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

Should you visit Varna or Sibenik?

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 Sibenik 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 Sibenik?

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.

Sibenik

Sibenik is a city on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. It's known as a gateway to the Kornati Islands. The 15th-century stone Cathedral of St. James is decorated with 71 sculpted faces. Nearby, the Sibenik City Museum, in the 14th-century Prince's Palace, has exhibits ranging from prehistory to the present. The white stone St. Michael's Fortress has an open-air theater, with views of Sibenik Bay and neighboring islands. The city's magnificent medieval heart, gleaming white against the placid waters of the bay is enough to excite any traveler, and you won't be disappointed with your trip here. The stone labyrinth of steep backstreets and alleys are a joy to explore. Sibenik is also an important access point for Krka National Park and the Kornati Islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik.


Which place is cheaper, Sibenik 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 Sibenik is $100. 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 Sibenik in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varna $35
    Sibenik $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varna $70
    Sibenik $116
Compare Hotels in Varna and Sibenik

Looking for a hotel in Varna or Sibenik? 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 Sibenik


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 Sibenik Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varna $9.33
    Sibenik $14

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sibenik

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

  • Airport transfer from Split to Šibenik or vice versa: $164
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split: $262
  • Private transfer from Sibenik to Split airport: $126

Is it cheaper to fly into Varna or Sibenik?

Prices for flights to both Sibenik 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
    Sibenik $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varna $8.55
    Sibenik $13

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 Sibenik

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

  • Discover Šibenik - Evening walking tour : $38
  • Daily or night walking tour through Medieval Šibenik: $45
  • Private Sibenik Walking Historical Morning or Evening Tour: $49
  • Via Ferrata tour - Čikola Canyon: $74
  • Krka Waterfalls National Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Kornati island National Park & Telascica Nature Park Boat Tour from Vodice: $76
  • Šibenik Riviera boat tour: Zlarin + Prvić + Tijat: $120
  • Kornati Experience small group (12 pax) boat tour: $137
  • Sibenik Private Combined Food & Drink and Historical Tour: $152
  • Full-Day Sailing Tour in Šibenik Archipelago: $164
  • The Best of Sibenik Private Walking Tour: $164
  • Private walking tour of Sibenik: $164

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varna $8.52
    Sibenik $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

Sample the Local Flavors in Sibenik

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sibenik:

  • Vinoplod Winery - Wine Tasting Tour: $29
  • Private Krka Waterfalls Tour with Wine Tasting from Sibenik: $213
  • From Split or Trogir: Krka National Park & Wine Tasting Tour: $1,069


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


Which is Bigger, Varna or Sibenik?

Varna has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sibenik. When comparing the sizes of Varna and Sibenik, 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 Sibenik?

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 Sibenik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Varna as well as Sibenik. Also, many travelers come to Sibenik for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varna is cooler than Sibenik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Sibenik averages at about 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sibenik. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Varna this time of the year. In the summer, Varna often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Varna gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 345 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets more rain in July than Sibenik. Varna gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Sibenik in the Autumn?

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

In October, Varna is generally cooler than Sibenik. Daily temperatures in Varna average around 14°C (57°F), and Sibenik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sibenik. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during autumn. Varna gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Varna usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Varna gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Varna or Sibenik in the Winter?

Both Sibenik and Varna during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Sibenik for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

In the winter, Varna often gets less sunshine than Sibenik. Varna gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sibenik receives 128 hours of full sun.

Varna usually gets less rain in January than Sibenik. Varna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Varna or Sibenik in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Varna is cooler than Sibenik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varna in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Sibenik averages at about 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sibenik this time of the year. Varna usually receives less sunshine than Sibenik during spring. Varna gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Sibenik receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Varna usually receives less rain than Sibenik. Varna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Sibenik receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Sibenik and Varna

Varna Sibenik
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)