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

Should you visit Volos or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Volos or Saint-Etienne?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than Saint-Etienne. Volos is bigger than Saint-Etienne, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Volos is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. Also, Volos is famous for The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Volos different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

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

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Volos for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Saint-Etienne?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.


Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

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

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.


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

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and Saint-Etienne.

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

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Volos or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Volos
Saint-Etienne

Volos is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Volos Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Volos?

How long in Volos or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volos or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Volos than Saint-Etienne. 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 Volos than Saint-Etienne 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 Volos.


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

One day in Volos or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the authentic destination of Volos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this park-filled destination offers. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Volos. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the city of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is €108. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Saint-Etienne 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Saint-Etienne 92
Compare Hotels in Volos and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Saint-Etienne 44

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne 34

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Saint-Etienne 25

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Saint-Etienne 10


When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volos or Saint-Etienne?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volos is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Volos or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volos as well as Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Volos is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Volos or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In January, Volos is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Volos or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Volos during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

Volos is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Volos. In the spring, Volos often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Volos

Volos Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)