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

Should you visit Hondarribia or Varenna?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hondarribia and Varenna. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hondarribia or Varenna?

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hondarribia or Varenna?

Hondarribia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Hondarribia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during summer. Hondarribia gets 209 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, Hondarribia usually receives less rain than Varenna. Hondarribia gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Hondarribia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hondarribia is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Hondarribia average around 16°C (60°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Hondarribia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Hondarribia gets 144 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 Hondarribia. Hondarribia usually gets more rain in October than Varenna. Hondarribia gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hondarribia and Varenna. Furthermore, many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. Hondarribia is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Hondarribia averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Hondarribia usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Hondarribia gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Hondarribia usually receives more rain than Varenna. Hondarribia gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hondarribia or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hondarribia as well as Varenna. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

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

In the spring, Hondarribia often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Hondarribia gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hondarribia usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Varenna. Hondarribia gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Hondarribia