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

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Genoa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Genoa, 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 seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Genoa

Genoa is a vibrant, colorful, and energetic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Genoa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Genoa 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 Genoa attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Genoa and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Genoa is famous for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Genoa 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 Genoa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

Is Cinque Terre or Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Genoa. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

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 Genoa Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Cinque Terre or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is Cinque Terre or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for hiking. However, Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Genoa?

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

Genoa has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

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 Genoa Better for Families?

Genoa 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 Genoa. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

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 Genoa Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

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

Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Genoa is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Genoa can get you to most places easily. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Cinque Terre or Genoa a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. 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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Cinque Terre or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 2-4 days is enough time in Genoa.

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

One day in Cinque Terre or Genoa?

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 Genoa, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant port city offers. 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 Genoa?

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.

Genoa 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 Genoa?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Genoa. 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 Genoa?

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.

Genoa 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 comparing the travel costs between Cinque Terre and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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 Genoa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Genoa?

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

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 Genoa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Genoa. The summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Genoa in the summer. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Genoa this time of the year. In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Genoa. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cinque Terre is cooler than Genoa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cinque Terre in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Genoa averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in October than Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Genoa in the Winter?

Both Genoa and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Genoa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cinque Terre is generally cooler than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Genoa during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa and Cinque Terre during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Genoa in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Genoa fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than Genoa. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Cinque Terre