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

Should you visit Peniche 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 Peniche and Varenna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Varenna?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Peniche and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Peniche much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Peniche would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Peniche 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 Peniche.

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

Which is Bigger, Peniche or Varenna?

Peniche has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Peniche 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 Peniche 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 Peniche or Varenna in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Peniche gets 352 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, Peniche usually receives less rain than Varenna. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Peniche or Varenna in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Peniche is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the autumn, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Peniche usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Peniche or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Peniche 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 January, Peniche is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Peniche. In January, Peniche usually receives more rain than Varenna. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Peniche or Varenna in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Peniche. In the spring, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Peniche gets 235 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. Peniche usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Peniche