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

Should you visit Calais or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Calais 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a medieval, cultural, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Calais and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Calais than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Calais is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Volterra is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is more touristy than Calais and is known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Volterra Better for Beaches?

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

Calais is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Volterra can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Volterra?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Volterra and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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.

Is Calais or Volterra Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Volterra.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

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 Calais or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

Calais 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 Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Is Calais or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Calais?

How long in Calais or Volterra?

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

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Calais. 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 Calais. 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 Calais 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 Calais or Volterra?

The city of Calais offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Calais or Volterra?

Calais 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 Calais, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Volterra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Calais or Volterra?

Calais 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Calais or Volterra?

Calais 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.

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Volterra?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais 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 Calais or Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In the summer, Calais is cooler than Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Calais in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Volterra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. Calais usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during summer. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Calais usually receives more rain than Volterra. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Calais or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Calais during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Calais is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Calais often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Calais usually gets less rain in October than Volterra. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Volterra. Many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. Calais is much colder than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during winter. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Calais usually receives less rain than Volterra. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Calais or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Calais as well as Volterra. Many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Calais is much colder than Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Calais in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Calais often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Calais