Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Bodrum?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bodrum or Varenna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bodrum and Varenna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Bodrum or Varenna?
Bodrum
Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.
Varenna
A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBodrum $92Varenna $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Bodrum is $92, while the average daily cost in Varenna is $176. 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 Bodrum and Varenna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBodrum $48Varenna $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBodrum $96Varenna $184
Compare Hotels in Bodrum and Varenna
Looking for a hotel in Bodrum or Varenna? 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.
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: Bodrum Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bodrum $24Varenna $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum
Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- İzmir Airport - Kuşadası / İzmir Center : Private Transfer: $24
- Yaliciftlik Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Turgutreis Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $87
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Soke (Söke): $125
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Seferihisar: $218
- Transfer From Bodrum Milas Airport to Kusadasi: $131
- River Rafting Tour with Breakfast, Lunch & Transfer from Bodrum: $85
- Private Transfer: Bodrum to Bodrum Airport (BJV) : $54
- Private Transfer: Bodrum Airport (BJV) to Bodrum: $54
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Port to Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV): $47
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport BJV to Bodrum Port : $43
- Private Transfer from Bodrum Milas Airport (BJV) to Bodrum Port: $47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna
Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $358
Is it cheaper to fly into Bodrum or Varenna?
Prices for flights to both Varenna and Bodrum 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
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Food Meals for one dayBodrum $24Varenna $57
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum
For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
- Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
- Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
- Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
- Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
- Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
- Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
- Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
- Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
- Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
- From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
- Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna
For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bodrum $31Varenna $36
Tours and Activities in Bodrum
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.
- 2 Hours Private Sightseeing and Walking Tour in Bodrum: $106
- A Breathtaking Pamukkale Day Tour from Bodrum: $278
- All Inclusive Private BODRUM to Ephesus, Mary's House, Lunch Tour: $299
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary's House from Bodrum: $104
- Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
- Boat tour: Bodrum Private Boat Tour for Cruise Customers: $801
- Bodrum ↔ Gulf of Gökova | Cabin Charter Cruise: $941
- Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
- Bodrum Buggy Safari Tours: $57
- Bodrum City Sightseeing Walk: $150
- Bodrum City Tour: 5-Hour Private Excursion with Lunch: $267
- Bodrum City Walking Morning Sightseeing Tour: $213
Tours and Activities in Varenna
For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
- Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
- Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
- Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
- Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
- Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
- Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBodrum $14Varenna $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Varenna
Also in Varenna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $112
- Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $134
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bodrum and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Bodrum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bodrum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bodrum 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 Bodrum.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bodrum Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bodrum or Varenna?
Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Bodrum 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 Bodrum 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 Bodrum or Varenna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bodrum and Varenna. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Bodrum is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Bodrum usually receives less rain than Varenna. Bodrum gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBodrum 27°C (81°F)Varenna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varenna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Bodrum as well as Varenna. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Bodrum is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bodrum in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).
It's quite rainy in Varenna. Bodrum usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Bodrum gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBodrum 19°C (66°F)Varenna 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varenna in the Winter?
Both Varenna and Bodrum are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Varenna can be very cold during winter. In January, Bodrum is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Bodrum average around 10°C (50°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
It's quite rainy in Bodrum. In January, Bodrum usually receives more rain than Varenna. Bodrum gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBodrum 10°C (50°F)Varenna 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Bodrum or Varenna in the Spring?
Both Varenna and Bodrum during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.
Bodrum is a little warmer than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Bodrum averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bodrum usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Bodrum gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBodrum 15°C (59°F)Varenna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Varenna and Bodrum
| Bodrum | Varenna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
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.