palermo

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

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Palermo

Foodies will find both Volos and Palermo both to be superb 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 Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Is Volos or Palermo Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Palermo

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Palermo.

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.

Palermo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Is Volos or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Palermo

Volos and Palermo both offer good 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.

Palermo has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.


Is Volos or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Volos
Palermo

Volos and Palermo are superb 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 Palermo. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Palermo?

Volos
Palermo

Palermo is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Many visitors go to Volos to go shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Is Volos or Palermo Better for Families?

Volos
Palermo

Palermo is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palermo is very family-friendly. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo Better for Couples?

Volos
Palermo

Both Volos and Palermo are good 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.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Volos or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Palermo

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

Palermo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene 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 Palermo Better for Students?

Volos
Palermo

Both Volos and Palermo are good destinations for 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.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.


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

Volos
Palermo

Volos is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Volos or Palermo a more walkable city?

Volos
Palermo

Volos and Palermo are superb 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.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Volos?

How long in Volos or Palermo?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Volos or Palermo?

In Volos, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this colorful 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.


A weekend in Volos or Palermo?

In Volos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Palermo?

Volos is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. 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 Palermo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Palermo. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Palermo 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 Palermo is €92. 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 Palermo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Palermo 56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Palermo 112
Compare Hotels in Volos and Palermo

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Palermo? 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 Palermo


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 Palermo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Palermo 5.64

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Transfers From / to Palermo Airport: $108
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Verdura Resort: $214
  • Transfer from Palermo Airport to Palermo: $131
  • Quintocanto Hotel & Spa to Palermo Airport, Private Transfer: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to ibis Styles hotel or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Verdura Resort Sciacca or vice versa: $233
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Palazzo Brunaccini or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to NH Palermo Hotel or vice versa: $42
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Marsala port or vice versa: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Tonic or vice versa: $37
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Hotel Politeama or vice versa: $44
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Bio Hotel Palermo or vice versa: $37

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Palermo?

Prices for flights to both Palermo 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
    Palermo 29

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

Typical Food Prices in Palermo

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


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Palermo 17

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: $214
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $240
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $735

Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

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


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

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

  • 4 Hours Private Architectural Tour in Palermo: $165
  • Agrigento - Private Tour to the Valley of the Temples from Palermo: $295
  • Agrigento Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale Tour from Palermo: $133
  • Ballaro 'street food market tour & Santa Rosalia Sanctuary: $208
  • Cappella Palatina and Palazzo dei Normanni Tour: $91
  • Captivating Agrigento Sunset Tour of Valle dei Templi: $43
  • Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral Private Tour: $192
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Palermo: $152
  • Discover the Charm of A 3-Hour UNESCO Sites Walking Tour: $38
  • Eating Street Food & Market Tour: $117
  • English or Spanish tour to immersive museum + lunch: $37
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Palermo 11

Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Palermo:

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Palermo, we can see that Volos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Volos Expensive? and Is Palermo Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volos or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Palermo. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Volos is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. 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 Palermo. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Palermo 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Volos or Palermo in the Autumn?

Both Palermo and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Palermo. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Palermo 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Volos or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Volos during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Volos is much colder than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Palermo. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Palermo 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Volos or Palermo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Palermo. The spring months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo 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 Palermo during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Palermo. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Palermo 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Palermo and Volos

Volos Palermo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)