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

Should you visit Ezcaray or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ezcaray or Varenna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Ezcaray or Varenna?

Ezcaray

Ezcaray, Spain is a great place to go if you are looking for a scenic, relaxing, and peaceful destination. It is located in the Sierra de la Demanda mountains on the banks of the Oja river. Because of the mountain range nearby, it is also a great place for mountaineers. Ezcaray is a small town with big charm and momentous possibilities. It is located right at the base of the San Lorenzo peak in the Oja valley in the La Rioja region of Spain. The town has a population of less than 2,000, so it is a far cry from big city life, but that's part of what makes it such a gem to visit. Some say it is one of the best locations to get an authentic feel of real Spain without the big touristy populations. Its sheer beauty has also been compared to something out of a fairy tale.

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


Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Ezcaray?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ezcaray is €111, while the average daily cost in Varenna is €164. 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 Ezcaray and Varenna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ezcaray 56
    Varenna 86
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ezcaray 112
    Varenna 172
Compare Hotels in Ezcaray and Varenna

Looking for a hotel in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray


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: Ezcaray Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ezcaray 21
    Varenna 34

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 Ezcaray or Varenna?

Prices for flights to both Varenna and Ezcaray 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
    Ezcaray 39
    Varenna 53

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.
    Ezcaray 21
    Varenna 34

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
    Ezcaray 19
    Varenna 23

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 Ezcaray and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Ezcaray much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ezcaray would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray.

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


Which is Bigger, Ezcaray or Varenna?

Ezcaray has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray 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 Ezcaray or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Ezcaray are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ezcaray is cooler than Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ezcaray in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. Ezcaray usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during summer. Ezcaray gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In July, Ezcaray usually receives less rain than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ezcaray 20°C (68°F) 
    Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Ezcaray during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Ezcaray is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Ezcaray average around 16°C (62°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Ezcaray often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 125 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Ezcaray. Ezcaray usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ezcaray 16°C (62°F) 
    Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ezcaray and Varenna. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Ezcaray is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Ezcaray averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Ezcaray usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Ezcaray gets 77 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Ezcaray gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Ezcaray usually receives more rain than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ezcaray 9°C (48°F) 
    Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Ezcaray or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ezcaray as well as Varenna. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In the spring, Ezcaray is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ezcaray in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Ezcaray often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Ezcaray receives a lot of rain in the spring. Ezcaray usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Ezcaray gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ezcaray 12°C (54°F) 
    Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Varenna and Ezcaray

Ezcaray Varenna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Oct 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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