A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Catania vs. Volterra for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Catania 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 Catania and Volterra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Catania and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Catania and Volterra are popular destinations, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Volterra attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Volterra and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Catania different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Both Catania and Volterra offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

Catania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Catania is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Volterra Better for Beaches?

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

Catania is a good option for a beach vacation. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Catania or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Volterra has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Volterra Better for Hiking?

Catania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Volterra?

Both Catania and Volterra are nice shopping destinations.

Catania offers some nice shopping areas. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Volterra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Catania or Volterra Better for Families?

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

Catania is a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Volterra 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.

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania or Volterra Better for Students?

Catania is well known for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Catania 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 Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Catania or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Catania?

How long in Catania or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Catania or Volterra to fill your time. In our opinion, Catania has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Catania than Volterra. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Catania or Volterra?

The port city of Catania offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Volterra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Catania or Volterra?

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

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volterra has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Volterra?

Catania 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.

Volterra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Catania or Volterra?

Catania is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Since Volterra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Catania and Volterra, we can see that Catania 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 Catania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Catania 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 Catania Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Catania or Volterra?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Volterra. Most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Catania is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 26°C (79°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Catania usually receives less rain than Volterra. Catania gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Catania or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Volterra. The autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

Catania is a little warmer than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Volterra. Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Volterra. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Volterra in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Catania is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Catania in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Catania usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives less rain than Volterra. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Catania is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 15°C (58°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Catania