A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Positano for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Volterra or Positano?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Positano? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. 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 hiking, shopping, and food.

Volterra and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Volterra is more popular for its museums. Positano is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Volterra different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra is great for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Volterra. 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Positano doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Volterra and Positano.

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 Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Volterra is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Positano?

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

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

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 Positano Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Positano.

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.

Positano offers lots of family activities. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Volterra and Positano make for a amazing 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, Positano has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Is Volterra or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra and Positano 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.

Positano is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

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

Positano 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 Positano, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

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

Is Volterra or Positano a more walkable city?

Volterra and Positano both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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

Positano is a very easy town to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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

Should I spend more time in Positano or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Positano?

Both Volterra and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

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

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

One day in Volterra or Positano?

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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.

The beautiful Mediterranean village of Positano offers shopping 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 Positano?

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

Positano is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this Mediterranean village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Positano?

Volterra 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.

Positano is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Positano, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Volterra or Positano?

Volterra 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 town offers something for everyone.

Positano is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. This Mediterranean village 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 Positano, we can see that Positano 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 Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano 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 Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Positano?

Volterra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In Positano, 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 Positano. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Positano. The autumn months attract visitors to Volterra because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Positano. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Volterra or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Positano. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Volterra often gets less sunshine than Positano. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Volterra usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volterra usually receives more rain than Positano. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Volterra