A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Akureyri vs. Cinque Terre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Akureyri or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Akureyri 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.

Where Should I go: Akureyri or Cinque Terre?

Akureyri

Akureyri is the largest town in the northern region of Iceland, and is often considered the unofficial capital of the north. The town is a popular fishing port and is often used as a basecamp for visiting the more rural surrounding area. Akureyri is known for their great art scene, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural scenery.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Iceland, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Iceland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Akureyri?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Akureyri Prices
    Iceland Prices
    Cinque Terre Prices
    Italy Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Akureyri $189
    Cinque Terre $197

The average daily cost (per person) in Akureyri is $189, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is $197. 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 Akureyri and Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Akureyri $102
    Cinque Terre $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Akureyri $204
    Cinque Terre $168
Compare Hotels in Akureyri and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Akureyri or Cinque Terre? 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 Akureyri


Hotels in Cinque Terre


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: Akureyri Hotel Prices and Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Akureyri $23
    Cinque Terre $18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Akureyri

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Akureyri:

  • Whale and Puffin Watching in Hauganes from Akureyri with Transfer: $164
  • Whale Watching from Akureyri with Roundtrip Transfer: $117
  • Transfer to Akureyri Airport from your Stay: $32
  • Transfer from Accommodation to Akureyri Airport: $29
  • Seamless Transfer from Akureyri Airport to Your Stay: $32
  • From Godafoss Waterfall Guided Trip with Transfers: $129
  • Whale Watching Tour with Transfer from Port: $141
  • Akureyri Airport (AEY): Transfer to/from Akureyri City: $32

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Ferry Day Pass
    $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Akureyri or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Akureyri 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
    Akureyri $70
    Cinque Terre $83

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    $11
  • Panini
    $4.35
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $61
  • Fresh Focaccia
    $2.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

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

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $211
  • Cesarine: Sunset Spritz Masterclass with Dinner in Cinque Terre: $211
  • 2-course Cooking Class with seaview in Riomaggiore: $223
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $295

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Akureyri $18
    Cinque Terre $15

Tours and Activities in Akureyri

Here are a few actual costs in Akureyri for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Akureyri Guided E-Bike Tour: $165
  • Akureyri Lake Myvatn Godafoss and Lava Fields Tour: $180
  • Akureyri Northern Light Tour: $139
  • Akureyri Port: Dettifoss, Goðafoss and Lake Mývatn Tour: $293
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and Akureyri Botanical Garden Tour: $170
  • Akureyri Port: Goðafoss and the Forest Lagoon Tour: $203
  • Akureyri Port: Godafoss Waterfall Classic Tour & Viewpoint: $81
  • Akureyri Port: Hot Godafoss Waterfall Tour & The Forest Lagoon: $157
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn & Goðafoss Guided Tour with Lunch: $328
  • Akureyri Port: Lake Mývatn and Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $182
  • Akureyri Port: Myvatn Nature Baths & Godafoss Waterfall Tour: $246
  • Akureyri Port: Small Group Godafoss and Laufas Turf House Tour: $165

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    $12
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    $19
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    $5.80
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    $14

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

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

  • Lemon tour in Vernazza with tasting of our limoncino and wine: $56
  • Marine Biology & Snorkelling Experience in the Cinque Terre: $64
  • Exclusive E-Bike Tour to Cinque Terre from Monterosso: $88
  • Kayak experience with Carnassa Tour in Cinque Terre + Snorkeling: $88
  • Cinque Terre Boat Tour Departing from Monterosso: $93
  • Sunset Boat Tour and Cinque Terre Aperitif from Monterosso: $93
  • Sunset Boat Tour and Cinque Terre Aperitif from Monterosso: $93
  • La Spezia: Cinque Terre Guided Hiking Tour: $94
  • Cinque Terre Boat Tour Departing from Monterosso: $98
  • Kayak tour from Monterosso to Vernazza: $104
  • Small Group Cinque Terre Boat Tour with Swim and Local Skipper: $112
  • 3 Hour One-Way Sunset Boat Tour from Monterosso to La Spezia: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Akureyri $15
    Cinque Terre $7.79

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Glass of Local Wine
    $3.37

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

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

  • Pesto Class and Wine Tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre: $73
  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Trekking & Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $77
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $81
  • Private Tour of Cinque Terre's Wine tasting with a local: $155
  • Private Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $164
  • Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre: $188
  • Natural Wine Tasting with sea view in Riomaggiore: $211


When comparing the travel costs between Akureyri 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 Akureyri Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Akureyri or Cinque Terre?

Akureyri has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Akureyri 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 Akureyri 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 Akureyri or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Akureyri as well as Cinque Terre. 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.

In July, Akureyri is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Akureyri usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Akureyri 11°C (52°F) 
    Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Akureyri are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

It's quite cold in Akureyri in the autumn. Akureyri is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Akureyri averages around 3°C (38°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Akureyri gets 52 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, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Akureyri 3°C (38°F) 
    Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Akureyri during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Akureyri. In the winter, Akureyri is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Akureyri in January average around -2°C (28°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Akureyri often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 7 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. Akureyri usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Akureyri -2°C (28°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Akureyri or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

Akureyri can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Akureyri is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Akureyri average around 2°C (36°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Akureyri usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Akureyri gets 130 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Akureyri usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Akureyri gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Akureyri 2°C (36°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Akureyri

Akureyri Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 2°C (36°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 6°C (43°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 10°C (50°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 11°C (52°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 11°C (51°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 7°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 3°C (38°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov -0°C (32°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec -2°C (29°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)