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

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Malaga and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Varenna is more popular for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Malaga different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Varenna is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Malaga or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Malaga has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Varenna Better for Music?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its live music scene. However, Varenna is not a live music destination.

Whether you like big venues or smaller artists, Malaga has diverse options. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Varenna is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga 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 Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Malaga offers a nice beach destination. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Varenna?

Both Malaga and Varenna are notable shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Varenna are notable family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Varenna is a family-friendly port city. 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 Malaga or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Varenna Better for Students?

Malaga is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

Both Malaga and Varenna offer notable public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Malaga or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city 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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Malaga or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Malaga than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Malaga. 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 Malaga 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Varenna?

In Malaga, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Varenna?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Varenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Varenna?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic destination of Varenna. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to 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 Malaga and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Malaga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Malaga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Malaga 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 Malaga.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Varenna?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 650 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Malaga usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Varenna. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga 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, Malaga is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Varenna. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Varenna. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, 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, Malaga is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Varenna. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

Malaga is a little warmer than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In April, Malaga usually receives less rain than Varenna. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Malaga