A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Varenna for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Varenna than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Varenna is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Also, Varenna is famous for Lake Como.

Lake Como

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kalampaka (Meteora) are world-renowned. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Varenna is a decent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Varenna. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Varenna. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

Varenna is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varenna are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. 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.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Varenna is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Varenna has some public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Public transit is generally limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kalampaka (Meteora) than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kalampaka (Meteora), and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Varenna than Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Varenna than Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Varenna.

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Varenna, many people enjoy the museums and food that this destination offers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Lots of people come for the food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kalampaka (Meteora) has to offer.

Many people visit Varenna for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a great place to explore. 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 beautiful destination of Varenna offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kalampaka (Meteora). Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Kalampaka (Meteora). One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Kalampaka (Meteora) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kalampaka (Meteora) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora).

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

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna?

Kalampaka (Meteora) has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kalampaka (Meteora) because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kalampaka (Meteora). Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 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, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the autumn are popular places to visit. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 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. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varenna. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the museums and the cuisine. 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. In January, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 6°C (42°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during winter. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Varenna. Many visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of the year. In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Kalampaka (Meteora)