A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Amalfi for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Amalfi, 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.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque 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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cinque Terre and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amalfi. Although Cinque Terre and Amalfi are both popular with visitors, Amalfi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Amalfi is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is known for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Amalfi is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also home to the dramatic coastline.

How is Cinque Terre different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Cinque Terre and Amalfi.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

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

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

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

You'll find good snorkeling or scuba diving in both Cinque Terre and Amalfi.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Both Cinque Terre and Amalfi have good beaches worth visiting.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its old town. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking 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 Amalfi for the hiking trails. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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

Amalfi has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

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 Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Amalfi are both good destinations for the whole family.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre and Amalfi are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

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.

Amalfi is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cinque Terre and Amalfi.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre and Amalfi are first-rate when it comes to 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.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

Both Cinque Terre and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Cinque Terre. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Amalfi. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Amalfi 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 Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dramatic 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Cinque Terre Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

Amalfi has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Amalfi, 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 Cinque Terre or Amalfi?

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 Cinque Terre or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Cinque Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. 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. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in July than Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Amalfi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Amalfi averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 14°C (57°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Amalfi. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Cinque Terre