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

Should you visit Chartres or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Chartres 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chartres and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Chartres 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, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is known for its museums. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Chartres different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres 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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

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

For backpackers, both Chartres and Cinque Terre are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Chartres or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres 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 Chartres can get you to most places easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region 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.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Chartres, many people enjoy the museums and food that this historic town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chartres or Cinque Terre?

Chartres 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Chartres or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and food around the grand destination of Chartres. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Cinque Terre?

Chartres 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.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal region offers something for everyone.

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 Chartres and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres 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 Chartres.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Cinque Terre?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Chartres 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 Chartres 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 Chartres or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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, Chartres is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Additionally, 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, Chartres is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. Chartres is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 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 Chartres