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

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Palma de Mallorca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Volterra is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Volterra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Palma de Mallorca is a must-see party destination. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Palma de Mallorca. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is well known for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Palma de Mallorca has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is terrific for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for hiking. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Volterra.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Families?

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

Palma de Mallorca is a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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

Is Palma de Mallorca or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

The beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca 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.

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Palma de Mallorca is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palma de Mallorca, 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 it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

Palma de Mallorca 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 island offers something for everyone.

Volterra is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, 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 Palma de Mallorca and Volterra, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Volterra?

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

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

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 24°C (76°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Volterra. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, 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, Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Volterra. The winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In January, Palma de Mallorca is generally much warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 11°C (52°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Volterra in the Spring?

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

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Volterra. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Palma de Mallorca