A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Varna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna?

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 Varna. 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: Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna?

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Looking over the town of Kalampaka are some of the largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece. They sit at the tops of gigantic natural sandstone pillars of rock, jutting of the landscape like meteors from the sky. This place is called Meteora. While the tall mounds of earth are impressive themselves, it is a wonder how man had the ability centuries ago to create the structures that remain on the cliffs today.

Varna

Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.


Which place is cheaper, Varna or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kalampaka (Meteora) is €134, while the average daily cost in Varna is €61. 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 65
    Varna 33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 130
    Varna 66
Compare Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varna

Looking for a hotel in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna? 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.

Hotels in Kalampaka (Meteora)


Hotels in Varna


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: Varna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 37
    Varna 8.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also for Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Meteora Small Group Hiking tour with Transfer and Monastery Visit: $43
  • Private Transfer From Kalabaka - Meteora To Athens: $274

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna?

Prices for flights to both Varna and Kalampaka (Meteora) 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 39
    Varna 22

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 44
    Varna 8.04

Tours and Activities in Kalampaka (Meteora)

For Kalampaka (Meteora), here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Varlaam Monastery Greece Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour: $17
  • Meteora: Self-Guided App-Based Driving Tour: $17
  • Meteora: Hermit Caves Sunset Hiking Experience: $38
  • Sunset Meteora Tour on E-Bike: $40
  • Meteora All Monasteries Tour with Photo Stops: $41
  • 4-Hour Tour Morning Highlights of Meteora on E-Bike: $43
  • Meteora Sunset E-Bike Tour: $44
  • Breath-taking Meteora Sunset Tour: $44
  • Midday Meteora Monastery tour from Kalabaka's train station : $44
  • 4-hours Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Amazing Morning Meteora Monasteries Tour: $44
  • Morning Monastery E-bike Tour: $46

Tours and Activities in Varna

Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
  • From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 11
    Varna 8.00

Sample the Local Flavors in Kalampaka (Meteora)

Also in Kalampaka (Meteora), these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Meteora Private Guided Wine Tasting Experience from Kalampaka : $76

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:

  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varna, we can see that Kalampaka (Meteora) is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kalampaka (Meteora) than you might in Varna.

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 Varna Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varna, 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 Varna?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Varna in the Summer?

Both Varna and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Varna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kalampaka (Meteora). In the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in July than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 26°C (78°F) 
    Varna 23°C (73°F)

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Varna. The autumn months attract visitors to Kalampaka (Meteora) because of the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 17°C (62°F), and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varna during autumn. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives more rain than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 17°C (62°F) 
    Varna 14°C (57°F)

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

The winter brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Varna. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) is much warmer than Varna in the winter. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Varna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in January than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 6°C (42°F) 
    Varna 3°C (37°F)

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

Both Varna and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) is a little warmer than Varna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Varna averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kalampaka (Meteora). Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives more sunshine than Varna during spring. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Varna. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kalampaka (Meteora) 14°C (56°F) 
    Varna 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Varna and Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) Varna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)