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

Should you visit Calais or Varenna?

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

Should I visit Calais or Varenna? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Calais and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Calais or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Calais and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Varenna is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Calais different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Calais or Varenna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calais. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Calais or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Calais or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Calais is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Calais is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Calais or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. 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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Calais or Varenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Varenna and Calais.

Many visitors go to Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Calais or Varenna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Calais or Varenna.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Varenna offers lots of family activities. 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 Calais or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Varenna makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Calais or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Calais and Varenna.

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

While Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Calais or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Calais?

How long in Calais or Varenna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Calais. 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 Varenna than Calais 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 Varenna.

One day in Calais or Varenna?

In Calais, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Calais or Varenna?

In Calais, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer.

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 Calais or Varenna?

Calais is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. 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 Calais or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Calais and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Calais much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Calais would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calais 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 Calais.

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

Which is Bigger, Calais or Varenna?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Calais 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 Calais or Varenna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Calais or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Calais as well as Varenna. Most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Calais is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 17°C (63°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In the summer, Calais often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Calais gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Calais usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Calais gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Calais are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Calais is cooler than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Calais averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Calais gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Calais usually receives less rain than Varenna. Calais gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Calais or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Calais during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. In the winter, Calais is cooler than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Calais in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Calais often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Calais gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Calais usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Calais gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Calais or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Calais and Varenna. Many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Calais is generally much colder than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Calais average around 9°C (47°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Calais usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during spring. Calais gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Calais usually receives less rain than Varenna. Calais gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Calais