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

Should you visit Volos or Portimao?

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 Portimao 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Portimao

Portimao is a colorful, stunning, and dramatic coastal city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Volos and Portimao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Portimao?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Portimao are both popular with visitors, Volos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volos is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Portimao is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Volos and is popular for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. 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 Portimao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Volos is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

Dining out in Volos is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Portimao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Portimao.

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.

Portimao is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Resorts?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Portimao is a perfect choice. The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Portimao is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Portimao. The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Volos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Beaches?

Portimao is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Portimao is a very popular vacation destination. The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Volos. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Portimao?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Volos and Portimao.

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 Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Families?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Portimao is one of the most popular family destinations. Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. There are activities that the whole family can enjoy, making this stretch of coastline the perfect option for those traveling with kids.

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 Portimao Better for Couples?

Portimao is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Portimao has plenty to offer. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. It makes a wonderful honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy adventure, pampering, and romantic resorts. There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers.

Volos is a good city for couples to visit. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Is Volos or Portimao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portimao is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Most people think of high end resorts when they think of the Mediterranean coast, but there are a couple of hostels available for backpackers. You should also consider transportation options. While buses are available, many visitors prefer to have access to a car so they can experience the outlying regions. The good news is the area in general is not particularly expensive so you can enjoy a touch of luxury at a lower cost.

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 Portimao Better for Students?

Volos is a good destination for students. However, Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Volos is a good destination for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal 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 Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.

Is Volos or Portimao a more walkable city?

Volos is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

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

Portimao is generally not a very walkable city. While there are some nice walks along the coastline, the city is fairly large and spread out with many resorts located far from the center of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Portimao or Volos?

How long in Volos or Portimao?

It's fun to spend time in either Volos or Portimao. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Portimao due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Portimao.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Portimao?

The city of Volos offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Portimao, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this adventure-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This coastal 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 Portimao?

Volos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Volos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. 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 Portimao?

Volos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Portimao is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Portimao. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Portimao?

Volos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Portimao. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Portimao?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Portimao, 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 Portimao?

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 Portimao in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as Portimao. 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 Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Portimao. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Portimao in the Autumn?

Both Portimao 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 Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volos is generally cooler than Portimao. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 17°C (62°F), and Portimao fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Portimao. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Portimao in the Winter?

Both Portimao 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 Portimao this time of year.

Volos is much colder than Portimao in the winter. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Portimao fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Portimao. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Portimao in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Volos is cooler than Portimao. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volos in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Portimao averages at about 15°C (60°F).

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Portimao. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Portimao receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portimao and Volos