A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

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.

Piazza Armerina and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Varenna than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Varenna is better known for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Varenna is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Also, Varenna is famous for Lake Como. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

Lake Como

How is Piazza Armerina different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. 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.

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

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Varenna is a moderate village for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Varenna specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

Varenna is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for Families?

Varenna is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Varenna is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Both Piazza Armerina and Varenna offer notable public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

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 Piazza Armerina or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Piazza Armerina or Varenna to fill your time. In our opinion, Varenna has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Varenna than Piazza Armerina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Piazza Armerina. 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 Varenna than Piazza Armerina 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 Varenna.

One day in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find food and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The scenic destination of Varenna offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

In Piazza Armerina, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Piazza Armerina has to offer.

The village of Varenna offers museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

Piazza Armerina is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. This village offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Piazza Armerina. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Piazza Armerina. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Varenna?

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

Both Varenna and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 26°C (79°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 Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Piazza Armerina gets 325 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. Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Varenna. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Piazza Armerina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 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, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Varenna. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine. Also, 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, Piazza Armerina is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 10°C (51°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Varenna in the Spring?

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

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 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, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Piazza Armerina