Which place is cheaper, Varenna or Setubal?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Setubal 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 Setubal and Varenna can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Setubal or Varenna?
Setubal
Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.
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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySetubal €123Varenna €164
The average daily cost (per person) in Setubal is €123, while the average daily cost in Varenna is €164. 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 Setubal and Varenna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSetubal €59Varenna €86
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSetubal €118Varenna €172
Compare Hotels in Setubal and Varenna
Looking for a hotel in Setubal 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.
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: Setubal Hotel Prices and Varenna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Setubal €54Varenna €34
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
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 Setubal or Varenna?
Prices for flights to both Varenna and Setubal 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
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Food Meals for one daySetubal €35Varenna €53
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Setubal €12Varenna €34
Tours and Activities in Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
- Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
- Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
- Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
- Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
- Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
- Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
- Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySetubal €10Varenna €23
Sample the Local Flavors in Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
- Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170
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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Setubal and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Setubal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Setubal Expensive? and Is Varenna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Setubal or Varenna?
Setubal has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Setubal 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 Setubal 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 Setubal or Varenna in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Setubal and Varenna. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Setubal is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Setubal in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Setubal 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, Setubal usually receives less rain than Varenna. Setubal gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySetubal 23°C (73°F)Varenna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Varenna in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Setubal 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 October, Setubal is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Setubal average around 19°C (66°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal this time of the year. In the autumn, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Setubal gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Varenna. Setubal usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Setubal gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSetubal 19°C (66°F)Varenna 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Varenna in the Winter?
Both Varenna and Setubal 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. Setubal is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Setubal averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Setubal usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during winter. Setubal gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Setubal. In January, Setubal usually receives more rain than Varenna. Setubal gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySetubal 12°C (53°F)Varenna 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Setubal or Varenna in the Spring?
Both Varenna and Setubal during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.
In the spring, Setubal is a little warmer than Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Setubal in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It's quite sunny in Setubal. In the spring, Setubal often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Setubal 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. Setubal usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Setubal gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSetubal 16°C (60°F)Varenna 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Varenna and Setubal
| Setubal | Varenna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Feb | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) |
| Jun | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Aug | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| Sep | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Nov | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.