A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Naples for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Volterra or Naples?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Naples? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Naples

Naples is a gritty, colorful, and fascinating city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volterra and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Naples?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Naples than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Naples is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Volterra is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Volterra different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples 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 Naples?

Both Volterra and Naples have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Naples specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

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

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.

Naples has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Volterra or Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Volterra or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Volterra is revered around the world. 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Naples?

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

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Volterra or Naples Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Naples.

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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Volterra or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Volterra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Naples is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Volterra or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Naples is a popular place for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Naples is well known for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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

Is Volterra or Naples a more walkable city?

Volterra is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Volterra and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than in Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

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

One day in Volterra or Naples?

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.

Naples is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Volterra or Naples?

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.

Naples is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city 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 Naples, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Volterra or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 city 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Volterra and Naples, we can see that Naples 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 Naples would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Naples 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 Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Naples. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Naples. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Naples. Most visitors come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Naples because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Volterra is cooler than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volterra usually receives less rain than Naples. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volterra or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Naples. The spring months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Naples. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in April than Naples. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Volterra