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

Should you visit Volos or Pisa?

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 Pisa 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.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Pisa: 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
  • Less popular for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa


Is there more to do in Volos or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than Pisa. Volos is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Pisa is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than Volos and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. 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 Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Pisa

Pisa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Pisa

Foodies will find both Volos and Pisa 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 Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Volos or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Pisa

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Pisa.

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.

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Volos or Pisa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Pisa

Volos is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Volos
Pisa

Volos is a great city for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Volos is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Volos or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Pisa

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Pisa?

Volos
Pisa

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

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Volos
Pisa

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

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 Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Volos or Pisa Better for Couples?

Volos
Pisa

Both Volos and Pisa 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Volos or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Pisa

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

Many backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Volos
Pisa

Pisa is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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 Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Volos
Pisa

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Volos or Pisa a more walkable city?

Volos
Pisa

Volos and Pisa 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Volos?

How long in Volos or Pisa?

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

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

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


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

One day in Volos or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this world-famous destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Pisa?

Volos is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Pisa?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Volos. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Volos or Pisa?

The vibrant city of Volos offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa 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 Pisa is €120. 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 Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Pisa 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Pisa 120
Compare Hotels in Volos and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Pisa? 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 Pisa


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 Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Pisa 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

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

  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $524
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $280
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $257

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $273
  • Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard from Pisa with Transfer: $97
  • Private Transfer: Pisa city to Pisa Airport PSA in Luxury Van: $85
  • Private Transfer: Pisa Airport PSA to Pisa city in Luxury Van: $85
  • Private Transfer from Pisa city hotels to Livorno Cruise Port: $91
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $202
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence City centre: $291
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port: $92
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Viareggio: $136
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Vecchiano: $69
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to San Giuliano Terme: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa 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
    Pisa 50

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 Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Pisa 20

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 Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $273
  • 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $320
  • 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $27
  • Adventure in Pisa + Tower Admission: $182
  • Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
  • Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
  • Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $157
  • Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
  • Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
  • Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
  • Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
  • Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time – Walking Tour: $443

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Pisa?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Pisa. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is a little warmer than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa 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 Pisa during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Pisa. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Pisa 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Volos or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volos as well as Pisa. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the autumn, Volos is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Volos usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volos or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Volos is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Pisa. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Volos or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Volos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Pisa and Volos

Volos Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)