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

Should you visit Ios or Varenna?

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

Should I visit Ios 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.

Ios

Ios is a vibrant, beautiful, and striking island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and shopping.

Ios and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Ios different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the notable sights and museums in both Ios and Varenna.

Ios offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. 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 Ios or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Ios has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Ios is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

People head to Ios just to party. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

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 Ios or Varenna Better for Resorts?

Ios is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Varenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ios to choose from. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Ios is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Ios offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is notable for the nearby hiking options. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its hiking trails.

Varenna is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Many people include a hike when visiting Ios. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Varenna?

Both Ios and Varenna are notable shopping destinations.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Families?

Varenna is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Varenna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

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.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Is Ios or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Ios is extremely popular for backpackers. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

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.

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

Ios is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Ios can get you to some places easily. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Ios or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Varenna on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Ios?

How long in Ios or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios 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 Ios, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Varenna than Ios. 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 Ios. 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 Ios than Varenna 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Varenna?

In Ios, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

With shopping and museums around the scenic destination of Varenna, there's plenty to do. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Varenna?

In Ios, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ios has to offer.

Many people visit Varenna for a weekend. With museums and food around the beautiful village of Varenna, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Varenna?

Ios is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

The destination of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

A week in Ios or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ios. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Ios. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Varenna, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Varenna?

Ios has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.