A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park, 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 stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Cinque Terre and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cinque Terre doesn't offer many options. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for the beach. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cinque Terre has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

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.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for couples. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre 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.

Couples visit Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre and Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cinque Terre has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cinque Terre than Cairngorms National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Cairngorms National Park, many people enjoy the food that this remote national park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Cairngorms National Park, many people enjoy the food that this remote 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. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Cairngorms National Park 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 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Cinque Terre and Cairngorms National Park, 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 Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cinque Terre is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Cinque Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cinque Terre in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Cairngorms National Park. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. In January, Cinque Terre is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cinque Terre is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Cinque Terre