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

Should you visit Fez or Volterra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and Volterra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Fez and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Fez. Although Fez and Volterra are popular destinations, Fez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Fez is very popular for its museums, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volterra attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Fez is famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also well known for the Chouara Tannery. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Fez different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Fez that are not to be missed. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

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.

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

Both Fez and Volterra offer a number of terrific restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

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.

Is Fez or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Volterra is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Volterra. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Fez or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Both Fez and Volterra have terrific historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Fez can be explored in its historical center. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Volterra has a unique history which comes to life in its historic 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Volterra?

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

Fez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

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 Fez or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Fez and Volterra are nice to visit with kids.

Fez is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

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 Fez or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Is Fez or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fez is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Fez and Volterra.

Public transit is mostly limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

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

Is Fez or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Fez is a very walkable destination. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Fez?

How long in Fez or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fez or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fez than Volterra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

One day in Fez or Volterra?

Fez is a big city with plenty to do. 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 is a small town with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Fez or Volterra?

Fez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Volterra for a weekend. Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Volterra?

Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fez, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Volterra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. 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.

A week in Fez or Volterra?

Fez 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 city offers something for everyone.

Volterra, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, 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 Fez and Volterra, we can see that Volterra is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and Volterra is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Volterra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Volterra than you might in Fez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fez Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fez or Volterra?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Fez 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.