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

Should you visit Varna or Positano?

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 Positano 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 Positano?

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.

Positano

Located on the Amalfi Coast in Campania, Italy, Positano is a very scenic town that offers spectacular coastal views. The town sits on the edge of a hill and flows down toward the sea. Because of its dramatic beauty, Positano attracts thousands of visitors year around.

The town dates back to medieval times when it was a port for the Amalfi Republic. It thrived throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries but by the mid-nineteenth century its prosperity was falling. During those times more than half of the population left, migrating predominantly to America. During the 1950s the town gained popularity as a tourist destination, in part because of John Steinbeck's essay about the area in Harper's Bazaar (May, 1953).

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Positano 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 Positano is $238. 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 Positano in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Positano $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Positano $316
Compare Hotels in Varna and Positano

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Positano? 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 Positano


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 Positano Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Positano $8.28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:

  • Varna to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $644
  • Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sunny Beach: $219
  • Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Sozopol: $155
  • Varna Airport - Ravda | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $136
  • Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
  • Varna Airport - Nessebar | Airport Transfer,Taxi, Bus, Van Service | Book Now: $131
  • Private Transfer from Varna to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $128
  • Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
  • Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Pomorie: $118

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Positano

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


  • Bus Ticket
    $1.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Positano

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

  • Amalfi and Positano cruise with transfer included: $94
  • Cozy Private Door-to-Door Transfer from Positano to Naples: $145
  • From Sorrento & Pompeii Private Tour w/ Transfers: $642
  • From Salerno Station: 1-Way Private Transfer to Positano: $266
  • From the Coast: Pompeii the Real All Inclusive Service(Guide,Transfer,Ticket): $257
  • Naples: Private Minivan Transfer to or from the Amalfi Coast: $123
  • Positano or Ravello to Naples airport/station private departure transfer: $176
  • Positano to Fiumicino Rome Airport (FCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $224
  • Positano to Napoli Airport (NAP) - Departure Private Transfer: $48
  • One-Way Private Transfer to Naples: $133
  • Private Transfer to Naples with WiFi: $214
  • Private Transfer to Sorrento, Rome or Naples: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Positano?

Prices for flights to both Positano 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
    Positano $57

Typical Food Prices in Positano

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Positano:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $33
  • Pizza in a Restaurant
    $9.99
  • Sandwich in a Restaurant
    $13

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Positano

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

  • Gastronomical Amalfi Coast Hike with Cooking Class: $45
  • Cooking class with Pasta, mozzarella and Tiramisu with wine: $64
  • Cooking lesson: tagliatelle, mozzarella and tiramisu: $76
  • Amalfi Coast Cooking Class: Pasta Mozzarella & Tiramisu with Wine: $88
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Sant'Agnello with Show Cooking: $93
  • Sorrento Pizza School Activity in Italy: $98
  • Small Group Positano Cooking Class Gnocchi Tiramisù with Drinks : $147
  • Lemon & sea food cooking class at local's home: $169
  • Small Group Home Cooking Class with a Local: $191
  • Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Wine: $191
  • Cesarine: Small group Pizza and Tiramisu Class in Positano: $195
  • Vico Equense: Market Tour, Home Cooking Class, and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Positano $65

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 Positano

For Positano, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Chair & Umbrella at Spiaggia Grande
    $18
  • Day Trip of Capri & Amalfi
    $86
  • Sunset Cruise
    $26
  • Full Day Wine Tour
    $104
  • Cooking Class
    $70

Tours and Activities in Positano

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Positano.

  • From Sorrento: Positano Mini Cruise: $36
  • Positano Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $66
  • Sunset Tour Experience - Shared: $75
  • Amalfi Coast Sunset Group Boat Tour with Prosecco: $80
  • Golden Hour around Positano Sunset Group Cruise : $82
  • Unforgettable sunset tour in Positano: $87
  • From Amalfi Coast Sunset Cruise - Group Tour: $97
  • Sunset Group Boat Tour from Positano or Praiano: $104
  • Full Day Amalfi Small Group Cruise from Positano : $104
  • Old Town Walking Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Maiori: $106
  • Sunset Boat Cruise from Amalfi: $106

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Positano $17

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 Positano

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


  • Bottle of Limoncello
    $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Positano

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

  • 5 Wine Tastings with Typical Products in Sorrento Coast: $76
  • Small Group Positano Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $108
  • Pompeii Wine Tasting Tour from Positano: $246


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Positano?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Varna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Varna is around the same temperature as Positano in the summer. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varna. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Positano. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Positano. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varna 23°C (73°F) 
    Positano 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Varna or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varna and Positano. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Positano during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Positano. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Varna or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varna as well as Positano. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Varna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Varna is generally much colder than Positano. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 3°C (37°F), and Positano fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Positano. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Varna usually gets less rain in January than Positano. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Varna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Varna is cooler than Positano in the spring. The daily temperature in Varna averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Varna usually receives less sunshine than Positano during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Positano. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Varna 11°C (52°F) 
    Positano 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Positano and Varna

Varna Positano
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Oct 14°C (57°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)