A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Avignon vs. Volterra for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Avignon or Volterra?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Avignon and Volterra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Avignon and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Avignon or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Avignon than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Avignon is better known for its museums and small town charm, while Volterra is more popular for its impressive beauty. Avignon is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Also, Avignon is famous for Palais des Papes. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Avignon different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Volterra and Avignon. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

Is the Food Better in Avignon or Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Avignon and Volterra.

Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Avignon and Volterra.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Avignon. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Volterra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the amazing old town areas in both Avignon and Volterra.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Volterra offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Avignon or Volterra?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Avignon and Volterra.

Avignon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Avignon and Volterra are notable family-friendly destinations.

Avignon is a family-friendly town. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Volterra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon and Volterra are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Volterra. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Avignon or Volterra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Avignon is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Avignon or Volterra a more walkable city?

Avignon and Volterra are amazing when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Avignon Worth Visiting? and Is Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Avignon?

How long in Avignon or Volterra?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Volterra 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 Avignon.

One day in Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Volterra, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Volterra, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volterra has to offer.

Five days in Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Volterra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

A week in Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Volterra. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Avignon and Volterra, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Volterra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Volterra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Volterra 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Volterra.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Avignon Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Avignon or Volterra?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Avignon and Volterra, 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 Avignon or Volterra?

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 Avignon or Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Avignon during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Avignon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Avignon is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Avignon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Avignon. In the summer, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Avignon gets 354 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Avignon gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Avignon and Volterra. Many travelers come to Avignon for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Avignon is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Avignon average around 16°C (61°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Avignon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during autumn. Avignon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Avignon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Volterra. Avignon gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Avignon or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Avignon as well as Volterra. Many visitors come to Avignon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Avignon is around the same temperature as Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Avignon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Avignon often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Avignon gets 146 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Avignon usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Avignon gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Avignon or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Avignon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Avignon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Avignon is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Avignon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. Avignon usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Avignon gets 218 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Avignon usually receives less rain than Volterra. Avignon gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Avignon