A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Volterra or Sestri Levante?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Sestri Levante? 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.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and beaches.

Volterra and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Volterra different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Volterra is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Volterra is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Sestri Levante is a popular place for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

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

Sestri Levante is a good option for a beach vacation. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Sestri Levante?

Volterra is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Volterra has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Sestri Levante.

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.

Sestri Levante offers lots of family activities. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Volterra is renowned for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

Volterra is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

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

Is Volterra or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Volterra and Sestri Levante both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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

Sestri Levante is a very easy town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Sestri Levante?

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

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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.

One day in Volterra or Sestri Levante?

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful seaside town of Sestri Levante offers food. 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 Sestri Levante?

Volterra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sestri Levante, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volterra. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

Sestri Levante 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 seaside 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Sestri Levante, 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.