A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Caen vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Caen 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 Caen 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.

Caen

Caen is a important, historic, and park-filled city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Caen and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Caen or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Caen, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Caen is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Caen and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Caen is well known for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Caen different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Caen 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 Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Caen 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 Caen. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

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 Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Caen is not a resort destination.

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.

Caen is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Caen or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Caen and Cinque Terre are notable family-friendly destinations.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

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 Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

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

Caen and Cinque Terre are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Caen or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Caen 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 Caen can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Caen?

How long in Caen or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Caen, many people enjoy the food and museums that this park-filled city 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 where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Caen or Cinque Terre?

Caen 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 is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Caen or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife and food around the important destination of Caen. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Caen or Cinque Terre?

Caen 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.

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Caen 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 Caen Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Caen or Cinque Terre?

Caen has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Caen 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 Caen 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 Caen or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Caen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Caen in the summer for the city activities 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 July, Caen is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 18°C (64°F), 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 Caen. Caen usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Caen gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Caen usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Caen gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Caen or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Caen during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Caen for the city's sights and attractions 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.

Caen is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Caen averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Caen often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Caen gets 128 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. Caen usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Caen gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Caen or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Caen and Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Caen because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Caen can be very cold. In the winter, Caen is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Caen in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Caen usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Caen gets 70 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. In January, Caen usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Caen gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Caen or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Caen as well as Cinque Terre. The activities around the city are the main draw to Caen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Caen is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Caen average around 9°C (49°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Caen often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Caen gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Caen usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Caen 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 Caen