A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Volos vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Volos or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach


Is there more to do in Volos or Thessaloniki?

You'll generally find more things to do in Volos than Thessaloniki. Volos is bigger than Thessaloniki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Volos is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its museums and shopping. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Volos and is known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. 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 Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volos
Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Thessaloniki specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volos
Thessaloniki

Foodies will find both Volos and Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Volos or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Thessaloniki

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Volos and Thessaloniki.

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.

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Volos or Thessaloniki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Thessaloniki

Volos is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Volos or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Volos
Thessaloniki

Volos is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Thessaloniki?

Volos
Thessaloniki

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

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Volos
Thessaloniki

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

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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.


Is Volos or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Volos
Thessaloniki

Both Volos and Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Volos or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volos
Thessaloniki

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

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Volos
Thessaloniki

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

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

Volos
Thessaloniki

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Volos or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Volos
Thessaloniki

Volos is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Volos?

How long in Volos or Thessaloniki?

It's fun to spend time in either Volos or Thessaloniki. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Thessaloniki due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volos, and 2-4 days is enough time in Thessaloniki.

Families should spend more time in Volos than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.


  • How many days in Volos or Thessaloniki? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Thessaloniki 2-4

One day in Volos or Thessaloniki?

In Volos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this youthful city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. 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 Thessaloniki?

Volos is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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

A week in Volos or Thessaloniki?

Volos is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


Which place is cheaper, Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki is €134. 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 Thessaloniki in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Thessaloniki 79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Thessaloniki 158
Compare Hotels in Volos and Thessaloniki

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Thessaloniki? 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 Thessaloniki


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 Thessaloniki Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Thessaloniki 13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

Also for Volos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $261
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $534
  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $284

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Thessaloniki

Also for Thessaloniki, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from airport Thessaloniki (SKG) to Kalithea chalkidiki: $166
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Olivia: $200
  • Transfer from Thessaloniki to Ikos Oceania: $155
  • Transfer from SKG Thesaloniki airport to Thessaloniki city hotels: $44
  • Bus Transfer to/from Kavala: $18
  • Thessaloniki to Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) - Departure Transfer: $21
  • Thessaloniki city from or to SKG airport transfer: $50
  • Thessaloniki Cruise Port: Transfer to Thessaloniki city: $145
  • Thessaloniki Airport to TUI Blue Lagoon Hotels Private Transfer: $94
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Sani Hotels Private Transfer: $100
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Porto Carras Hotels Private Transfer: $166
  • Thessaloniki Airport to Portes Lithos Luxury Resort Private Transfer: $83

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Thessaloniki?

Prices for flights to both Thessaloniki 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
    Thessaloniki 42

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": $72
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $111

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $49
  • Walking Open Market Food Tour and Tasting: $50
  • Traditional Greek Dinner in Galatsi: $62
  • Guided Food Tour: $71
  • Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $72
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $85
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $85
  • Thessaloniki Gastronomy & Culture Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Traditional Greek Food Tour With A Local: $88
  • Greek Ouzo and Meze Food Tour: $88
  • Private Walking Tour Gastronomic Food Tour in Thessaloniki: $89
  • Greek Cooking Class, Market Visit and Lunch: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Thessaloniki 26

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: $214
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $39
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $218
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $200
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $50
  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $44
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $188
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $749

Tours and Activities in Thessaloniki

For Thessaloniki, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Motorcycle Tour in Thessaloniki: $67
  • “Food Bites” - Walk & Taste Experience: $87
  • 4 Hours Private Thessaloniki City Tour: $200
  • 4-Hour Thessaloniki Jewish Heritage Private Guided Tour: $166
  • Archery Odyssey Traditional Archery Experience: $53
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $196
  • Best of Private Guided Tour: $222
  • Best of Small Group Historical and Cultural Tour on foot : $94
  • Charming pearls of Thessaloniki – Romantic Tour: $155
  • City Sightseeing Thessaloniki Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $18
  • Daily Sailing Cruise Olympus Riviera Highlights: $109
  • Day Tour at Royal Tombs of Aigai and Museum of Pella with pickup: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Thessaloniki 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Thessaloniki

Also in Thessaloniki, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Friday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Saturday Night Bar Crawl in Thessaloniki: $25
  • Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $83
  • Thessaloniki Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $84
  • Winery Visit with Wine Tasting Experience: $93
  • Wine Tasting Experience from Thessaloniki: $94
  • Thessaloniki to Naoussa, Wine Tasting Tour – Private Day Trip: $211
  • Wine Touring a Step Away from the city: $218


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


Which is Bigger, Volos or Thessaloniki?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Thessaloniki. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Thessaloniki because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Volos is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Thessaloniki during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Thessaloniki 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Volos or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Thessaloniki. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Thessaloniki 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Volos or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Thessaloniki. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Volos usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Thessaloniki 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Volos or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Thessaloniki. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the spring, Volos often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Thessaloniki. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in April than Thessaloniki. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Thessaloniki 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Volos

Volos Thessaloniki
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)