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

Should you visit Faro or Volterra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Volterra, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Faro and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Volterra?

Both Volterra and Faro have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Volterra is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Faro is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Faro different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Volterra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Faro is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Volterra Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Faro is a great choice. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Faro has a few good snorkeling spots. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for Beaches?

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

Faro is a good option for a beach vacation. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Volterra?

If you're looking to go shopping, Faro and Volterra both offer plenty of good spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Volterra offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Faro or Volterra Better for Families?

Volterra is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Volterra are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Volterra is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Faro or Volterra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Faro 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 Faro, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

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

Is Faro or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Faro?

How long in Faro or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Faro or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Faro than Volterra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

One day in Faro or Volterra?

The resort town of Faro offers nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Faro or Volterra?

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

Faro is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Faro, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Faro or Volterra?

Faro is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, 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 Faro and Volterra, we can see that Faro 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 Faro would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Faro or Volterra?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Volterra. Many visitors come to Faro in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Faro is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Volterra because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Faro is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Volterra. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Faro because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Volterra. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Volterra. The beaches are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Faro is a little warmer than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Volterra. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Faro