A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Crete for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Crete?

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

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

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cinque Terre and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete. Although Cinque Terre and Crete are popular destinations, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Crete is famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos.

How is Cinque Terre different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Crete is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Crete can be an interesting and educational experience. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at fantastic restaurants in both Cinque Terre and Crete.

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 Crete have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete Better for Nightlife?

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

Crete has a large number of nightlife venues. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

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 Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

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

Crete is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

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.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is renowned for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete Better for Hiking?

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

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.

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Crete?

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

Crete has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

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 Crete Better for Families?

Crete is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre and Crete are both fantastic 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.

Crete is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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

Crete is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

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.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Crete is a great island to visit as a student. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Crete, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Cinque Terre or Crete a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known 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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable coastal region. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Crete?

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

Families should spend more time in Crete than Cinque Terre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Cinque Terre 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 Crete.

One day in Cinque Terre or Crete?

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this stunning island 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 Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Crete?

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Crete, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this world-renowned 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 Crete?

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete 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 Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and Crete, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete 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 Crete.

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 Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Cinque Terre or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 380 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Crete, 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.