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

Should you visit Beaune 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 Beaune 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.

Beaune

Beaune is a cultural, historic, and culinary town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Beaune and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beaune or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Beaune and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Beaune is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Beaune and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Beaune is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Beaune different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Beaune 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 Beaune can be an interesting and educational experience. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Beaune and Cinque Terre.

Eat your way through Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French 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.

Is Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Beaune 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 Beaune. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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 Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Beaune is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Beaune is not a beach destination.

Is Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the world-class old town areas in both Beaune and Cinque Terre.

Beaune has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune is not a hiking destination.

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.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beaune or Cinque Terre?

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

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

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 Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Beaune and Cinque Terre are good family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beaune. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Beaune and Cinque Terre both world-class destinations for a couple.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cinque Terre. 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Beaune 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 Beaune and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

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 Beaune or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Beaune and Cinque Terre both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

Cinque Terre is a very easy town to get around on foot. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Beaune?

How long in Beaune or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Beaune. 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 Beaune. 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 Beaune 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 Beaune or Cinque Terre?

In Beaune, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this quaint town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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 Beaune or Cinque Terre?

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Beaune or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Beaune. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Beaune or Cinque Terre?

Beaune is a popular place to visit. 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. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, 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 Beaune and Cinque Terre, we can see that Beaune is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune than you might in Cinque Terre.

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

Which is Bigger, Beaune or Cinque Terre?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Beaune 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 Beaune 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 Beaune or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beaune as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Beaune in the summer for the small town charm 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.

In the summer, Beaune is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beaune in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 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 Beaune this time of the year. In the summer, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Beaune usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Beaune are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere 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 October, Beaune is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Beaune average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Beaune gets 121 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, Beaune usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beaune or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

The weather in Beaune can be very cold. Beaune is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Beaune averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Beaune often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 53 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. Beaune usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beaune or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Beaune is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beaune in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Beaune usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Beaune gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beaune usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Beaune gets 52 mm (2 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 Beaune