Is Volterra expensive to visit?
In Volterra, budget travelers spend $65 (€55) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $149 (€127) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $288 (€246) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Volterra.
Volterra is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Volterra can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and exploring on foot.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Volterra is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Santillana or Trogir.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Volterra Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Volterra?
The average Volterra trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Volterra travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Volterra cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Volterra. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $65 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, you can find plenty of hostels in Volterra, including Chiostro delle Monache. These hostels offer inexpensive dorm lodging and a lively social scene, but amenities are often minimal. Food is a standout attraction for all visitors to Volterra, but those on a budget might rely on street food or cook in their hostels, which could mean less exposure to the fantastic local dishes.
So, are you average?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most visitors to Volterra will want to visit Palazzo Pretorio, the Roman theatre, or Medici Fortress. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $149 per person, per day.
Volterra boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Albergo Etruria Volterra is an excellent family-friendly option, while Hotel San Lino is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Volterra here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If a complete vacation with all amenities and a higher level of service is what you want, expect to allocate around $288 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, dine at award-winning establishments, treat yourself to extravagant excursions, and hire taxis or private drivers to navigate the town, a luxury budget will be necessary. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Tour in San Gimignano - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Volterra
The cost of hotels in Volterra can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $125, but peak season (summer) average prices jump to $233. Overall, prices range from $74 to $530. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Volterra for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $142 (€121). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $71 (€61) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Volterra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Volterra include:
- Hotel La Locanda Volterra starting at $101
- Hotel Residence Villa Rioddi starting at $122
- Albergo Etruria Volterra starting at $94
- Hotel Volterra In starting at $100
- Albergo Africa starting at $80
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Being a smaller town, Volterra may not offer a huge variety of hotels, so staying flexible will help.
Lots of people prefer to explore Volterra on foot, so consider booking a central location. Just keep in mind that this can often be pricier.
The town's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.
Transportation Budget in Volterra
Volterra does not have a good public transit system. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.
Visitors who prefer to get around on toof will have a delightful experience in Volterra. Most people explore the town on foot.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.03 (€4.29) per person, per day, on local transportation in Volterra. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Volterra is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.03
€4.29
Volterra can be reached by bus from San Gimignano. There are four buses a day that make the trip, which takes an average of two hours. You do have to change buses in Colle di Val d'Elsa and buses arrive in Piazza Martiri della Liberta. If you're hoping to drive to the town then it is relatively easy to find free and easy parking. There are many parking lots around the outside edge of the town. The most centrally located lot is at Piazza Martiri della Liberta. This is also the only underground lot but you do have to pay an hourly or dayly rate to park here. There is also a train station in Volterra that is on the Cecina-Volterra Railway.
Once you're in town then it is quite compact and very easy to walk around. This is the easiest way to explore the city and also the most enjoyable as you're able to soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
If you're driving, check for convenient parking at your hotel.
How much does it cost to go to Volterra? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Volterra will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Volterra
In Volterra, the culinary offerings are top-notch, and you shouldn't miss out. Make it a point to enjoy meals at local restaurants and try their famous dishes. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Volterra can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Volterra is $72 (€62) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$72
€62
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Volterra is around $72 (€62) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $140. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Volterra are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $51
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
There are a good handful of great restaurants in Volterra that serve excellent local and traditional cuisine. If you're looking for good pasta head to Ristorante Enoteca del Dua where they atmosphere is enhanced by the wine bottle covered walls. You also have the option to sit outside on the patio. If you're looking for something cheap and quick then La Vecchia Lira is a great option. For good pizza head to Obra della Sera and for local and traditional food go to Ristorante II Sacco Fiorentino. For a quick sandwich you can try Enoteca Scali. Alternatively, a good place to pick up snacks for a picnic is Spar Market on Via Gramsci. This is a great way to soak up the town's atmosphere without spending too much on food.
Many accommodations feature breakfast in their rates, while some may charge additional fees for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly from one hotel to another. Knowing this information ahead of time helps you decide if you need to spend extra money. A tasty hotel buffet could be worth the expense, or a nearby bakery or cafe might offer a more affordable choice.
Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.
Use a water bottle instead of splurging on drinks everywhere you go. It's a smart choice for the environment, too.
When planning a tour, don't forget to look into which meals are covered. You may be responsible for some of your own food, which could impact your budget significantly.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Volterra, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Cooking class, visit to the wine cellar, 2500 year old granaries for $251 details
- Home made Pasta Cooking Class in Tuscany for $179 details
- Vegan Tuscan Cooking Class for $203 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Volterra
The appeal of Volterra is evident, thanks to its food, historical sights, romance, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Volterra typically cost an average of $13 (€11) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
€11
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Palazzo Pretorio for
- The Roman Theatre for €20
- Medici Fortress for
- Volterra Cathedral for €11
- Palazzo Viti for €7
- The Guarnacci Etruscan Museum for
One of the most popular sights in town is Porta all'Arco. This is an impressive gate that is built out of large volcanic stones. It dates back to the 4th century BC. The Duomo is another place to check out. It's open daily between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm.
Interesting museums in town include the Sacred Art Museum and the Etruscan Museum. Pinacoteca is a 14th century palace that has impressive paintings. Combo tickets for it and the Etruscan Museum and Sacred Art Museum can be purchased.
A Roman Theater that was build in 10 BC offers a great view and is worth visiting. For the oldest city hall in Tuscany head to Palazzo dei Priori. Also make your way to Alabaster Workshop which has a beautiful stone display. Finally, the Medici Fortress is unique in that it is actually a prison for mob figures from Sicily.
There are many different activities that you can enjoy in Volterra. Like elsewhere in Tuscany, wine tasting is a popular activity. Check out La Vena di Vino near the Etruscan Museum if you want to visit a good wine bar. Via Matteotti is the main street through the town and it is a great place to wander as it is lined with many palaces and houses. The town's market day is on Saturday which is a fun time to visit as well.
Museums and Attractions:
Museums and landmarks are a major reason why Volterra attracts so many visitors. 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.
Historical Sights:
Visitors love to explore the historic old town area. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Volterra. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- San Gimignano Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone for $8 details
- Private Tour in San Gimignano for $167 details
- Cesani Wine Experience for $36 details
Old Town Volterra
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.