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

Should you visit Varna or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in northern Spain located on the snow-capped foothills of the Pyrenees Range. With the backdrop of mountains, the city is surrounded by a setting ideal for skiing, mountaineering, hiking, wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Yet Pamplona itself is a place full of lively culture and stunning architecture. With a long history, the place is embedded in tradition and perhaps most famous for its annual "running of the bulls" celebrated in July, also known as the San Fermin festival.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pamplona 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 Pamplona is $141. 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 Pamplona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Pamplona $72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Pamplona $144
Compare Hotels in Varna and Pamplona

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Pamplona? 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 Pamplona


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 Pamplona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Pamplona $26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Varna City: $22
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Saints Constantine and Helena: $25
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
  • Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
  • Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Balchik: $58
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Byala: $63
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna Airport (VAR) to Burgas Cruise Port: $65
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Obzor: $71
  • Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamplona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pamplona:

  • Private Transfer from Pamplona Airport to Laguardia town: $282
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian: $244
  • Private Transfer from Pamplona city to San Sebastian Airport: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Pamplona?

Prices for flights to both Pamplona 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
    Pamplona $44

Typical Food Prices in Pamplona

Some typical examples of dining costs in Pamplona are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    $11
  • Ice Cream
    $4.82
  • Coffee
    $1.39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Pamplona $36

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 Pamplona

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pamplona are as follows:

  • Logroño historic&cultural guided walking tour: $32
  • Pamplona pintxo tasting paired with Spanish wines small group tour: $72
  • From San Sebastian: Pamplona City Tour: $91
  • Private City Tour Pamplona: $174
  • Private tour of Getaria, Zumaia, Zarautz and Orio. : $204
  • Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum small group tour: $218
  • Tour of the Bardenas " The great desert of Europe" and Tudela. : $234
  • San Sebastian & Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $235
  • Pamplona Private Tour with Castle of Javier : $240
  • Private tour of Lourdes and the three sacred temples: $240
  • San Sebastian And Basque Coast Tour From Pamplona: $240
  • Private tour of the jewels of Bilbao, with Guggenheim and pintxos tasting. : $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Pamplona $33

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 Pamplona

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

  • Half Day Rioja Wine Tour: $218
  • Wine tour of La Rioja, with two winery visits, and La Guardia. : $221
  • Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Logroño: $240
  • Rioja Wine Tour: 2 Wineries From Pamplona: $240
  • Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Logroño: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: Winery & Traditional Lunch From Pamplona: $251
  • Rioja Wine Tour: $283


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Pamplona?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 62% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Pamplona. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Varna is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 23°C (73°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Varna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varna usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during summer. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Varna usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Pamplona 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Varna or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varna as well as Pamplona. Additionally, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

Varna is cooler than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Varna often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Varna usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varna 14°C (57°F) 
    Pamplona 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Varna or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Varna can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Varna is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Varna in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Varna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during winter. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In January, Varna usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Varna or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Varna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In April, Varna is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 11°C (52°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Varna often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Varna usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Pamplona 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Varna

Varna Pamplona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)