A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Volterra for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Saint-Etienne and Volterra. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Saint-Etienne and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volterra. Although Saint-Etienne and Volterra are popular destinations, Volterra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volterra is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its nightlife and hiking. Volterra is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. It is also well known for The Roman Theater. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Volterra is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Volterra offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Volterra is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Volterra are nice family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Volterra is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Volterra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Volterra. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saint-Etienne or Volterra to fill your time. In our opinion, Volterra has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Volterra than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Volterra than Saint-Etienne 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 Volterra.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Saint-Etienne 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Saint-Etienne 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 you can explore the area with less time. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Etienne and Volterra, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Volterra?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Volterra. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint-Etienne is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 22°C (71°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Saint-Etienne is cooler than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Saint-Etienne during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saint-Etienne is much colder than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint-Etienne in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Volterra. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 11°C (53°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Volterra. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Saint-Etienne