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

Should you visit Volterra or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Volterra or San Remo? 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 charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Volterra and San Remo: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Volterra or San Remo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while San Remo is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Volterra different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is terrific for its restaurants. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Volterra or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

Volterra
San Remo

San Remo is a popular place for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo Better for Beaches?

Volterra
San Remo

San Remo is well known for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Volterra is not a beach destination.


Is Volterra or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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 San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or San Remo?

Volterra
San Remo

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Remo 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 San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Volterra or San Remo Better for Families?

Volterra
San Remo

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

San Remo is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Volterra or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

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

Volterra
San Remo

San Remo 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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

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


Is Volterra or San Remo a more walkable city?

Volterra
San Remo

Volterra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Volterra. Most people explore the town on foot.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Volterra or San Remo to fill your time. In our opinion, Volterra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Volterra than San Remo. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Volterra than San Remo. 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 Volterra than San Remo 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 Volterra.


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

One day in Volterra or San Remo?

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 coastal city of San Remo offers nightlife and food. 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Remo, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Volterra or San Remo?

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.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

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.

San Remo 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 coastal 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.


Which place is cheaper, San Remo 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 San Remo is €152. 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 San Remo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volterra 61
    San Remo 80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volterra 122
    San Remo 160
Compare Hotels in Volterra and San Remo

Looking for a hotel in Volterra or San Remo? 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 San Remo


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 San Remo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volterra 4.29
    San Remo 46

Is it cheaper to fly into Volterra or San Remo?

Prices for flights to both San Remo 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
    San Remo 44

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
  • Cooking class Cantuccini and Vin Santo: $76
  • Dining experience at a local's home in San Gimignano with show cooking: $92
  • 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: $125
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Cooking class in San Gimignano: $130
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $136
  • Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in San Gimignano: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volterra 11
    San Remo 23

Tours and Activities in Volterra

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

  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $92
  • Discover Volterra with Licensed Tour Guide: $213
  • Electric Bike Experience around Colle di Val d’Elsa- private tour: $153
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience: $13
  • Horse Riding in Tuscany for Experienced Riders: Full-day Trail Ride: $202
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $68
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $149
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
  • Private Wine, Evo Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Meal: $69
  • San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $292
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $148

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volterra 16
    San Remo 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $32
  • Wine tasting in San Gimignano: $33
  • Casa Emma Wine Tasting : $34
  • Wine Tour for small group in Tuscany: $35
  • Gourmet Wine Tour San Gimignano Wine Tasting - San Quirico Winery: $36
  • San Gimignano: Basic Wine Tasting at the bar: $38
  • Superior Wine Tasting in San Gimignano: $49
  • Vineyard visit with local appetisers and wine tasting: $52
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $65
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $71


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


Which is Bigger, Volterra or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Volterra as well as San Remo. The summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In July, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as San Remo. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 23°C (74°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Volterra this time of the year. In the summer, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volterra 23°C (74°F) 
    San Remo 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Volterra or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during autumn. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. It's quite rainy in Volterra. In October, Volterra usually receives more rain than San Remo. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volterra 16°C (61°F) 
    San Remo 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Volterra or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Volterra during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Volterra is cooler than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Volterra often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volterra 7°C (45°F) 
    San Remo 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Volterra or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and San Remo. Many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during spring. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volterra usually receives more rain than San Remo. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for San Remo and Volterra

Volterra San Remo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)


Related Articles for Volterra
Related Articles for San Remo