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

Should you visit Pontevedra or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Pontevedra 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.

Where Should I go: Pontevedra or Varenna?

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

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 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Pontevedra and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Pontevedra much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pontevedra would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra.

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

Which is Bigger, Pontevedra or Varenna?

Pontevedra has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Pontevedra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Varenna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. Pontevedra usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Pontevedra gets 299 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, Pontevedra usually receives less rain than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pontevedra or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Pontevedra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Pontevedra is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pontevedra in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Varenna averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 174 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pontevedra. Pontevedra usually gets more rain in October than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pontevedra or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pontevedra and Varenna. Furthermore, 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. In January, Pontevedra is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Pontevedra average around 10°C (50°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pontevedra usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during winter. Pontevedra gets 110 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pontevedra usually receives more rain than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pontevedra or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pontevedra as well as Varenna. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

Pontevedra is around the same temperature as Varenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Pontevedra averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pontevedra often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pontevedra usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Pontevedra gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Pontevedra