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

Should you visit Marbella or Volterra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella 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.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. 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 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.

Marbella and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Volterra are popular destinations, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Marbella is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Marbella different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Volterra is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Marbella is a must-see party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Volterra Better for Music?

Marbella is well known for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Marbella is a great choice. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Marbella a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Marbella is terrific for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Marbella. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Volterra?

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

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Volterra Better for Families?

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

Marbella is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Volterra Better for Couples?

Marbella and Volterra are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Volterra is a great resort 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.

Is Marbella or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Volterra are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

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

Is Marbella or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Marbella or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Marbella 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 Marbella, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Marbella 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 Marbella.

One day in Marbella or Volterra?

The beautiful resort town of Marbella offers shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Volterra?

Marbella 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 Marbella, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Marbella or Volterra?

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

Volterra 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.

A week in Marbella or Volterra?

Marbella is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Volterra is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marbella and Volterra, we can see that Marbella is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Volterra?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Marbella in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Marbella is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Volterra. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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.

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

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Volterra. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Volterra. The winter months attract visitors to Marbella 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 the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Volterra. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Marbella