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

Should you visit Varenna or Mostar?

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 Mostar. 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 Mostar?

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!

Mostar

Mostar has historically been a culturally and ethnically diverse city. It was heavily bombed during the country's civil war and many of the city's most important buildings and structures were destroyed. Most significantly, the city's Old Bridge, Stari Most, was destoryed. The bridge was rebuilt through an international effort just eleven years after the war. It was completed in 2004 and included pieces of the original bridge. Today, much of the city has been rebuilt and the city is a beautiful and impressive travel destination. The old town still has much of its original charm and it is a great place to explore.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina.


Which place is cheaper, Mostar or Varenna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €164, while the average daily cost in Mostar is €65. 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 Mostar in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varenna 86
    Mostar 34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varenna 172
    Mostar 68
Compare Hotels in Varenna and Mostar

Looking for a hotel in Varenna or Mostar? 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.

Hotels in Varenna


Hotels in Mostar


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 Mostar Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varenna 34
    Mostar 8.11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Varenna : Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $358

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mostar

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mostar:


  • Taxi To & From Blagaj (hiking)
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mostar

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mostar:

  • Transfer service from Mostar-Sarajevo: $174
  • Transfer from Sarajevo to Mostar: $160
  • Transfer Sarajevo ⇄ Dubrovnik + Herzegovina Tour: $196
  • Transfer Mostar to Dubrovnik with Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj and Počitelj tour: $122
  • Split to Dubrovnik via Mostar Private Transfer: $524
  • Private Transfer from Mostar to Sarajevo Airport (SJJ): $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Tomislav grad: $214
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Medugorje: $291
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Konjic: $174
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Jablanica: $135
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Grude: $117
  • Private Transfer from Mostar Airport (OMO) to Bugojno: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Mostar?

Prices for flights to both Mostar 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varenna 53
    Mostar 24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155

Typical Food Prices in Mostar

Some typical examples of dining costs in Mostar are as follows:


  • A Casual Dinner Out (for 2)
    14

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mostar

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mostar.

  • Mostar street food tour: $57
  • Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class in Mostar: $80
  • Tastes and Tales of Traditional Bosnian Cooking Class: $82

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varenna 34
    Mostar 8.78

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Lake Como Shared Boat Tour: $32
  • Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise (90 minutes): $43
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $112
  • Sunset shared boat tour with aperitif from Varenna: $118
  • Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps: $150
  • Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks: $491
  • Bellagio: Private Tour on Vintage Wooden Boat: $664
  • Lake Como: Grand Private Tour 5 hours Invictus boat: $1,551

Tours and Activities in Mostar

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mostar are as follows:

  • Charming Private Mostar Walking Tour: $43
  • 2-Hour Cultural Walking Tour in One City-Three Stories of Mostar: $55
  • Absolute Herzegovina Adventure - Kravice Waterfalls, Sky Walk, Blagaj, Pocitelj: $65
  • All Inclusive Neretva Rafting, Day Tour from Mostar: $147
  • Ancient Roman Horseback Riding Experience: $49
  • Authentic Medjugorje Tour: $82
  • Authentic Tour Mostar, Medjugorje, Karavice - Farm To Table: $535
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $277
  • Captivating Mostar - Walking Tour for Couples: $142
  • Christmas Charms in Mostar - Walking Tour: $384
  • Discover Herzegovina Day Tour from Kravice Waterfalls, Blagaj, Počitelj: $54
  • Discovering The Karstic Landscapes - Hiking Day Tour from Mostar: $73

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varenna 23
    Mostar 3.47

Sample the Local Flavors in Varenna

Also in Varenna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Castello di Vezio: $112
  • Wine Tasting and Entry Ticket to Villa Monastero: $134

Typical Alcohol Prices in Mostar

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Mostar:


  • A Few Drinks (for 2)
    6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Mostar

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Mostar:

  • 1-Hour Wine Tasting Tour in Medjugorje: $16
  • Wine Tour & Tasting (Herzegovina): $91


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

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


Which is Bigger, Varenna or Mostar?

Mostar has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Mostar, 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 Mostar?

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 Mostar in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Mostar. Many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Mostar averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mostar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varenna this time of the year. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Mostar. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 323 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the summer. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Mostar. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varenna 23°C (73°F) 
    Mostar 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Mostar in the Autumn?

Both Mostar and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varenna is generally cooler than Mostar. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Mostar fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Mostar during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mostar. It's quite rainy in Varenna. In October, Varenna usually receives less rain than Mostar. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varenna 15°C (58°F) 
    Mostar 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Mostar in the Winter?

Both Mostar and Varenna during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can be very cold during winter. Varenna is cooler than Mostar in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Mostar fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mostar receives 113 hours of full sun.

Mostar gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varenna usually gets less rain in January than Mostar. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varenna 5°C (41°F) 
    Mostar 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Mostar in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Mostar. The spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varenna is cooler than Mostar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Mostar averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Mostar during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Mostar receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Mostar receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Mostar. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Mostar receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varenna 13°C (55°F) 
    Mostar 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Mostar and Varenna

Varenna Mostar
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (42°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 14°C (58°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 196 mm (7.7 in)