A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varenna vs. Costa de Prata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varenna or Costa de Prata?

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 Costa de Prata. 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 Costa de Prata?

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!

Costa de Prata

Costa de Prata is a region located on the Silver Coast of Portugal, an hour north of Lisbon. The area is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and relaxed, welcoming, atmosphere. The area experiences gorgeous weather nearly all year round, with temperatures in the high 70's and 80's Fahrenheit from May-September. June-August sees the warmest ocean temperatures, making these the best months for swimming. Even during their winter, temperatures rarely dip below 60°F, although ocean temperatures drop, making swimming a bit colder.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Costa de Prata, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Costa de Prata?

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 Costa de Prata in the Summer?

Both Costa de Prata and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

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

It's quite sunny in Costa de Prata. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Costa de Prata during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Costa de Prata in the Autumn?

Both Costa de Prata and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Varenna is cooler than Costa de Prata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Costa de Prata averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 184 hours of full sun.

Costa de Prata 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 Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Costa de Prata in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Costa de Prata. Many visitors come to Varenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varenna is generally much colder than Costa de Prata. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Costa de Prata during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Costa de Prata receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

Costa de Prata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varenna usually receives less rain than Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Costa de Prata in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Costa de Prata. Most visitors come to Varenna for the natural beauty during these months.

Varenna is cooler than Costa de Prata in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Costa de Prata fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Costa de Prata. In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Costa de Prata receives 217 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Costa de Prata. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Costa de Prata receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Costa de Prata and Varenna