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

Should you visit Volos or Varenna?

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 Varenna 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Volos and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volos or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volos than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volos is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Varenna is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Volos and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. 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 Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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 Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Varenna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around 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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Volos is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Volos has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Volos or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volos or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Volos is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Volos for it's beautiful 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Volos or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Volos is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Varenna?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Volos and Varenna.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volos. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Volos or Varenna Better for Families?

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

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 Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Volos or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna 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, Varenna has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Varenna is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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 Varenna Better for Students?

Volos is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Volos or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna 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 Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is 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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Volos?

How long in Volos or Varenna?

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

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

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

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

One day in Volos or Varenna?

In Volos, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Varenna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This village 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 Varenna?

In Volos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volos has to offer.

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

Volos is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Volos or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Volos. People usually spend lots of time at 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 beautiful destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Volos or Varenna?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 660 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Volos and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volos is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In July, Volos usually receives less rain than Varenna. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volos or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Volos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Volos is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volos in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Volos often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volos usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volos or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Varenna. The winter months attract visitors to Volos because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In January, Volos is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 6°C (42°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Volos usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during winter. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volos usually receives less rain than Varenna. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volos or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volos as well as Varenna. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volos this time of the year. In the spring, Volos often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Volos usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Volos