A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Varenna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Varenna?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Varenna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Varenna?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

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 Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Pamukkale?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, 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 Pamukkale and Varenna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Varenna $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Varenna $184
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Varenna

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale 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.

Hotels in Pamukkale


Hotels in Varenna


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: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Varenna $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Denizli Airport to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $102
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $82
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280

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 Pamukkale or Varenna?

Prices for flights to both Varenna and Pamukkale 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
    Pamukkale $69
    Varenna $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Varenna $36
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tours: $120
  • All-inclusive Private Guided Tour of Pamukkale: $256
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour with Lunch from Izmir&Kusadasi: $299
  • Best Rates Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour : $278
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour included Pick Up from Denizli Airport: $118
  • Daily Guided Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Hotel in Pamukkale.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Guided Tour with extra Red spring enjoyment.: $93
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour from istanbul: $642
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Airport : $109
  • Daily Pamukkale Tour with Pick up from Denizli Bus station: $104

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
  • Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551
  • Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
  • Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
  • Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
  • Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
  • Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Varenna $24

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 comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Varenna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Varenna. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 28°C (82°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Varenna. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Pamukkale is a little warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the autumn, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Pamukkale usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In the winter, Pamukkale is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Pamukkale in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Pamukkale. In January, Pamukkale usually receives more rain than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Pamukkale during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.

In April, Pamukkale is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 17°C (62°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the spring, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Pamukkale usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Varenna and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Varenna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 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 (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 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 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)