A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Volterra vs. Urbino for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Volterra or Urbino?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Urbino? 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Volterra and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Volterra or Urbino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than Urbino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm, while Urbino is more popular for its nightlife. Volterra is well known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater. Urbino is well known for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Volterra different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is great for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice 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, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Volterra or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Volterra
Urbino

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

Urbino has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Volterra offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Urbino?

Volterra
Urbino

Shopping is a popular activity in both Urbino 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 Urbino. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Volterra or Urbino Better for Families?

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is a town with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Volterra or Urbino Better for Couples?

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.


Is Volterra or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Volterra or Urbino Better for Students?

Volterra
Urbino

Urbino is well known for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

Urbino is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Volterra
Urbino

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Volterra and Urbino.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Volterra or Urbino a more walkable city?

Volterra
Urbino

Volterra is an amazing town to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Urbino?

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

Families should spend more time in Volterra than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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 Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volterra 1-2 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Volterra or Urbino?

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 beautiful town of Urbino 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 Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Volterra or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volterra 61
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volterra 122
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Volterra and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Volterra or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volterra 4.29
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Volterra or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39

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
  • Truffle Hunting and Cooking Class: $60
  • Cooking class Cantuccini and Vin Santo: $76
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $109
  • 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: $119
  • Tuscan Cooking Class: $125
  • Tuscany: Wine Tasting Lunch or Dinner: $128
  • Cooking class in San Gimignano: $131
  • Winery Cave Dinner & Tasting in Tuscany - Romantic & Lovely : $136

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volterra 11
    Urbino 15

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: $48
  • Electric Bike Experience around Colle di Val d’Elsa- private tour: $152
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience: $13
  • Horse Riding in Tuscany for Experienced Riders: Full-day Trail Ride: $201
  • Pietrafitta Wine Experience - San Gimignano: $33
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $60
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $149
  • Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $206
  • Private walking tour in San Gimignano with a local licensed guide: $218
  • San Gimignano Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $292

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $138
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $149
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volterra 16
    Urbino 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Volterra

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Volterra:

  • Wine tasting in San Gimignano: $33
  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting : $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: Vineyard and Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $49
  • 5 Wine Tastings in San Gimignano: $60
  • Lunch with Wine Tasting: $60
  • "Gourmet" Wine Tasting at Cesani's: $65
  • Wine Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $70
  • San Gimignano: Chianti wine tasting and lunch : $76
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting in Tuscany: $114


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


Which is Bigger, Volterra or Urbino?

Urbino has a larger population, and is about 36% larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino and Volterra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Volterra usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volterra or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Urbino. Most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Urbino because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Volterra is around the same temperature as Urbino in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volterra averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Volterra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Volterra usually receives more rain than Urbino. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volterra 16°C (61°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Urbino in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Urbino. The winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

It's quite cold in Urbino in the winter. In the winter, Volterra is much warmer than Urbino. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volterra in January average around 7°C (45°F), and Urbino averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Volterra usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volterra 7°C (45°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Volterra or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the natural beauty.

In April, Volterra is generally around the same temperature as Urbino. Daily temperatures in Volterra average around 13°C (55°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Volterra usually receives more rain than Urbino. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volterra 13°C (55°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Volterra

Volterra Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (3 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 8°C (47°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 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) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)


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