Unforgettable Things to Do in Volterra: An Essential Travel Guide

Step into a town where every stone tells a story, Volterra, one of Tuscany’s most captivating hilltop escapes. Here, Tuscany wine tours mingle with ancient Etruscan walls, alabaster workshops, and sweeping landscapes that seem painted by hand. Perfectly placed between Florence and Siena, Volterra rewards curious travelers with cobbled streets, rustic trattorias, and a rhythm that invites you to slow down. Stay for a quick visit or settle in for longer, either way, you’ll find endless things to do in Volterra, from Roman ruins and medieval fortresses to artisan boutiques and hearty Tuscan feasts paired with local wine.

What are the best things to do in Volterra?

Wander through the Etruscan Acropolis

The Etruscan acropolis is a must-see archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the religious and civic life of the Etruscans. Located on the edge of town, this site features temple ruins that date back to the 6th century BC and offers panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside and nearby hill towns in Tuscany.

Visit the Roman Theater and its Ruins

One of the unmissable things to do in Volterra is exploring its remarkably well-preserved Roman theater. Built in the 1st century BC, it still tells stories of ancient performances and grand gatherings. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the semicircular seats and the remains of Roman baths nearby. Come at sunset, when the ruins glow in golden light and the rooftops of Volterra create the perfect backdrop.

Admire the Palazzo dei Priori

Rising above Piazza dei Priori, this medieval town hall has been watching over Volterra since 1208. Its stone façade, dotted with colorful coats of arms, tells centuries of stories. Make the climb up the bell tower and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views that stretch far across the Tuscan countryside, the kind of panorama that makes you linger just a little longer. It’s no surprise this very building inspired Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio.

Step inside the Volterra Duomo

At the heart of Volterra, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Baptistery of San Giovanni shine as timeless landmarks. Step inside the Duomo to admire its Romanesque façade and a Renaissance ceiling that seems to glow above you. Right across the piazza, the octagonal baptistery offers a beautifully carved baptismal font and a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere. Together, they make the square feel like a living gallery of Tuscan faith and art.

Walk to the Medici Fortress

Volterra’s fortress looms above the town like a stone giant, watching over hills and valleys for centuries. You can’t step inside, it’s now a prison, but the surrounding walls and towers are yours to explore. Stroll along the ramparts, chase the views, and let the medieval atmosphere turn a simple walk into an adventure.

Roam the defensive walls and gates like Porta all’Arco

Dating back to the 4th century BC, Porta all’Arco is one of the surviving Etruscan gates of Volterra. Walk the perimeter of the ancient walls, stopping at arches like Porta San Francesco and Porta Fiorentina for postcard-worthy views over the rooftops and hills. Exploring these gateways is among the most fascinating things to do in Volterra, a walk that blends history with sweeping Tuscan scenery.

What are the best things to do around Volterra?

Experience organic flavors & farmhouse charm

Step off the beaten path and into the tranquil world of Podere La Marronaia. This family-run farm invites you to taste organic wines and extra-virgin olive oil beneath open skies, surrounded by vines and olive trees. Pick your backdrop, a panoramic garden, rustic cellar, or sunny picnic table, and enjoy a lunch where every bite whispers Tuscan traditions. If you want something relaxed, beautiful, and utterly sincere, this is where locals and travelers alike come together.

Visit San Gimignano

Only 40 minutes from Volterra, San Gimignano rises like a medieval Manhattan with towers that seem to compete for the sky. Lose yourself in its maze of cobbled streets, snack on gelato that claims to be “the world’s best,” and climb up for views that will leave your camera begging for mercy. And when the walking makes you thirsty? Slip into one of the celebrated San Gimignano wineries for a glass of crisp Vernaccia that tastes like sunshine in a bottle.

For even more ideas, check out our guide to the best things to do San Gimignano, because trust us, one stroll here is never enough.

A Rustic Escape with wine & truffles

If you crave a day where the pace slows and your senses wake up, Palagetto delivers. Just outside Volterra, this family-run farm stands among vineyards and olive groves, where every corner feels sun-kissed and rooted in tradition. Sample wines that reflect decades of care, nibble on Cinta Senese cured meats and bruschetta under the open sky, or picnic among the vines while the hills glow at golden hour. Hospitality here is warm, authentic, and the kind you remember.

Admire biodynamic & tranquility

Tenuta di Ghizzano invites you into a world where nature, tradition, and taste harmonize. This organic, biodynamic estate feels peaceful the moment you arrive, with olive groves, woodlands, and vineyards rolling across gentle hills. Walk the gardens, taste wines made with deep respect for the land, then linger over olives or fresh bread in the sun. It’s a spot for slowing down, savoring simplicity, and letting Tuscany’s quieter beauty wash over you.

Drive to Monteriggioni

Over an hour from Volterra, Monteriggioni stands like something out of a medieval storybook. Its 13th-century walls and round towers still wrap around the village, once a strategic outpost in the battles between Florence and Siena. Walk the cobbled streets, climb the ramparts, and let the sweeping countryside views do the rest. A visit here makes it all too easy to forget what century you’re in.

Good to know before visiting Volterra