A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Varenna or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Varenna and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pompeii. Although Varenna and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Pompeii has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more popular for its museums, while Varenna is known for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pompeii is more touristy than Varenna and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. It is also home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

The Pompeii Archaeological Ruins

How is Varenna different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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.

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

Varenna is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Varenna has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Varenna is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Varenna. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Varenna is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Pompeii?

Varenna is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Varenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. 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.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Varenna is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Varenna has plenty to offer. 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna and Pompeii are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Varenna or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Varenna is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Pompeii, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Varenna or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Varenna and Pompeii are first-rate 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Varenna or Pompeii 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 Pompeii. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Varenna than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Pompeii, 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 Pompeii Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Pompeii during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Pompeii. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Pompeii. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pompeii. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

Varenna can be very cold during winter. Varenna is much colder than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Varenna usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Pompeii. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Varenna