A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Thiva (Thebes) and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thiva (Thebes) than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thiva (Thebes) is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while Varenna is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is famous for The Archeological Museum.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes) is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. 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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Varenna and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Families?

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Varenna are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

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.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is very popular for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a village with good options for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Thiva (Thebes) and Varenna.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

While Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes). However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Varenna than Thiva (Thebes). 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 Thiva (Thebes). 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

In Thiva (Thebes), you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Varenna, you'll find food and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

In Thiva (Thebes), you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thiva (Thebes) has to offer.

Varenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

Thiva (Thebes) is a great place to explore. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thiva (Thebes). Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thiva (Thebes). One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the village of Varenna. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna?

Thiva (Thebes) has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Varenna. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Thiva (Thebes) is a little warmer than Varenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) 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 January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally much warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Varenna. Most visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

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

In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Varenna. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Thiva (Thebes)