A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Varenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Athens or Varenna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Varenna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Athens and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Varenna is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Varenna and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Varenna?

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Athens and Varenna can be an enjoyable experience.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

For foodies, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Athens is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is great for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Varenna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Varenna both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Varenna is a great destination for shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Families?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Students?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Varenna is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Varenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Athens can get you to some places easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Athens or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Athens?

How long in Athens or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Varenna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Athens. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Varenna that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Varenna 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Varenna?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Varenna?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Varenna 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.

Five days in Athens or Varenna?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

A week in Athens or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Varenna. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna than you might in Athens.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Varenna?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 860 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Varenna, 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 Athens or Varenna?

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 Athens or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Varenna. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Athens usually receives less rain than Varenna. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Varenna. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Athens is a little warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Athens usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Athens usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Varenna. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Athens is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Athens