A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Setubal vs. Volterra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Setubal or Volterra?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Setubal and Volterra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Setubal or Volterra?

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

Volterra

Located in Tuscany, Volterra has an interesting history and impressive sights for travelers who want to see more of the Tuscan region than the popular city of Florence. The town was originally a Neolithic settlement and is believed to have been continuously inhabited since the end of the 8th century BC. It was a bishop's residence during the 5th century and then an episcopal power during the 12th century. It was later conquered by the Florentines but opposition to their rule led to much rebellion.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Volterra or Setubal?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, 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 Setubal and Volterra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Setubal 59
    Volterra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Setubal 118
    Volterra 122
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Volterra

Looking for a hotel in Setubal 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.

Hotels in Setubal


Hotels in Volterra


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: Setubal Hotel Prices and Volterra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Setubal 54
    Volterra 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal

Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
  • Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
  • Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
  • Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197

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 Setubal or Volterra?

Prices for flights to both Volterra and Setubal 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Setubal 35
    Volterra 36

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Setubal 12
    Volterra 11

Tours and Activities in Setubal

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.

  • Evora Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.59
  • Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo: E-ticket with Audio: $17
  • Boat Tour - Arrábida Coves: $38
  • Kayak tour from Sesimbra to Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, passing through the caves: $38
  • Half-Day Kayak Tour in Sesimbra: $38
  • Setúbal: Dolphin-Watching Boat Tour: $40
  • Arrábida: Rock Climbing Experience: $43
  • Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
  • Small Group Kayak Tour along Sesimbra - Arrábida Natural Park: $44
  • Tour to the caves of Sesimbra: $44
  • 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Setubal 10
    Volterra 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:

  • Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
  • Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
  • Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
  • Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
  • Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
  • Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
  • Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170

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 Setubal and Volterra, we can see that Setubal 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 Setubal would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Setubal 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 Setubal Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Setubal or Volterra?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Setubal as well as Volterra. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Setubal is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Setubal this time of the year. In the summer, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Setubal gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Setubal usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Setubal 23°C (73°F) 
    Volterra 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Setubal are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In the autumn, Setubal is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Setubal in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Setubal gets 213 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, Setubal usually receives less rain than Volterra. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Setubal 19°C (66°F) 
    Volterra 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Setubal during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Setubal is generally much warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 12°C (53°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. Setubal usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Setubal 12°C (53°F) 
    Volterra 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Setubal or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Volterra. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Setubal is a little warmer than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Setubal gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Setubal usually receives less rain than Volterra. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Setubal 16°C (60°F) 
    Volterra 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Volterra and Setubal

Setubal Volterra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (53°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (58°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 23°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 26 mm (1 in) 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)