A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Ravenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Varenna or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 scenic, pristine, and beautiful village. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Ravenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Varenna than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Varenna is better known for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Varenna is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Also, Varenna is famous for Lake Como. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

Lake Como

How is Varenna different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Varenna, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Varenna or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Ravenna?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Varenna and Ravenna.

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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Varenna or Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Varenna is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Varenna or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Varenna and Ravenna are both notable 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Varenna and Ravenna.

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 Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Varenna or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Varenna. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Ravenna?

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

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

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

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.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. This town 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Ravenna has to offer.

Five days in Varenna or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Ravenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Varenna is around the same temperature as Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Varenna or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Varenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Varenna is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varenna in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. In January, Varenna is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 5°C (41°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Varenna usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Varenna or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months.

Varenna is a little warmer than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Ravenna. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Varenna