A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Almeria vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Beaches, Old Town, and Hiking

Should you visit Almeria or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Cinque Terre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a breathtaking, pristine, and cultural region. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning 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.

Almeria and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Almeria and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Almeria attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Almeria and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Almeria is famous for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Almeria different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Almeria and Cinque Terre offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.

Eat your way through Almeria, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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.

Is Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Almeria is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Almeria. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

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 Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Almeria is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Almeria offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cinque Terre. 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.

Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Almeria is renowned for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Almeria are among the best in the world. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. 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 Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The rich history of Cinque Terre can be explored in its historical center. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cinque Terre has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Almeria is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Almeria. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

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.

Is Almeria or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Almeria is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

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

Almeria is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Almeria. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Cinque Terre is a good region 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 Almeria 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 Almeria and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

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 Almeria or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options 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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

In either Almeria or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Almeria because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Almeria. 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 Almeria than Cinque Terre 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 Almeria.

One day in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

In Almeria, many people enjoy the food and nightlife that this natural region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this region.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

Almeria is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

You'll find food and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Almeria or Cinque Terre?

Almeria is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, 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 Almeria and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria 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 Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Cinque Terre?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Almeria 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 Almeria 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 Almeria or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

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

Almeria is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 26°C (78°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 Almeria this time of the year. In the summer, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Almeria is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Almeria in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Almeria gets 220 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, Almeria usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Almeria or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Almeria during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Almeria because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In January, Almeria is generally much warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 186 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. Almeria usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Cinque Terre. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Almeria is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Almeria usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Almeria gets 26 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 Almeria