A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional 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.

Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aix-en-Provence attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Aix-en-Provence is famous for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Aix-en-Provence different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Aix-en-Provence is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Aix-en-Provence. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Aix-en-Provence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Aix-en-Provence is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Aix-en-Provence. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Aix-en-Provence specifically to go shopping. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Cinque Terre is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

In either Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aix-en-Provence because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Aix-en-Provence 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This coastal region offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aix-en-Provence as well as Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 24°C (75°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 Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In the summer, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Aix-en-Provence are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aix-en-Provence in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Aix-en-Provence gets 205 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, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Aix-en-Provence during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Aix-en-Provence is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Aix-en-Provence average around 7°C (44°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Aix-en-Provence often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 150 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. Aix-en-Provence usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aix-en-Provence or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aix-en-Provence and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Aix-en-Provence is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Aix-en-Provence averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aix-en-Provence usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Aix-en-Provence gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aix-en-Provence usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Aix-en-Provence gets 48 mm (1.9 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 Aix-en-Provence