Are you thinking about visiting Volterra, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Volterra worth visiting?
This town is a good place to visit for one to two days. Volterra is a charming hilltop town that has a huge number of historic sights packed into a small and quaint area. It's not as popular with tourists as you might expect, so you can enjoy the atmosphere without the typical crowds. The city is walled and has many great buildings and museums.
Old Town Volterra
Reasons to Visit Volterra
Food
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.
Historical Sights
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.
Museums
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.
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.
Authenticity
Volterra has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Volterra worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Volterra is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (74°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 30°C (86°F).
Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable town, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the small town charm, the famous sights and museums, and the historic old town.
Summer Weather in Volterra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 23°C (74°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| August | 24°C (74°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 21°C (69°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
Is Volterra worth visiting in the Autumn?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 16°C (61°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Volterra, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, admire the historic sights, and browse the museums. Also, you can experience the small town charm.
Autumn Weather in Volterra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (61°F) | 123 mm (4.8 in) |
| November | 12°C (53°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
Is Volterra worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Volterra. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Volterra can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 7°C (45°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and browse around the old town.
Winter Weather in Volterra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| February | 8°C (47°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (51°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Is Volterra worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Volterra. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (55°F).
The scenery of the town this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can check out the small town charm and the historic old town.
Spring Weather in Volterra
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| June | 21°C (69°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Volterra
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Volterra with a lively 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.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Volterra might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Volterra here or see if Volterra is expensive here.
Related
What is Volterra most famous for?
Volterra is most famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. The town is very popular for its food and historical sights. It is also known for its great museums. And many visitors also come to this town for its shopping. It is often described as historic, charming, medieval, and cultural.
What is the most famous sight in Volterra?
The most popular sight in Volterra is The Roman Theater. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Volterra on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Roman Theater and other attractions here.
How touristy is Volterra? Is it a popular town to visit?
Volterra is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Cesani Wine Experience: $33
- Private Tour: San Gimignano Walking Tour: $207
- Private Tour in San Gimignano: $149
- Private Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Wine, Evo Oil & Meal: $68
- Truffle Lunch & Hunting Experience in San Gimignano: $179
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil Experience: $13
- Horse Riding in Tuscany for Experienced Riders: Full-day Trail Ride: $202
- Private Wine, Evo Oils & Balsamic Vinegar Experience with Meal: $69
How long should I spend in Volterra?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Volterra is one to two days. Since Volterra has a variety of activities such as dining and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Volterra? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Volterra?.
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