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

Should you visit Volterra or Kotor?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Kotor? 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

Volterra is a medieval, cultural, and historic 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a dramatic, scenic, and beautiful coastal town. 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.

Volterra and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Volterra and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Volterra is known for its museums and shopping. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Volterra different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Volterra and Kotor.

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.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Volterra and Kotor.

Volterra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kotor has a few good snorkeling spots. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor is a good option for a beach vacation. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the world-class old towns in both Volterra and Kotor.

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 Kotor is one of the most recognized in the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Kotor?

Volterra is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Kotor.

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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Couples?

Volterra is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kotor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Volterra or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Volterra or Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Volterra and Kotor.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Volterra or Kotor a more walkable city?

Volterra and Kotor both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town on foot.

Kotor is a very easy town to get around on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Volterra or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

Families should spend more time in Kotor than Volterra. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kotor, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Kotor. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Volterra that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Volterra or Kotor?

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful coastal town of Kotor 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.

A weekend in Volterra or Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Kotor?

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor 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.

A week in Volterra or Kotor?

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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor 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 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 Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Kotor?

Volterra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Kotor, 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 Volterra or Kotor?

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 Volterra or Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Volterra is cooler than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Kotor. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Kotor in the Autumn?

Both Kotor and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Volterra is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volterra in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Kotor. Many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kotor for the cuisine during these months.

In January, Volterra is generally a little warmer than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 7°C (45°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volterra usually receives less rain than Kotor. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volterra or Kotor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Kotor. Most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Volterra is cooler than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Volterra usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Volterra