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

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Volterra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Toulon and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Volterra?

Both Volterra and Toulon have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Toulon is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Toulon is popular for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Many visitors head to Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Volterra has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Toulon is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Toulon has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Volterra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Toulon has a few snorkeling spots. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Volterra Better for Beaches?

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

Toulon is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Volterra offers plenty to see. 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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Volterra?

Toulon is well known for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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.

Is Toulon or Volterra Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Volterra.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Volterra is a family-friendly port 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 Toulon or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Volterra 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Volterra are good destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

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

Toulon 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 Toulon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Toulon 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 Toulon. 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 Toulon. 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 Toulon 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 Toulon.

One day in Toulon or Volterra?

The port city of Toulon offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Volterra?

Toulon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Toulon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Volterra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Volterra?

Toulon 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Volterra?

Toulon 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 port city offers something for everyone.

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, 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 Toulon and Volterra, we can see that Toulon 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 Toulon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Toulon 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 Toulon Expensive? and Is Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Volterra?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Volterra. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during summer. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulon usually receives less rain than Volterra. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulon or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Volterra. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulon because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Toulon is around the same temperature as Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulon in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Toulon this time of the year. In the autumn, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Volterra. Toulon usually gets less rain in October than Volterra. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 7°C (44°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during winter. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Volterra. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Toulon or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Toulon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Toulon is around the same temperature as Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the spring, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Toulon