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

Should you visit Volterra or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Pisa? 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 cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Volterra and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pisa. Although Volterra and Pisa are popular destinations, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Volterra attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Pisa is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Volterra different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Volterra and Pisa have high quality 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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Volterra is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Volterra or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Pisa?

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

Pisa is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Pisa.

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.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Volterra or Pisa Better for Couples?

Volterra is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good town for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Volterra or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Pisa 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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Volterra or Pisa a more walkable city?

Volterra is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Pisa?

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

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

One day in Volterra or Pisa?

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful city of Pisa 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 Volterra or Pisa?

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pisa 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 Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Pisa?

Volterra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

Because Volterra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Pisa is a great place to explore. 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 Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Volterra or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the summer, Volterra is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Volterra in July average around 23°C (74°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volterra. In the summer, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Pisa. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 16°C (61°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volterra or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pisa. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Volterra is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Volterra in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In April, Volterra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Volterra