A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Varenna for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Hiking

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Varenna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. 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 beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Varenna are popular destinations, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Varenna attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Varenna and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Varenna is famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

Varenna is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca has diverse options. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Varenna is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Palma de Mallorca. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Palma de Mallorca and Varenna.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Varenna offers some nice shopping areas. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Palma de Mallorca and Varenna.

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palma de Mallorca than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Varenna. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Palma de Mallorca, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With food and shopping around the destination of Varenna, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

In Palma de Mallorca, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With shopping and museums around the scenic village of Varenna, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

Palma de Mallorca is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palma de Mallorca has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Palma de Mallorca. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in 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 Palma de Mallorca and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Palma de Mallorca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palma de Mallorca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Varenna?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 440 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 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, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 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. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Varenna. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Varenna. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Palma de Mallorca