A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Livorno for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Varenna or Livorno?

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 Livorno. 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 pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Varenna and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Livorno?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Livorno. Although Varenna and Livorno are both popular with visitors, Livorno has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Livorno is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Varenna is known for its museums, food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood. It is also home to The Waterfront Promenade.

How is Varenna different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Livorno 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 Livorno?

Varenna is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Varenna is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Varenna is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Varenna or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Livorno 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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

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 Livorno Better for Beaches?

Livorno is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Livorno. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Livorno Better for Hiking?

Varenna is great for hiking. However, Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. 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.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Livorno?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Varenna and Livorno.

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 Livorno to go shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Varenna or Livorno Better for Families?

Both Varenna and Livorno are good 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 Livorno. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Varenna or Livorno Better for Couples?

Varenna is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Varenna has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Varenna or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Varenna and Livorno.

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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Varenna or Livorno a more walkable city?

Varenna is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Livorno?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Varenna than Livorno 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 Varenna or Livorno?

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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.

A weekend in Varenna or Livorno?

In Varenna, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Varenna has to offer.

In Livorno, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Livorno has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Livorno?

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Livorno 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.

A week in Varenna or Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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 Livorno, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Livorno much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Livorno would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Livorno 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 Livorno.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Livorno. Many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Livorno for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno this time of the year. In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Livorno. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Livorno. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Livorno because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Livorno. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Varenna is cooler than Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Varenna usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Livorno. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Varenna during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Livorno for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Livorno. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Varenna