A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Biarritz vs. Volterra for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Biarritz or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Volterra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Biarritz and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Volterra?

Both Volterra and Biarritz have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Biarritz is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Biarritz different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Volterra is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Biarritz or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz or Volterra Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is well known for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Biarritz or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic 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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Volterra?

Biarritz is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Biarritz or Volterra Better for Families?

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. 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 Biarritz or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Biarritz or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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

Is Biarritz or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz 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 Volterra. Most people explore the town on foot.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Biarritz or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

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

One day in Biarritz or Volterra?

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Volterra 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.

A weekend in Biarritz or Volterra?

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 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 Volterra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Volterra?

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

Volterra is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

A week in Biarritz or Volterra?

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

Volterra is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Volterra?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Biarritz during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In July, Biarritz is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 20°C (68°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Biarritz. In the summer, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Biarritz usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Volterra. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Volterra. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Biarritz or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Volterra. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Biarritz is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Biarritz in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Biarritz usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Biarritz is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In April, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Volterra. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Biarritz