Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Volterra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Should I visit Volterra or Cinque Terre? 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.
Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.
Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.
Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Volterra is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Volterra. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Volterra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Volterra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.
Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.
Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Cinque Terre.
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.
Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.
Volterra is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.
Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Volterra. 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.
Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.
Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.
While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.
Volterra is not a resort destination.
Cinque Terre is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.
Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cinque Terre is a popular place for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.
Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.
Volterra is not a beach destination.
It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Volterra and Cinque Terre.
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.
The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.
Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.
People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.
Volterra is not a hiking destination.
Volterra is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.
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.
Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Cinque Terre.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Volterra. 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.
Cinque Terre offers lots of family activities. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.
With fun activities for couples, both Volterra and Cinque Terre make for a fantastic place to visit.
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.
For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.
Volterra and Cinque Terre are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Plenty of budget travelers 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.
Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.
Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.
Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.
Volterra and Cinque Terre both are fantastic when exploring on foot.
Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.
Cinque Terre is a very easy town to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.
For even more information, also check out Is Volterra Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.
In either Volterra or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Volterra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.
Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Volterra. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cinque Terre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Volterra. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.
Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.
The beautiful coastal region of Cinque Terre offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.
Volterra is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.
Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region 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 Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.
Volterra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.
Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Volterra is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Cinque Terre 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 coastal region 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.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Volterra is €101, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. 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 Volterra and Cinque Terre in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Volterra or Cinque Terre? 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.
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.
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:
Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Volterra 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.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.
For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volterra and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Volterra Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.
Volterra has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Cinque Terre, 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In the summer, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.
Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Cinque Terre and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Volterra is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. It's quite rainy in Volterra. In October, Volterra usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Cinque Terre and Volterra during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In the winter, Volterra is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).
In the winter, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.
Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Volterra usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.
In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Volterra | Cinque Terre | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Feb | 8°C (47°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
May | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Jul | 23°C (74°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Aug | 24°C (74°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Sep | 21°C (69°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Oct | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Nov | 12°C (53°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |