A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Hiking

Should you visit Varenna or Amalfi?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Amalfi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Varenna and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Varenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Varenna and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Varenna is well known for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Varenna different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Varenna and Amalfi.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is the Food Better in Varenna or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Varenna and Amalfi both to be fantastic destinations.

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

For foodies, Amalfi is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Varenna or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

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

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Amalfi is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Varenna and Amalfi, and they are very good.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Amalfi?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Varenna and Amalfi.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Many visitors go to Amalfi to go shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Amalfi are notable family-friendly destinations.

Varenna is a family-friendly village. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Varenna and Amalfi both fantastic destinations for a couple.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

Is Varenna or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a village with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Amalfi.

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

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Varenna or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Varenna and Amalfi are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Amalfi?

Both Varenna and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Varenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Varenna, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

Couples should spend more time in Amalfi than Varenna. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Amalfi that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Varenna or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the scenic 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. In Amalfi, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Italy, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varenna and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi is more expensive. And not only is Varenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varenna 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi than you might in Varenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Amalfi, 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 Varenna or Amalfi?

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 Varenna or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Varenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varenna. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Amalfi. The autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the autumn, Varenna is cooler than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Amalfi during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Varenna or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Amalfi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In January, Varenna is generally much colder than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Varenna usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Varenna