A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chefchaouen vs. Varenna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen 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: Chefchaouen or Varenna?

Chefchaouen

To feel like you've really stepped back in time to the glory days of Morocco, you're going to want to spend time in Chefchaouen. This town's beautiful medina is filled with white washed buildings with blue highlights. The wandering alleyways provide a fairy tale setting where you can relax for a few days. This mountainous region is a humble example of the classic picture of this area. Set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains, the white and powder blue accented buildings and call to calls to prayer throughout the day let every visitor know they've arrived in a relaxing spot of peace and serenity.

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 Budget Tours to Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Morocco, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Chefchaouen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chefchaouen is $57, 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 Chefchaouen and Varenna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chefchaouen $24
    Varenna $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chefchaouen $48
    Varenna $184
Compare Hotels in Chefchaouen and Varenna

Looking for a hotel in Chefchaouen 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.

Hotels in Chefchaouen


Hotels in Varenna


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: Chefchaouen Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chefchaouen $15
    Varenna $37
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chefchaouen

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chefchaouen:


  • Taxi Ride
    $1.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chefchaouen

Also for Chefchaouen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (Door to Door): $107
  • Vip Private Transfer from Chefchaouen to Fes Vice Versa: $175
  • Vice versa transfer to chefchaouen with optional tour guide: $64
  • Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $191
  • Transfer to/from Tangier and Chefchaouen: $113
  • Transfer from Fez to Chefchaouen go and back (Both ways): $196
  • Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Tangier: $74
  • Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Rabat: $174
  • Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Merrakash: $297
  • Transfer Private From Chefchaouen To Casablanca: $191
  • Tangier to Chefchaouen private transfer: $82
  • Private Transfers from Chefchaouen to Fez (one way): $99

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 Chefchaouen or Varenna?

Prices for flights to both Varenna and Chefchaouen 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chefchaouen $18
    Varenna $57
Typical Food Prices in Chefchaouen

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Chefchaouen:


  • Lunch for Two
    $8.97
  • Dinner for Two
    $9.97
  • Cupcake
    $0.30
  • Nutella and Yogurt
    $1.99

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chefchaouen

For Chefchaouen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Funny Family Cooking Class in Blue City: $28
  • Cooking Class in Mountain From Chefchaouen: $44
  • 3-Hour Cooking Class overlooking the Blue City: $55
  • 4 hours Private Cooking Class With Family in Chefchaouen: $60
  • Chefchaouen Food Tour: $66
  • Chefchaouen Food Tour: $68
  • Guided Food Tour with over 6 Tasting Stops: $69
  • Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $70
  • Make Your Own Tajine and Pastilla Cooking Class: $76
  • Discovery more Chefchaouen evening food tour with locals: $90
  • Private Tagine Cooking Class in Chefchaouen with Lunch: $100
  • Chaouen: 4- Hour Moroccan Cooking Class: $122

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chefchaouen $17
    Varenna $36

Tours and Activities in Chefchaouen

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chefchaouen.

  • 2 Hours Private Chefchaouen Walking Tour: $40
  • Walking Tour in Chefchaouen: $14
  • 2 days Guided tour Rabat and Chechouen from Casablanca: $391
  • 9-day/8 nights Tour from Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Marrakech: $1,391
  • Akchour waterfalls tours : $87
  • Best Experience Fes to Chefchaouen Day Tour multi languages: $34
  • Bleu city walking Tasting Tour : $60
  • Chefchaouen : Traditional Hammam Experience As A Local: $75
  • Chefchaouen Day Tour: $51
  • Chefchaouen Photography tour: $46
  • Chefchaouen tour guide: $22
  • Chefchaouen with Local Eyes Guided Walking Tour: $15

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
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chefchaouen $14
    Varenna $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 Chefchaouen and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Chefchaouen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Chefchaouen is in Africa and Varenna is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Chefchaouen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen.

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


Which is Bigger, Chefchaouen or Varenna?

Chefchaouen has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Chefchaouen 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 Chefchaouen or Varenna?

Varenna has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Chefchaouen experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chefchaouen and Varenna. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Chefchaouen year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chefchaouen is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 24°C (74°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 Chefchaouen, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Chefchaouen gets 346 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, Chefchaouen usually receives less rain than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chefchaouen 24°C (74°F) 
    Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chefchaouen as well as Varenna. Chefchaouen attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chefchaouen is a little warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chefchaouen averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chefchaouen this time of the year. In the autumn, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chefchaouen 20°C (68°F) 
    Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Chefchaouen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Chefchaouen throughout the year. 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 the winter, Chefchaouen is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chefchaouen in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Chefchaouen usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Chefchaouen gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chefchaouen. In January, Chefchaouen usually receives more rain than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chefchaouen 13°C (55°F) 
    Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Chefchaouen or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Chefchaouen during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Chefchaouen because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Chefchaouen is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Chefchaouen average around 15°C (60°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Chefchaouen. In the spring, Chefchaouen often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 251 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. Chefchaouen usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Chefchaouen gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chefchaouen 15°C (60°F) 
    Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Varenna and Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen Varenna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 127 mm (5 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 24°C (74°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 16°C (61°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 13°C (56°F) 144 mm (5.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)