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

Should you visit Volos or Porto?

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

Volos

Volos is a authentic, vibrant, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Porto?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Porto than Volos. While Volos is larger than Porto, Porto has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Porto is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volos attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Porto is more touristy than Volos and is known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira. Volos is famous for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Volos different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Porto 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 Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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 Porto? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Volos or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Porto.

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.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Volos or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Porto Better for Beaches?

Volos is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto 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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Porto?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Volos and Porto.

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 Porto to go shopping. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Volos or Porto Better for Families?

Porto 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, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto Better for Couples?

Porto is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Porto makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Volos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular backpacker destination and you won't find that many hostels in the area.

Is Volos or Porto Better for Students?

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

Porto is very popular with students. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Porto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Porto can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

You'll find some public transit in Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

Is Volos or Porto a more walkable city?

Volos and Porto are very good 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.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Volos?

How long in Volos or Porto?

In either Volos or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Volos because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Porto?

In Volos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this authentic 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.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Volos or Porto?

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

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

Volos is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Volos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Porto?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the youthful destination of Volos. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Porto?

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

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Porto. The summer months attract visitors to Volos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In July, Volos is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 26°C (78°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto 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 Porto during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives more rain than Porto. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volos or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volos as well as Porto. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Volos is around the same temperature as Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets less sunshine than Porto. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Volos usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volos for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Volos is much colder than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volos in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Volos usually receives less sunshine than Porto during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Porto. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volos or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Volos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volos in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 14°C (56°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Volos