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

Should you visit Varna or Korcula?

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 Korcula 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 Korcula?

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.

Korcula

Korcula is a Croatian island in the Adriatic Sea. It lies just off the Dalmatian coast. This island is known for its dense forest and the ancient Greeks called the island Black Korcula for this reason. Korcula is one of Croatia's most treasured islands. Rich in vineyards, olive groves, and small villages, and harboring a glorious old town, the island of Korcula is the sixth-largest Adriatic island. Quiet coves and small sandy beaches dot the steep southern coast while the northern shore is flatter and with more pebbles. Tradition is alive and kicking on Korcula, with age-old religious ceremonies, folk music, and dances still being performed to the delight of an ever-growing influx of tourists.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.


Which place is cheaper, Korcula 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 Korcula is $96. 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 Korcula in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Korcula $62
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Korcula $124
Compare Hotels in Varna and Korcula

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Korcula? 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 Korcula


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 Korcula Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Korcula $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Korcula

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Korcula:

  • Island Stupe / Moro Beach Transfer: $26
  • Private One Way Transfer from Orebić to Dubrovnik: $205

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Korcula?

Prices for flights to both Korcula 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
    Korcula $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Korcula

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Korcula.

  • Private Half-Day Cooking Workshop Gastronomy in Korcula: $87
  • Korcula walking tour and dinner for Food Lovers: $228
  • Korčula: Island Yacht Cruise with Wine Tasting and Dinner: $321

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Korcula $12

Tours and Activities in Varna

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

  • Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
  • Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
  • Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
  • Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
  • Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
  • Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
  • Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
  • The OFFroad Adventure : $64
  • The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
  • Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64

Tours and Activities in Korcula

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

  • Semi-Submarine Tour: $21
  • Private Korcula Eco Tour with Guide: $27
  • Korčula: 3 Island Hop-on Hop-off Tour Daily Ticket: $32
  • 3 Islands Tour - HopOnHopOff - Daily Ticket : $33
  • Half day Lago di Korcula Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour: $64
  • Bits of History - Half day kayak Tour: $66
  • Small-Group Lumbarda Sunset and Evening Kayaking Experience: $66
  • Lumbarda: Half-Day Kayaking and History Tour: $66
  • Lumbarda: Sunset Kayak Tour: $66
  • Korčula for Early Risers and Coffee Lovers Private Walking Tour: $70
  • 1 Hour Private Walking Tour in Korcula : $75
  • Korčula & Pelješac: Wine & Culture Experience from Dubrovnik: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Korcula $10

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 Korcula

Also in Korcula, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting at Black Island Winery: $31
  • Slurp of Grk Wine Tour: $92
  • Day Tour from Dubrovnik - Korčula and Pelješac Wine Tasting: $92
  • Wine Tour Korcula: $98
  • Half-Day Bike Tour in Lumbarda with Wine Tasting: $105
  • Korcula Buggy Safari With Wine Tasting: $107
  • Korcula Bike & Wine Tour: $111
  • Private Korcula wine tour and tasting : $131
  • Wine tour Korčula - private tour: $146
  • Enchanted Forest Hike and Wine Tasting Private Tour: $158
  • Korcula Island Sightseeing Tour Including Wine Tasting: $229


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Korcula?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Varna or Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In July, Varna is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varna. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives more rain than Korcula. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Korcula 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Varna or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula and Varna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Korcula for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Varna is cooler than Korcula in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Varna often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in October than Korcula. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Korcula 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Varna or Korcula in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varna. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Korcula. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Korcula averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Korcula. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Varna or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Varna as well as Korcula. Additionally, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Varna is generally cooler than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. In the spring, Varna often gets less sunshine than Korcula. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in April than Korcula. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Korcula 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Korcula and Varna

Varna Korcula
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (80°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)