A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Attractions

Should you visit Taormina or Varenna?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Varenna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Taormina and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Varenna?

Both Varenna and Taormina have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Taormina is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and small town charm, while Varenna is known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Taormina different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Taormina or Varenna?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Varenna and Taormina.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Taormina. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Taormina or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Taormina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Resorts?

Taormina is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Varenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Taormina to choose from. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Taormina is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great village for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Varenna?

If you're looking to go shopping, Taormina and Varenna both offer plenty of good spots.

Taormina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Varenna is a great destination for shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Families?

Varenna is a village with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Varenna offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Taormina or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a village with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Varenna is a good village to visit for backpackers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Taormina and Varenna both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Varenna has a few public transit options. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Taormina or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Varenna is a very easy village to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

Families should spend more time in Varenna than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Varenna?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful village of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Varenna?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Taormina has to offer.

Varenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Varenna?

Taormina is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Varenna?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Varenna. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°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 Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during summer. Taormina gets 332 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, Taormina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Taormina or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Varenna. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Taormina is a little warmer than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets less rain in October than Varenna. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Taormina or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Taormina gets 207 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. Taormina usually gets less rain in April than Varenna. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Taormina