A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Volos or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Volos and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Volos or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Volos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volos is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Volos and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to The Archaeological Museum of Volos.

How is Volos different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Pompeii

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Pompeii

Volos is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Volos has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Volos or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Pompeii

Volos is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Volos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Volos or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Pompeii

Volos is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Volos
Pompeii

Volos is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Pompeii?

Volos
Pompeii

Volos is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Volos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Volos or Pompeii Better for Families?

Volos
Pompeii

Pompeii 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, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Volos
Pompeii

Both Volos and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Volos or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Pompeii

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

Pompeii is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

Volos
Pompeii

Both Volos and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.


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

Volos
Pompeii

Visitors will find good public transit in both Volos and Pompeii.

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

You'll find some public transit in Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Volos or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Volos
Pompeii

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Volos?

How long in Volos or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volos or Pompeii to fill your time. In our opinion, Volos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Volos than Pompeii. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


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

One day in Volos or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, many people enjoy the museums that this one-of-a-kind destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Pompeii?

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 around the famous destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pompeii 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 Pompeii is €151. 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 Pompeii in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Pompeii 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Pompeii 140
Compare Hotels in Volos and Pompeii

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Pompeii? 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 Pompeii


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 Pompeii Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Pompeii 54

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 Pompeii

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

  • Transfers from Naples to Sorrento Positano Amalfi Ravello Maiori: $97
  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $207
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $66
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Transfer Private from Ravello to Naples: $239
  • Small Group Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch & Transfer Included : $97
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Private transfer Ravello to Naples: $121
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $132

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Pompeii?

Prices for flights to both Pompeii 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
    Pompeii 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": $71
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $109

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

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

  • Traditional Neapolitan Dinner in Pompei - Villa Franca - Family Restourant: $38
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $65
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $93
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $112
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $142
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $158
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $158
  • Private market tour and cooking class with lunch or dinner in Pompei: $206
  • guided tour of the ruins and cooking class fresh pasta : $272
  • Cooking class: Pasta Experience in Pompei, Italy: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Pompeii 77

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 Pompeii

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

  • Pompeii Archeological Site Fast Track Entry Ticket : $36
  • Pompeii Day Tour: $97
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $251
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $196
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Pompeii with an Archaeologist: $272
  • 2 days tour: Pompei & Naples center with underground: $207
  • 2 hours Pompeii Tour with local historian - ticket included: $60
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $272
  • Best of Pompeii - 2 hour Private Tour with Alex: $271
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $55
  • Discover Pompeii on this Guided Walking Tour of the Buried City: $63
  • Discover hidden secrets of Pompei on a Private tour with a local: $118

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Pompeii 7.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Wine Tasting Tour on the Slopes of Vesuvius: $46
  • Wine Tasting on Mt. Vesuvius: $55
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $87
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $98
  • Private Wine Tour and Tasting in Pompeii with a Local: $124
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $191
  • Pompeii, Herculaneum and scenic drive of the Mt. Vesuvius with wine tasting: $207


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



When is the best time to visit Volos or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the summer, Volos is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volos in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Volos or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Volos this time of year.

In October, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volos or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums.

Volos is cooler than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Volos or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Volos in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Volos is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Pompeii averages at about 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 Pompeii. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Volos

Volos Pompeii
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)