Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Varenna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria 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.
Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Varenna?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Varenna €164
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, 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 Gran Canaria and Varenna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Varenna €86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Varenna €172
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Varenna
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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: Varenna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Varenna €34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
- Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
- Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
- Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
- Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
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 Gran Canaria or Varenna?
Prices for flights to both Varenna and Gran Canaria 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 dayGran Canaria €34Varenna €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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Varenna €34
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $52
- Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
- Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
- 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
- 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
- 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
- 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
- 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
- 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
- Airsoft Park Ticket: $36
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 dayGran Canaria €7.14Varenna €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
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 Gran Canaria and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Gran Canaria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Gran Canaria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Varenna?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 990 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Varenna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Varenna. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Gran Canaria is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°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 Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 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, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 0 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 JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Varenna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Varenna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Varenna. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.
Gran Canaria is much warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the autumn, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Varenna. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 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 OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Varenna 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Varenna in the Winter?
Both Varenna and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Varenna 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Varenna in the Spring?
Both Varenna and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty.
In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 225 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. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Varenna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Varenna and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Varenna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 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.