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

Should you visit Pamplona or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Pamplona or Volterra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a laid-back, historic, and elegant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Pamplona and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamplona or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pamplona. Although Pamplona and Volterra are popular destinations, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Volterra attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Volterra and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also well known for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Pamplona different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Volterra is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Pamplona or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Pamplona is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

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 Pamplona or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is terrific for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Pamplona or Volterra Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamplona or Volterra?

Both Pamplona and Volterra are nice shopping destinations.

Pamplona offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Volterra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Pamplona or Volterra Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pamplona or Volterra.

Pamplona is a family-friendly place to visit. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Volterra is a family-friendly city. 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 Pamplona or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Pamplona or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona or Volterra Better for Students?

Pamplona is a popular place for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Pamplona 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 Pamplona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

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

Is Pamplona or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Pamplona?

How long in Pamplona or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Pamplona or Volterra to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Pamplona or Volterra?

The city of Pamplona offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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 Pamplona or Volterra?

Pamplona 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pamplona, 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 Pamplona or Volterra?

Pamplona is a popular choice for travelers. 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.

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 Pamplona or Volterra?

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle 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 Pamplona and Volterra, we can see that Pamplona 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 Pamplona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamplona 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 Pamplona Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamplona or Volterra?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Pamplona 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 Pamplona or Volterra?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pamplona or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamplona and Volterra. The summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In July, Pamplona is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 20°C (68°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In Pamplona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during summer. Pamplona gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Volterra. Pamplona gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pamplona or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamplona as well as Volterra. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamplona is around the same temperature as Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamplona averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Pamplona gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Volterra. Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pamplona usually gets more rain in October than Volterra. Pamplona gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pamplona or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Pamplona are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pamplona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Pamplona is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamplona in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Pamplona usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during winter. Pamplona gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. In January, Pamplona usually receives more rain than Volterra. Pamplona gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pamplona or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Pamplona during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Pamplona is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Pamplona average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pamplona often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Pamplona gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. Pamplona usually gets more rain in April than Volterra. Pamplona gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Pamplona