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

Should you visit Cannes or Volterra?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Cannes and Volterra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cannes

Cannes is a glitzy, opulent , and luxury resort city. 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Cannes and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cannes or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cannes than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cannes is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Volterra and is known for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. Also, Cannes is famous for Boulevard de la Croisette. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Cannes different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Cannes and Volterra can be difficult as they are each world-class in their own way.

Cannes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Volterra is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Cannes or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes or Volterra Better for Music?

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

Cannes is a world class music destination. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Cannes or Volterra Better for Resorts?

Cannes is terrific for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Cannes or Volterra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cannes or Volterra Better for Beaches?

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

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Cannes or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cannes or Volterra?

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

Cannes is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes or Volterra Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Cannes or Volterra.

Cannes is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Volterra is a family-friendly resort 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 Cannes or Volterra Better for Couples?

Both Cannes and Volterra are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Cannes has plenty to offer. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

Volterra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Cannes or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Cannes 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 Cannes, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around the city.

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

Is Cannes or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its walkability.

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

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Cannes?

How long in Cannes or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cannes or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cannes than Volterra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Cannes, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Volterra than Cannes 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 Cannes or Volterra?

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. 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.

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 Cannes or Volterra?

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, 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 Cannes or Volterra?

Cannes 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 Cannes or Volterra?

Cannes 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 resort 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 Bicycle Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers 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 Cannes and Volterra, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cannes or Volterra?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Cannes 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 Cannes 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 Cannes or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cannes and Volterra. Most visitors come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cannes is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cannes in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Volterra averages at about 23°C (74°F).

In July, Cannes usually receives less rain than Volterra. Cannes gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cannes or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cannes as well as Volterra. The autumn months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In October, Cannes is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Cannes average around 17°C (63°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Volterra. Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cannes usually gets less rain in October than Volterra. Cannes gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cannes or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Cannes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cannes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cannes is a little warmer than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Cannes averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In January, Cannes usually receives more rain than Volterra. Cannes gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cannes or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Cannes during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

Cannes usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Cannes gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Cannes