A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class, spectacular, and awe-inspiring mountain town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, and resorts, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also home to Mont Blanc. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the best in the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Dining out in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an experience not to be missed. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a large number of nightlife venues. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski 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.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Cinque Terre, and they are world-class.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Cinque Terre both world-class destinations for a couple.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Cinque Terre is a good mountain town 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is renowned 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a great public transit system. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

In either Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this awe-inspiring mountain town 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Many people visit Cinque Terre for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this epic 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.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers something for everyone. 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 Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Cinque Terre, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Cinque Terre?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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.