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

Should you visit Antalya or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a high energy, relaxing, and luxurious vacation spot. With stunning beauty, Antalya attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Antalya travel costs.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Antalya and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Antalya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antalya is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Antalya is famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

How is Antalya different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya 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 Antalya can be an interesting and educational experience. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Antalya is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Antalya active and fun. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Antalya offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's nice scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Antalya and Cinque Terre.

Antalya has a few good snorkeling spots. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches in Antalya are among the best in the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Antalya is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Antalya is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It is a beautiful city with historic buildings and stunning beaches.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Cinque Terre is a good vacation spot 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 Antalya or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Antalya can get you to most places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Antalya or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Cinque Terre?

In either Antalya or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Cinque Terre. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Antalya or Cinque Terre?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the live music and food that this relaxing vacation spot offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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. 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 Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Antalya 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 Antalya or Cinque Terre?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this luxurious destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Antalya 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, 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 Antalya and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Antalya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antalya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antalya 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 Antalya.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 480 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Cinque Terre?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, 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.

Antalya is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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, Antalya is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antalya in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antalya usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Antalya for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 11°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Antalya because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Antalya is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 16°C (62°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Antalya