A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volos vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Volos or Sestri Levante?

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 Sestri Levante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a youthful, authentic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Volos and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Volos or Sestri Levante?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Sestri Levante are both popular with visitors, Volos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Volos is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Sestri Levante is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volos is popular for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also home to The Archaeological Museum of Volos. Sestri Levante is popular for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Volos different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is adequate for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Volos specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Volos or Sestri Levante? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Foodies will find both Volos and Sestri Levante both to be superb 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 Sestri Levante is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is great for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Volos is not a resort destination.


Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is great for the beach. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its beaches.

The beaches at Volos attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sestri Levante offers a nice beach destination. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Sestri Levante?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Volos has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Volos
Sestri Levante

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Volos or Sestri Levante.

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 Sestri Levante. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Both Volos and Sestri Levante are good 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.

Sestri Levante is a good city for couples to visit. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante Better for Students?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Volos is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is not popular with students.


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

Volos
Sestri Levante

Visitors will find good public transit in both Volos and Sestri Levante.

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

You'll find some public transit in Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Volos or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Volos
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Sestri Levante. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Volos?

How long in Volos or Sestri Levante?

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

Families should spend more time in Volos than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Volos or Sestri Levante?

In Volos, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Sestri Levante is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This seaside town 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 Sestri Levante?

Volos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante is a fun place to experience. Sestri Levante is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the city of Volos. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Sestri Levante is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante is €143. 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 Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Volos and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Sestri Levante? 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 Sestri Levante


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 and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Sestri Levante 56

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 Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 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
    Sestri Levante 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

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Sestri Levante 7.86


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Sestri Levante?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Sestri Levante, 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.

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