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

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Bellagio, 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 idyllic, quaint, and seaside 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.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a opulent, beautiful, and impressive town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and shopping.

Cinque Terre and Bellagio: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Bellagio 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 Bellagio is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Bellagio is popular for its luxurious villas, stunning views, and charming boutique lined streets.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Bellagio?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bellagio 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 Bellagio?

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

While most people don't head to Bellagio specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town's atmosphere and views are what attract the tourists, but if you're looking for historical sights, check out the Basilica of San Giacomo.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and 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.

Bellagio has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many fine dining restaurants that offer a luxurious atmosphere and well crafted dishes. There are also Michelin starred restaurants in town which offer a unique, world-class experience.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio Better for Nightlife?

Bellagio is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Bellagio. The town is filled with opulence and luxury, and the nightlife is no exception. Sip cocktails and fine wine while you listen to music or take in the atmosphere.

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 Bellagio Better for Resorts?

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

Bellagio is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bellagio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Bellagio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beache. However, Bellagio is not a beach destination.

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.

Bellagio is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Bellagio does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

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.

Bellagio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

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

Bellagio has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find traditional shops mixed in with modern stores. There are high end brands and more local specialty markets that are fun to peruse.

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 Bellagio Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Bellagio 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 Bellagio. The town has a playground, a small train, and a Museum of Navigational Instruments that kids may enjoy. There's also a beach where everyone can take a swim.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Bellagio is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Bellagio is a great coastal region if you're traveling as a couple. The town is a favorite on Lake Como, and couples will appreciate its charming atmosphere and beautiful lake front setting. In a few hours you can soak up the character and magic or this beautiful area.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for backpackers. However, Bellagio is a town with minimal options 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.

Bellagio is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Many people visit the town as a day trip, as it can easily be explored in a few hours. Backpackers who don't want to pay the high hotel prices can still enjoy the setting without staying the night.

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

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

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 Bellagio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses and ferries to town, or you can take a taxi.

Is Cinque Terre or Bellagio a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre and Bellagio 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 Bellagio on foot is easy. The town is small and compact with many pedestrian streets that are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bellagio or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Bellagio to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Bellagio because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-2 days is enough time in Bellagio.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Bellagio. 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 Bellagio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

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.

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

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio 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.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

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.

You'll find shopping and food around the glamorous small town of Bellagio. 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.

A week in Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

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.

Bellagio 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.

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 Bellagio, we can see that Bellagio 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 Bellagio would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bellagio 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 Bellagio Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Bellagio?

Bellagio has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Bellagio, 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 Bellagio?

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 Bellagio in the Summer?

Both Bellagio 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bellagio for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Bellagio. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), and Bellagio fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Bellagio, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 250 hours of full sun.

Bellagio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in July than Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bellagio in the Autumn?

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

Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Bellagio in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Bellagio fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bellagio 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 around the same amount of rain as Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bellagio in the Winter?

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

Bellagio can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Bellagio. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Bellagio averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bellagio receives 119 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Bellagio in the Spring?

Both Bellagio 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 Bellagio because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Bellagio during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Bellagio receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bellagio. In April, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Bellagio. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Bellagio receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bellagio and Cinque Terre