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

Should you visit Barcelona or Volterra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Barcelona and Volterra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a friendly, high energy, and youthful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Barcelona and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Barcelona or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona. Although Barcelona and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Barcelona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Barcelona is more popular for its nightlife, music, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Volterra is known for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Volterra and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Barcelona different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Barcelona and Volterra have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Volterra. 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 Barcelona or Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Barcelona has a huge number of terrific restaurants. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Barcelona or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Barcelona is a must-see party destination. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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 Barcelona or Volterra Better for Music?

Barcelona is terrific for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Barcelona or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Barcelona is a popular place for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Barcelona is a good option for a beach vacation. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Barcelona or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The old town of Volterra is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is the Shopping Better in Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. 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 Barcelona or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Barcelona and Volterra are good to visit with kids.

Barcelona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Volterra is a family-friendly city. 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 Barcelona or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Barcelona or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Barcelona or Volterra Better for Students?

Barcelona is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Barcelona or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Volterra on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable city. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Barcelona?

How long in Barcelona or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Barcelona or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Barcelona than Volterra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Barcelona, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Barcelona. 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 Barcelona 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 Barcelona.

One day in Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volterra has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Barcelona, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Barcelona has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Volterra is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Barcelona and Volterra, we can see that Barcelona 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 Barcelona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Barcelona 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 Barcelona Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Barcelona or Volterra?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Barcelona 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 Barcelona or Volterra?

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 Barcelona or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Barcelona and Volterra. Many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during summer. Barcelona gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Barcelona usually receives around the same amount of rain as Volterra. Barcelona gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Barcelona or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Barcelona as well as Volterra. Many visitors come to Barcelona in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Barcelona is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Barcelona in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Barcelona gets 181 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Volterra. Barcelona usually gets less rain in October than Volterra. Barcelona gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Barcelona or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Barcelona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Barcelona is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Barcelona average around 9°C (48°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Barcelona usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during winter. Barcelona gets 146 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Barcelona usually receives less rain than Volterra. Barcelona gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Barcelona or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Barcelona during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

Barcelona is around the same temperature as Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Barcelona averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Barcelona. In the spring, Barcelona often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Barcelona gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

Barcelona usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Barcelona gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Barcelona