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

Should you visit Volterra or Ventimiglia?

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

Should I visit Volterra or Ventimiglia? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a understated, classic, and authentic seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Volterra and Ventimiglia: 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
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Volterra than Ventimiglia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Volterra is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights, while Ventimiglia is more popular for its beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Volterra is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. Also, Volterra is famous for The Roman Theater. Ventimiglia is well known for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Volterra different from Ventimiglia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Volterra or Ventimiglia Better for Nightlife?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a town with a few options for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

Volterra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Volterra or Ventimiglia Better for Beaches?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Volterra is not a beach destination.


Is Volterra or Ventimiglia Better for its Old Town?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Volterra is revered around 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

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

Ventimiglia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia Better for Families?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Volterra or Ventimiglia.

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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.


Is Volterra or Ventimiglia Better for Couples?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ventimiglia is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Volterra or Ventimiglia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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


Is Volterra or Ventimiglia a more walkable city?

Volterra
Ventimiglia

Volterra is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ventimiglia or Volterra?

How long in Volterra or Ventimiglia?

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

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

One day in Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Volterra is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful seaside town of Ventimiglia offers shopping 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 Ventimiglia?

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Ventimiglia 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ventimiglia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Because Volterra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia?

Since Volterra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Ventimiglia 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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia is €121. 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 Ventimiglia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volterra 61
    Ventimiglia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volterra 122
    Ventimiglia 102
Compare Hotels in Volterra and Ventimiglia

Looking for a hotel in Volterra or Ventimiglia? 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 Ventimiglia


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 Ventimiglia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volterra 4.29
    Ventimiglia 49

Is it cheaper to fly into Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Prices for flights to both Ventimiglia 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
    Ventimiglia 38

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ventimiglia

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

  • Cooking Class Pesto Sauce: $75
  • Cooking Class Tiramisu': $86
  • SANREMO FOOD TOUR - Authentic Ligurian street food and Medieval town: $95
  • Pizza Making Class in Sanremo: $140
  • Sanremo Home Cooking Class: $221

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volterra 11
    Ventimiglia 27

Tours and Activities in Volterra

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

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience: $13
  • Cesani Wine Experience: $33
  • Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $68
  • Private Wine, Evo Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Meal: $69
  • Cocktail Mixing Experience with Snacks: $75
  • Chianti and Castle Small Group Tour from San Gimignano: $92
  • San Gimignano, Volterra, St Galgano Abbey small group tour: $148
  • Private Tour in San Gimignano: $149
  • Electric Bike Experience around Colle di Val d’Elsa- private tour: $153
  • 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: $179

Tours and Activities in Ventimiglia

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

  • Art studio tour in Italian sculpture gardens: $34
  • 1 Day road bike tour of Ligurian mountains from Italian Riviera : $76
  • Vespa Tour in Sanremo for half a day: $92
  • Small Group E-bike Tour in the Ligurian Riviera with Lunch: $109
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sanremo: $114
  • sculpting art experience in Italy,class in sculpture gardens: $192

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volterra 16
    Ventimiglia 7.19

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


Which is Bigger, Volterra or Ventimiglia?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Volterra and Ventimiglia, 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 Ventimiglia?

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 Ventimiglia in the Summer?

Both Ventimiglia and Volterra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Volterra because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ventimiglia this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Ventimiglia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia during summer. Volterra gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Volterra usually receives more rain than Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Volterra or Ventimiglia in the Autumn?

Both Ventimiglia and Volterra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Volterra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. Volterra usually gets more rain in October than Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Volterra or Ventimiglia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Volterra and Ventimiglia. Many travelers come to Volterra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

Volterra usually receives less sunshine than Ventimiglia during winter. Volterra gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ventimiglia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Volterra usually receives less rain than Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Volterra or Ventimiglia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Volterra as well as Ventimiglia. Many visitors come to Volterra in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Volterra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ventimiglia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Volterra usually gets more rain in April than Ventimiglia. Volterra gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ventimiglia receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ventimiglia and Volterra

Volterra Ventimiglia
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)


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