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

Should you visit Varna or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

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.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre is $149. 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 Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Cinque Terre $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Cinque Terre $154
Compare Hotels in Varna and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Cinque Terre? 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 Cinque Terre


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 Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Cinque Terre $17

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Ferry Day Pass
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

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

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre 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
    Cinque Terre $44

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    $10
  • Panini
    $4.02
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $56
  • Fresh Focaccia
    $2.27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

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

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Cinque Terre $14

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    $11
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    $17
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    $5.36
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

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

  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Marine Biology & Snorkelling Experience in the Cinque Terre : $59
  • Kayak experience with Carnassa Tour in Cinque Terre + Snorkeling: $73
  • From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino: $89
  • La Spezia: Cinque Terre Guided Hiking Tour: $95
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Kayak tour from Monterosso to Vernazza: $98
  • Half Day Guided Tour of the Cinque Terre from the Sea: $104
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • The heart of the 5 Terre: Monterosso and national park ebike tour: $120
  • Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Cinque Terre $7.19

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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Glass of Local Wine
    $3.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

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

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Varna and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Varna or Cinque Terre?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Cinque Terre. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Varna is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the autumn, Varna is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Varna in October average around 14°C (57°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varna 3°C (37°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Varna or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Cinque Terre. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Varna is cooler than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Varna

Varna Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)