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

Should you visit Volos or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or San Sebastian?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than San Sebastian. Volos is bigger than San Sebastian, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and big city activities, while San Sebastian is more popular for its museums, food, resorts, and shopping. San Sebastian is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. 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 San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Sebastian is very good for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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 San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

San Sebastian has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and San Sebastian.

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.

San Sebastian is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Volos or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Volos and San Sebastian are excellent choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or San Sebastian?

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

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

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 San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is very popular with students. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and San Sebastian.

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

You'll find some public transit in San Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Volos or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Volos and San Sebastian are excellent 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Volos?

How long in Volos or San Sebastian?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Volos or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. This 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant 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.

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

A week in Volos or San Sebastian?

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 food and shopping around the outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Volos and San Sebastian, we can see that Volos 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 San Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volos or San Sebastian?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Volos and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volos as well as San Sebastian. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the summer, Volos often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Volos is around the same temperature as San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Volos during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches.

Volos is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Volos, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volos usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Volos usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Volos