Which place is cheaper, Volterra or Madrid?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Madrid 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 Madrid 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.
Madrid
Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.
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.
Madrid and Volterra: Pros and Cons
Madrid
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
Volterra
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small town charm
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Madrid or Volterra?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid. Although Madrid and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Madrid has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Madrid is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Volterra is known for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Madrid is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.
How is Madrid different from Volterra?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Volterra and Madrid. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid
Volterra
Volterra is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Volterra. 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.
Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
Is the Food Better in Madrid or Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Madrid
Volterra
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Madrid and Volterra.
Many restaurants in Madrid have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.
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 Madrid or Volterra Better for Nightlife?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.
Madrid is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.
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 Madrid or Volterra Better for Music?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is terrific for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.
Madrid is a world class music destination. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.
Volterra is not a live music destination.
Is Madrid or Volterra Better for its Old Town?
Madrid
Volterra
Volterra is renowned for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.
The old town of Volterra is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.
Madrid does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.
Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.
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 Madrid or Volterra Better for Families?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Madrid is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.
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 Madrid or Volterra Better for Couples?
Madrid
Volterra
Volterra is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.
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.
Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.
Is Madrid or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid 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 Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other 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.
Is Madrid or Volterra Better for Students?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.
Many students frequent Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.
Volterra is not popular with students.
Is Madrid or Volterra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid is terrific for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
The thorough and effecient public transit system of Madrid can take you anywhere. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.
Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.
Is Madrid or Volterra a more walkable city?
Madrid
Volterra
Madrid and Volterra are terrific when it comes to walkability.
Madrid is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.
It is easy to get around Volterra on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Madrid Worth Visiting? and Is Volterra Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Volterra or Madrid?
How long in Madrid or Volterra?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Madrid or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Madrid 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 Madrid, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.
Families should spend more time in Madrid than Volterra. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Madrid, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Madrid. 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 Madrid 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 Madrid.
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How many days in Madrid or Volterra? Ideal Length of StayMadrid 2-5Volterra 1-2
One day in Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid 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 Madrid, 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 Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Madrid, five days is sufficent for most. 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 Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMadrid €136Volterra €101
The average daily cost (per person) in Madrid is €136, while the average daily cost in Volterra is €101. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Madrid and Volterra in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMadrid €77Volterra €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMadrid €154Volterra €122
Compare Hotels in Madrid and Volterra
Looking for a hotel in Madrid or Volterra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Madrid Hotel Prices and Volterra Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Madrid €19Volterra €4.29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Madrid are as follows:
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Taxi Ride€26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Madrid
Also for Madrid, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private One-Way Transfer to OR from Madrid Airport with private pick up: $77
- Arrival Private Transfer Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid City by Van: $71
- Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from MAD Airport to Madrid: $53
- Arrival Transfer from Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Private Car: $80
- Arrival Transfer: Madrid Airport MAD to Madrid in Business Car: $80
- Departure Private Transfer Madrid to MAD Airport in a Minibus: $137
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Car: $80
- Departure Transfer from Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Private Van: $87
- Departure Transfer: Madrid to Madrid Airport MAD in Luxury Van: $87
- From Madrid Airport: 1-Way Private Hotel Transfer: $80
- From Hot Air Balloon over Segovia with Transfer: $262
- Hotel Madrid City Private Transfer To Madrid Barajas Airport: $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:
- Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248
Is it cheaper to fly into Madrid or Volterra?
Prices for flights to both Volterra and Madrid change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayMadrid €34Volterra €36
Typical Food Prices in Madrid
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Madrid:
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Coffee€2.00
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Ice Cream€3.00
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Kebabs (for 2)€16
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Croissant€1.50
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Lunch at Airport (for 2)€16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Madrid
For Madrid, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Tipsy Tapas Food Tour with Drinks and Food: $27
- Drunken Tapas Food Tour with Dinner in Madrid: $33
- Tapas Dinner Party Food Tour with Guide: $33
- Tapas Crawl Food Tour with 6 Tapas and 4 Drinks: $35
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Guided Food Tour with Dinner: $42
- Madrid Tipsy Tapas Tour with Dinner and Drinks: $43
- Madrid Tapas Dinner Party with Guide: $43
- Paella and Sangria Workshop with Dinner and Drinks: $47
- Skip the Line: Flamenco Show with Dinner and Workshop in Madrid Ticket: $49
- San Miguel Market and Street Food Tour: $52
- Traditional Paella & Sangría Workshop & Spanish Dinner in Madrid: $53
- The Authentic Morning Madrid's Food Tour: $59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.
- Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
- Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
- Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
- Pizza Cooking Class: $112
- Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
- "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
- Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
- Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
- Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
- Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
- Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
- Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Madrid €34Volterra €11
Tours and Activities in Madrid
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Madrid.
- Madrid Essential: Free Walking City Tour: $1.07
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Madrid Mountains Free Walking Tour: $3.27
- History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $4.28
- Escape Game and Tour: $4.28
- 2 Hour Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour : $4.36
- Wonders of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Marvels of Madrid Walking Tour: $5.35
- Madrid Old Town & Hidden Gems Walking Tour: $5.35
- Ticket Entrance to the Madrid Nougat Museum: $5.35
- Wonders of Madrid City Walking Tour: $5.35
Tours and Activities in Volterra
Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cesani Wine Experience: $33
- Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
- Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $214
- Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
- Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
- Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
- Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
- San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $293
- San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
- Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
- Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
- Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMadrid €20Volterra €16
Typical Alcohol Prices in Madrid
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Madrid are as follows:
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Beer€5.00
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Drinks and Tapas (for 2)€13
Sample the Local Flavors in Madrid
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Madrid:
- Pub Crawl with Tapas and VIP Club Entry: $9.62
- Madrid Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entrance: $11
- Visit to the Winery with Wine Tasting and Appetizers in Navarra: $12
- Pub crawl & Party Tour Madrid: $14
- Pub Crawl Madrid Running since 2005 Bar Exploration: $16
- Guided Pub Crawl Madrid Experience and Club Entry: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid-The Original since 2005-Shots-Fun-Clubs-Dance: $16
- Pub Crawl Madrid: $19
- Wine Tasting near Plaza Mayor: $22
- Wine Tasting Experience with 4 Spanish Wines: $26
- Wine Tour with tasting in the Natural Park of La Mata: $38
- Wine Tasting Experience: $49
Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:
- San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
- Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
- Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
- 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
- Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
- "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
- Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
- Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
- Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
- Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
- Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
- Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Madrid and Volterra, we can see that Madrid 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 Madrid would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Madrid 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 Madrid Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Madrid or Volterra?
Madrid has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Madrid 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.