A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Volterra for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Taormina or Volterra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Volterra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Taormina and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Taormina or Volterra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Taormina is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Taormina is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater.

How is Taormina different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is a great town for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.


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

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Volterra

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

Taormina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around 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 Taormina or Volterra Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Volterra

Taormina is well known for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Volterra is not a resort destination.


Is Taormina or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Volterra

Taormina is a popular place for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Taormina is a good option for a beach vacation. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Volterra?

Taormina
Volterra

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Volterra both offer plenty of notable spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Volterra is a great destination for shopping. 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 Taormina or Volterra Better for Families?

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Volterra Better for Couples?

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Volterra is a great 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Taormina or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Volterra is a good 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.


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

Taormina
Volterra

Taormina 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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Taormina or Volterra a more walkable city?

Taormina
Volterra

Volterra is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Volterra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Volterra.

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


  • How many days in Taormina or Volterra? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Volterra 1-2

One day in Taormina or Volterra?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

The beautiful town of Volterra offers 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 Taormina or Volterra?

Taormina 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Taormina, 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 Taormina or Volterra?

Taormina 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 Taormina or Volterra?

Taormina is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Volterra or Taormina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, 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 Taormina and Volterra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Volterra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Volterra 122
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Volterra

Looking for a hotel in Taormina 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 Taormina


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: Taormina Hotel Prices and Volterra Hotel Prices.

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

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

  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.49
  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $41

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 Taormina or Volterra?

Prices for flights to both Volterra and Taormina 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
    Taormina 33
    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.
    Taormina 11
    Volterra 11

Tours and Activities in Taormina

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

  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $57
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $106
  • Tour di Taormina, Savoca e Forza D' Agro': $139
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $150
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $213
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $267
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $428
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $588
  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $606
  • Tour da Messina a Taormina, Castelmola, Isola Bella: $695
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $743

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
    Taormina 8.57
    Volterra 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $299

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 comparing the travel costs between Taormina and Volterra, we can see that Taormina 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 Taormina Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Volterra?

Volterra has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Volterra. Many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Taormina is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Taormina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Volterra averages at about 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 Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Taormina gets 6 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
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Volterra 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 21°C (69°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during autumn. Taormina gets 189 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. It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Volterra. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Volterra 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Taormina is much warmer than Volterra in the winter. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Volterra 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Volterra. The spring months attract visitors to Taormina because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In the spring, Taormina is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Taormina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Volterra averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Volterra. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Volterra and Taormina

Taormina Volterra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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