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

Should you visit Volterra or Sorrento?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Sorrento? 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 medieval, cultural, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a historic, relaxing, and accessible small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Volterra and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Volterra or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Volterra and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Volterra is known for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Sorrento is more touristy than Volterra and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Volterra different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

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

Sorrento has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

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 Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Volterra is not a resort destination.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Volterra is not a resort destination.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Volterra is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

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

Sorrento is a good option for a beach vacation. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Volterra is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Sorrento?

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

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento Better for Families?

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

Sorrento is a very family-friendly place to visit. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Volterra and Sorrento make for a terrific 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, Sorrento has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Volterra or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is well known for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sorrento. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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

Is Volterra or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Volterra is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable town. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Sorrento?

Both Volterra and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Volterra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Volterra, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

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

One day in Volterra or Sorrento?

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 small city of Sorrento offers nightlife 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Volterra or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento 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 Sorrento has to offer. This small 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 Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento 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 Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Volterra or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Volterra or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Volterra is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Volterra in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Sorrento. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Volterra or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Sorrento. The winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In January, Volterra is generally cooler than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 7°C (45°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Volterra usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Volterra or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Sorrento. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in April than Sorrento. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Volterra