A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Aegina and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Aegina and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aegina attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Aegina and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Aegina different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Aegina is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Aegina can be an interesting and educational experience. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Aegina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Aegina has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Aegina is not a resort destination.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Aegina and Cinque Terre are nice choices.

Aegina is a good option for a beach vacation. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Aegina is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Aegina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Cinque Terre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Cinque Terre offers lots of family activities. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Cinque Terre are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Aegina or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

In either Aegina or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aegina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cinque Terre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aegina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cinque Terre.

One day in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

In Aegina, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun island offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Aegina is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Cinque Terre?

Aegina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Aegina 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 Aegina 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 Aegina or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°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 Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Aegina is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Aegina gets 206 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, Aegina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aegina or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Aegina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 143 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. Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Aegina because of the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Aegina is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Aegina