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

Should you visit Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volos and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Santiago de Compostela than Volos. While Volos is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Volos is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Volos is well known for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty.

How is Volos different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Volos and Santiago de Compostela both to be great destinations.

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.

Dining out in Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Santiago de Compostela.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Volos has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Volos is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Volos is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Volos and Santiago de Compostela are notable 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Volos is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Both Volos and Santiago de Compostela are notable 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.

Santiago de Compostela is popular with students. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and Santiago de Compostela.

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

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Volos or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Volos and Santiago de Compostela are great 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Volos Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Volos?

How long in Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

The city of Volos offers shopping and nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this inspirational destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The youthful destination of Volos offers nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. It's also a great beach destination, too. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

Volos is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Volos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volos or Santiago de Compostela?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Santiago de Compostela. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the autumn, Volos is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Volos usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volos or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Santiago de Compostela. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Volos is generally much colder than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Volos usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the spring for the natural beauty.

Volos is around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Volos