Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Izmir?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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: Izmir or Varenna?
Izmir
Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.
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 G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayIzmir $105Varenna $176
The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Varenna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personIzmir $60Varenna $92
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomIzmir $120Varenna $184
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Varenna
Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Izmir $30Varenna $37
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:
- izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
- Vip Airport Transfer: $98
- VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
- Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
- Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
- Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
- Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
- Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44
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 Izmir or Varenna?
Prices for flights to both Varenna and Izmir 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 dayIzmir $24Varenna $57
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.Izmir $21Varenna $36
Tours and Activities in Izmir
Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
- Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
- Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
- "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
- 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
- 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
- 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
- Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
- Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
- Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
- Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
- Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174
Tours and Activities in Varenna
For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
- Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
- Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
- Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
- Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
- Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
- Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayIzmir $8.86Varenna $24
Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:
- Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
- Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
- Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152
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 Izmir and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Izmir Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Izmir or Varenna?
Izmir has a larger population, and is about 2960 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir or Varenna?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Izmir or Varenna in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Varenna. Additionally, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.
In the summer, Izmir is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Varenna. Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyIzmir 28°C (82°F)Varenna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varenna in the Autumn?
Both Varenna and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Varenna. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberIzmir 19°C (67°F)Varenna 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varenna in the Winter?
Both Varenna and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, 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. Izmir is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Varenna. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryIzmir 9°C (48°F)Varenna 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Izmir or Varenna in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Varenna. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Varenna. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilIzmir 16°C (61°F)Varenna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Varenna and Izmir
| Izmir | Varenna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 9°C (48°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 21°C (69°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (58°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 11°C (52°F) | 153 mm (6 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.