A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Volos vs. Santorini for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Volos or Santorini?

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 Santorini 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 shopping, nightlife, and food. See Volos travel costs.

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Santorini travel costs.

Volos and Santorini: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Santorini?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volos than Santorini, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volos is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Volos and is known for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. 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 Santorini?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.

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 Santorini? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Volos and Santorini both to be excellent 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 Santorini is an experience not to be missed. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Volos has something for everybody. 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 Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Resorts?

Santorini 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, Santorini is a perfect choice. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Volos is not a resort destination.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos and Santorini both offer notable scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Santorini has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Beaches?

Volos is a great city for the beach. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for its Old Town?

Santorini is very good for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Santorini. The historic towns of Fira and Oia are the two most popular with visitors, although they have become more built up and less historic over the past few decades. Historical areas are still found within these towns mixed in with restaurants, shops, and hotels set among the beautiful cliff-side views.

Volos does not have a historic old town.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Hiking?

Santorini is very good for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Santorini?

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

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

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 Santorini More Beautiful?

Santorini is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Volos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santorini is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It has striking blue water and contrasting white buildings. It is the place many travelers dream of visiting for its picturesque setting.

Volos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Families?

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

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 Santorini. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Is Volos or Santorini Better for Couples?

Santorini 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, Santorini has plenty to offer. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

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 Santorini Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santorini is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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 Santorini Better for Students?

Volos is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Santorini 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.

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Volos and Santorini.

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

You'll find some public transit in Santorini, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Is Volos or Santorini a more walkable city?

Volos is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable city. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Santorini or Volos?

How long in Volos or Santorini?

Both Volos and Santorini have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Santorini than in Volos. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Santorini.

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Santorini?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Volos. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Even though Santorini is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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 Santorini?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the youthful destination of Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santorini. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Volos or Santorini?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Volos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Santorini is a fun place to experience. Santorini is a small town with plenty to do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Volos or Santorini?

Volos is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Santorini might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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 2-Week Tours from Athens, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Santorini?

Santorini has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Volos. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Santorini, 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.