A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Varna vs. Carcassonne for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varna or Carcassonne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Varna and Carcassonne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Varna or Carcassonne?

Varna

Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a hilltop town in southern France. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Carcassonne is located in the Aude plain between historic trade routes, linking the Atlantic to the Mediterranean sea and the Massif Central to the Pyrenees. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and occupied its hilltop until the demise of the Western Roman Empire and was later taken over in the fifth century by the Visigoths who founded the city. Its desirable location led successive rulers to expand its fortifications until the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. It is famous for its medieval citadel, La Cite, which has numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The first walls were built in Gallo-Roman times, with major additions made in the 13th and 14th centuries. With its position on a rocky hilltop, zigzag battlements, stout walls and spiky turrets, the fortified city of Carcassonne looks like something out of a children's storybook when it's seen from afar. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's most people's idea of the perfect medieval castle. It attracts over four million visitors every year, peaking in high summer. Time your visit for late in the day (or even better in spring or fall) to truly appreciate the old town's medieval charm.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne or Varna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varna is $65, while the average daily cost in Carcassonne is $114. 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 Varna and Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Varna and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Carcassonne? 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 Varna


Hotels in Carcassonne


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: Varna Hotel Prices and Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Carcassonne $7.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sveti Vlas: $109
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne and Varna 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
    Varna $23
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Carcassonne $15

Tours and Activities in Varna

Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • E-Motorcycle Tour in Old Rock Monastery and Old Roman Fortress : $114
  • From Hiking and Climbing Day Tour: $74
  • From Rock Sanctuaries Hiking Tour: $74
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the North of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour to the South of Varna: $206
  • Full-Day Small-Group Tour of Bulgaria by Minivan with Lunch: $87
  • GPS & Video guided Tour to The North Coast Of The Black Sea: $183
  • Guided Nessebar Sightseeing Tour with Pick Up: $108
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Carcassonne $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Varna

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

  • Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
  • Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
  • Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
  • Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
  • The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
  • E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
  • Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Carcassonne, we can see that Carcassonne is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Carcassonne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Carcassonne than you might in Varna.

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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Carcassonne?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Carcassonne, 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 Varna or Carcassonne?

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 Varna or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Carcassonne. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is around the same temperature as Carcassonne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Varna or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Varna is generally cooler than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Varna or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Varna can get quite cold in the winter. Varna is much colder than Carcassonne in the winter. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Carcassonne. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Carcassonne. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Varna or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Carcassonne. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varna is cooler than Carcassonne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Varna

Varna Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)