A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Kotor for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Kotor?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Kotor, 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. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Kotor

Kotor is a scenic, beautiful, and charming coastal town. 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.

Cinque Terre and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Kotor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its shopping, while Kotor is more popular for its nightlife and resorts. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Kotor and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Kotor have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

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 Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

You might not think of Kotor as a resort destination, but it has a few places. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

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 Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find notable snorkeling or scuba diving in both Cinque Terre and Kotor.

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.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Both Cinque Terre and Kotor have notable beaches worth visiting.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kotor. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre and Kotor both have terrific historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre and Kotor are both places where visitors can find terrific hiking trails.

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.

Around Kotor visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Kotor?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with a few options for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Kotor are both notable 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Kotor is a great coastal region if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cinque Terre is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Cinque Terre or Kotor a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre and Kotor are terrific 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 Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Cinque Terre or Kotor. 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 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Kotor. 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 Kotor 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 Kotor.

One day in Cinque Terre or Kotor?

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 Kotor, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food that this dramatic coastal town 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Kotor?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the historic small town of Kotor. 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 Kotor?

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.

Kotor 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

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

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 Kotor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Kotor?

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

Both Kotor and Cinque Terre during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cinque Terre in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Kotor averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Kotor, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in July than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Kotor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Kotor. 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, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year.

In October, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Kotor. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 17°C (63°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. Cinque Terre usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kotor 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 less rain than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Kotor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Kotor. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine.

Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Kotor in the winter. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in January than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Kotor in the Spring?

Both Kotor and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Kotor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cinque Terre in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Kotor averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kotor during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In April, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Kotor. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Cinque Terre