Which place is cheaper, Como or Varenna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Como for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Varenna or Como?
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 Como. 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.
Where Should I go: Varenna or Como?
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!
Como
At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVarenna €164Como €214
The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €164, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Varenna and Como in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVarenna €86Como €146
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVarenna €172Como €292
Compare Hotels in Varenna and Como
Looking for a hotel in Varenna or Como? 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: Varenna Hotel Prices and Como Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Varenna €34Como €14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna
Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Varenna/Bellano/Lierna to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (private transfer): $243
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Como to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $1,319
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan Linate Airport: $250
- Private Transfer from Como to Milan City Center: $79
- Private Transfer from Como to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,493
- Private Transfer from Como Hotels to Milan Malpensa Airport: $250
- Private Departure Transfer from Como to Malpensa Airport: $130
- Private Departure Transfer from Como to Linate Airport: $152
- Como/Cernobbio/Moltrasio/Blevio to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (Private Transfer): $156
- Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Van Transfer: $47
- Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Car Transfer: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Como?
Prices for flights to both Como and Varenna 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 dayVarenna €53Como €60
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna
For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Varenna: $106
- Small-group Street food tour in Varenna: $111
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Varenna: $162
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Varenna: $180
- Private cooking class at a local's home with lunch or dinner in Varenna: $180
- Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna: $184
- Market Tour and Home Cooking Class with Meal: $214
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lake Como Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $93
- Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como: $100
- Dining experience at a local's home at Lake Como with show cooking: $106
- Dining experience at a local's home in Como with show cooking: $106
- Small-group Street food tour in Como: $111
- Como Food Tour: $121
- Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $159
- Pizza making experience in Como: $162
- Lake Italian Pasta Cooking Experience: $162
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lake Como: $162
- Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Como: $162
- Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $164
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Varenna €34Como -
Tours and Activities in Varenna
For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- E-Bike Experience on Lake Como East Bank: $138
- From Milan: Semi-Private Lake Como Day Trip with Cruise: $271
- HIKING TOUR: VARENNA, Castle of VEZIO Villa MONASTERO, FIUMELATTE: $74
- LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi: $243
- LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi (Guided Tour): $330
- Romantic Tour: $322
- Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Varenna: $136
- Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
- Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour: $325
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 2 Hours Walking Tour Como: $100
- 4-Day Northern Italy Lakes Tour from Milan: $1,181
- A private evening cruise on lake Como: $391
- A private food-tour on Lake Lugano from Lake Como: $694
- A private helicopter tour over lake Como: $1,093
- A private tour of Lugano and its lakeside villages: $423
- Bergamo PRIVATE Guided tour: $373
- Best of Lake Como - Cruise on the lake: $185
- Best of Lake Como - Full day boat tour from Como: $395
- Como Champagne VIP Tour: $311
- Como Food & Boat Tour: $409
- Como Historical and Heritage Tour: $100
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVarenna €23Como -
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
- Champagne & Top Wine Tasting: $175
- Sightseeing and Wine Tasting in Como: $303
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varenna and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Varenna.
When is the best time to visit Varenna or Como?
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 Varenna or Como in the Summer?
Both Como and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Como is about 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Como. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyVarenna 23°C (73°F)Como 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Como in the Autumn?
Both Como and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Como. Temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Como stays around 15°C (58°F).
In the autumn, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.
Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Como. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberVarenna 15°C (58°F)Como 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Como in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Como.
It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Varenna is around the same temperature as Como in the winter. The temperature in Varenna is usually 5°C (41°F) in January, and Como stays around 5°C (41°F).
Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Varenna usually receives more rain than Como. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryVarenna 5°C (41°F)Como 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Varenna or Como in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Como.
In the spring, Varenna is around the same temperature as Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Como is about 13°C (55°F).
In the spring, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.
Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Como. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilVarenna 13°C (55°F)Como 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Como and Varenna
| Varenna | Como | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (49°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| May | 17°C (62°F) | 194 mm (7.6 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Jun | 20°C (69°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 22°C (72°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 19°C (67°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (58°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 9°C (49°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Dec | 6°C (42°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
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