Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Chania?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Chania is a idyllic, charming, and picturesque city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.
Travelers will usually find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Chania is famous for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Chania 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 Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.
Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.
Foodies will find both Chania and Cinque Terre both to be amazing destinations.
Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.
Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.
Chania 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 Chania. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old 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.
Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.
Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. 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.
Chania is not a resort destination.
You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Chania and Cinque Terre.
Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.
It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.
Chania is renowned for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.
The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.
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.
Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.
The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.
Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.
Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.
Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.
Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.
Chania is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.
Chania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around 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.
Chania 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 Chania. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.
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.
Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.
Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.
Chania 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 Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.
Cinque Terre is a good city 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.
You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chania and Cinque Terre.
You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.
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.
Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
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.
Chania is very walkable. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.
For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.
In either Chania or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.
Families should spend more time in Chania than Cinque Terre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chania, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Chania. 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 Chania 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 Chania.
In Chania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque city 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 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.
Chania is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.
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.
You'll find nightlife and food around the idyllic destination of Chania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.
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.
Chania 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.
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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chania and Cinque Terre in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Chania or Cinque Terre? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:
Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Chania change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chania.
For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:
For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Chania.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.
Chania has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.
Chania is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 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 Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.
Chania usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Cinque Terre and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).
Chania usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Chania gets 198 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, Chania usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Cinque Terre and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.
In January, Chania is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 118 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.
Chania is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Chania | Cinque Terre | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
May | 20°C (69°F) | 13 mm (0.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Jul | 26°C (80°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Nov | 17°C (62°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
Dec | 14°C (57°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |