A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulon vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Varenna can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Toulon and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Toulon. Although Toulon and Varenna are popular destinations, Toulon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Toulon is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Varenna attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Toulon and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Toulon is famous for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Toulon different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Toulon and Varenna have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Toulon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Toulon or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Varenna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Toulon 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 Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

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 Toulon or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for Beaches?

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

Toulon offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Varenna?

Toulon is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Toulon is well-known for its shopping. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Toulon or Varenna.

Toulon is a family-friendly place to visit. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Varenna is a family-friendly port city. 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 Toulon or Varenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Varenna 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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Toulon and Varenna are nice destinations for backpackers.

Toulon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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

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

Both Toulon and Varenna offer nice public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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 Toulon or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Toulon is a very walkable port city. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Varenna?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Toulon. 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 Toulon than Varenna 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 Toulon.

One day in Toulon or Varenna?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toulon or Varenna?

In Toulon, 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 Toulon has to offer.

Varenna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Varenna?

Toulon 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. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Varenna?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Varenna. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Varenna?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Varenna in the Summer?

Both Varenna and Toulon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulon in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Toulon is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Toulon in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Varenna averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Toulon gets 366 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. Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Varenna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Varenna. Most visitors come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Toulon is generally around the same temperature as Varenna. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 16°C (61°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Toulon gets 205 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, Toulon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Varenna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Varenna. The winter months attract visitors to Toulon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Toulon is a little warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Toulon gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Varenna. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Varenna in the Spring?

Both Varenna and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Toulon is around the same temperature as Varenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Toulon in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Varenna averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Toulon gets 245 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, Toulon usually receives less rain than Varenna. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Toulon