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

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Caen. Although Caen and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Caen has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Caen is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Volterra is known for its food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. It is also home to Pegasus Bridge. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Caen different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Caen or Volterra.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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.

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

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

Eat your way through Volterra, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Caen is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 Caen or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Volterra?

Volterra is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Caen and Volterra are good family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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 Caen or Volterra Better for Couples?

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

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Caen or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Caen and Volterra are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen 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 Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Caen or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Volterra. Most people explore the town on foot.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Caen?

How long in Caen or Volterra?

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

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Caen. 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 Caen. 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 Volterra than Caen 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 Volterra.

One day in Caen or Volterra?

The city of Caen offers nightlife and food. 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 museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Caen or Volterra?

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

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Volterra?

Caen 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Caen or Volterra?

Caen is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Because Volterra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

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 Caen and Volterra, we can see that Caen 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 Caen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Volterra?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Volterra in the Summer?

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

Caen is cooler than Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Caen. In the summer, Caen often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Volterra. Many travelers come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions. 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 the autumn, Caen is cooler than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Caen in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Caen gets 128 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Caen usually receives less rain than Volterra. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Caen or Volterra in the Winter?

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

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Caen is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 5°C (41°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Caen often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Caen gets 70 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Volterra in the Spring?

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

Caen is cooler than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Caen usually receives less rain than Volterra. Caen gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Caen