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

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

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

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

Bressanone

Bressanone is a quaint, picturesque, and idyllic 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Bressanone are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Bressanone attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bressanone and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

Vernazza Harbor
Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Bressanone 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

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 Bressanone Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

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

Bressanone is not a resort destination.


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

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beach. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Bressanone 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.


Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Bressanone 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 Bressanone for the hiking trails. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

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

Bressanone has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

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 Bressanone Better for Families?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Bressanone is a great coastal region if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

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

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre and Bressanone are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. 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.

Bressanone is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

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

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cinque Terre and Bressanone.

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 Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.


Is Cinque Terre or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre
Bressanone

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Bressanone to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Bressanone 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 Bressanone.

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


  • How many days in Cinque Terre or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cinque Terre 2-5 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bressanone, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this idyllic town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Bressanone?

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region.

Bressanone 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find food and shopping around the idyllic small town of Bressanone. 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.

A week in Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bressanone 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.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Cinque Terre?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cinque Terre is €140, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. 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 Cinque Terre and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cinque Terre 72
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cinque Terre 144
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Cinque Terre and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Cinque Terre or Bressanone? 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.

Hotels in Cinque Terre


Hotels in Bressanone


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cinque Terre Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cinque Terre 16
    Bressanone 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:


  • Ferry Day Pass
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Cinque Terre 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cinque Terre 41
    Bressanone 47
Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    9.50
  • Panini
    3.75
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    52
  • Fresh Focaccia
    2.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cinque Terre 13
    Bressanone 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    10
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    16
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    5.00
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    12

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Marine Biology & Snorkelling Experience in the Cinque Terre : $59
  • Kayak experience with Carnassa Tour in Cinque Terre + Snorkeling: $73
  • From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino: $88
  • La Spezia: Cinque Terre Guided Hiking Tour: $95
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Kayak tour from Monterosso to Vernazza: $98
  • Half Day Guided Tour of the Cinque Terre from the Sea: $104
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • The heart of the 5 Terre: Monterosso and national park ebike tour: $120
  • Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cinque Terre 6.71
    Bressanone 26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:


  • Glass of Local Wine
    2.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When comparing the travel costs between Cinque Terre and Bressanone, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Bressanone Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Bressanone?

Bressanone has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Bressanone, 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.