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

Should you visit Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Cardiff 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.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning 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.

Cardiff and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cardiff 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 food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cardiff is known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cardiff different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cardiff 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 Cardiff. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Cardiff 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.

Cardiff is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Cardiff is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Cardiff does not have a 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.

Cardiff does not have a historic old town.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

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

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cardiff or Cinque Terre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Cardiff is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Cardiff or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Cardiff?

How long in Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Cardiff, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this up-and-coming city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

Cardiff 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 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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife and shopping around the green destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

Cardiff 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.

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 United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Cardiff and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cardiff or Cinque Terre?

Cardiff has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cardiff 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 Cardiff 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 Cardiff or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cardiff as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Cardiff for the city activities 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.

In the summer, Cardiff is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cardiff in July average around 17°C (63°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 Cardiff this time of the year. In the summer, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cardiff usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Cardiff are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cardiff in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping 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 October, Cardiff is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Cardiff average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cardiff usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Cardiff gets 95 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. It's quite rainy in Cardiff. In October, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Cardiff during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cardiff for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Cardiff often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 57 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. Cardiff usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cardiff or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cardiff and Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the spring, Cardiff is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cardiff in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Cardiff usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Cardiff gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cardiff usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Cardiff gets 47 mm (1.9 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 Cardiff