A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Volterra vs. Rijeka for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Volterra or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Rijeka? 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 historic, charming, and medieval town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volterra and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Volterra or Rijeka?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rijeka than Volterra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rijeka is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Volterra is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. Also, Rijeka is famous for Trsat Castle.

How is Volterra different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.


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

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Volterra has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Volterra
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Volterra
Rijeka

Rijeka is a town with a few options for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Volterra is not a beach destination.


Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Volterra is one of the most recognized in 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Rijeka?

Volterra
Rijeka

Shopping is a popular activity in both Rijeka and Volterra.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for Families?

Volterra
Rijeka

Rijeka is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. 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.


Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra and Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Volterra or Rijeka Better for Students?

Volterra
Rijeka

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

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Volterra is not popular with students.


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

Volterra
Rijeka

Rijeka 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 Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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

Is Volterra or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Volterra
Rijeka

Volterra is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volterra or Rijeka to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than Rijeka. 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.


  • How many days in Volterra or Rijeka? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volterra 1-2 
    Rijeka 1-2

One day in Volterra or Rijeka?

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.

The town of Rijeka offers food and shopping. 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rijeka, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

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.

Rijeka is a great place to explore. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.


Which place is cheaper, Rijeka or Volterra?

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 Rijeka is €95. 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 Rijeka in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volterra 61
    Rijeka 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volterra 122
    Rijeka 100
Compare Hotels in Volterra and Rijeka

Looking for a hotel in Volterra or Rijeka? 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.

Hotels in Volterra


Hotels in Rijeka


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Volterra Hotel Prices and Rijeka Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volterra 4.29
    Rijeka 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volterra

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Volterra:

  • Private Transfer from San Gimignano to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $248

Is it cheaper to fly into Volterra or Rijeka?

Prices for flights to both Rijeka 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Volterra 36
    Rijeka 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volterra

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Volterra.

  • Buffet dinner at the farm: $49
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $93
  • Volterra - Olive oil tasting with lunch with lunch or dinner: $112
  • Pizza Cooking Class: $112
  • Fresh Pasta Cooking Class: $112
  • "Hands in dough" Cooking Class with Lunch: $120
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $126
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $137
  • Fiorentina Steak Dinner & Wine Tasting: $164
  • Cooking class, wine tasting and 2500 year old granaries: $175
  • Cooking Classes in Tuscany among the Chianti Vineyards: $175

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volterra 11
    Rijeka 8.89

Tours and Activities in Volterra

Here are a few actual costs in Volterra for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $69
  • Cocktail Mixing Experience with Snacks: $75
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $93
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $149
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $150
  • Volterra tour + Salt Mine visit by shuttle from Lucca&Pisa: $159
  • Piazza dei Priori & Cathedral Private Walking Tour: $160
  • Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $180
  • Volterra - Archeotour by e-bike with tasting: $187
  • Tuscany: Volterra Truffle Hunting Experience: $203
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207

Tours and Activities in Rijeka

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Rijeka are as follows:

  • Drava Sup Exploring Adventure: $44
  • History of Military Forts Guided Tour: $64
  • Tour the underground with no experience required: $64
  • From Golden Island of Krk Tour: $93
  • Pula, Rovinj, and Panoramic Istrian Coast Tour: $121
  • Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula: $122
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $127
  • Private Walking Cultural Tour of Rijeka: $235
  • Ucka Mountain: Guided Hiking Tour: $449
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour: $631

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volterra 16
    Rijeka 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $66
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $115
  • Brunello Wine Tasting from San Gimignano: $130
  • Exclusive evening wine tasting at organic winery : $218
  • Chianti e-bike tour from Florence with wine tasting: $284
  • Private Excursion: Volterra & San Gimignano+wine tastings: $289


When comparing the travel costs between Volterra and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volterra or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Rijeka. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volterra 23°C (74°F) 
    Rijeka 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Volterra usually gets more rain in October than Rijeka. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volterra 16°C (61°F) 
    Rijeka 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Volterra is a little warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Volterra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volterra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volterra 7°C (45°F) 
    Rijeka 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Volterra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volterra 13°C (55°F) 
    Rijeka 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Volterra

Volterra Rijeka
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)