A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Hiking

Should you visit Varenna or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. 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 beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Varenna and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Varenna or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Varenna and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Varenna attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Varenna is famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Varenna different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Varenna is a village with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Varenna and Sorrento both to be fantastic destinations.

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.

For foodies, Sorrento is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

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 Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Varenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Varenna and Sorrento, and they are very good.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Varenna or Sorrento?

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is very family-friendly. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

Varenna and Sorrento both fantastic destinations for a couple.

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.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Varenna or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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

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

Sorrento is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Sorrento can get you to some places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

You'll find some public transit in Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Varenna or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Varenna is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Sorrento is a very walkable village. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Varenna?

How long in Varenna or Sorrento?

Both Varenna and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Varenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Varenna, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Varenna 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 Sorrento.

One day in Varenna or Sorrento?

The beautiful village of Varenna offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Varenna or Sorrento?

Varenna is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Varenna, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Varenna or Sorrento?

Varenna is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Varenna or Sorrento?

Varenna is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Varenna or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Varenna and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Varenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varenna. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Varenna is cooler than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varenna averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Varenna usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sorrento. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Varenna or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Sorrento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Varenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. In the winter, Varenna is much colder than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varenna in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Varenna usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Varenna or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Varenna for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Varenna average around 13°C (55°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Sorrento. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Varenna