A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Lake Garda for Food, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Lake Garda, 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. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a playful, fun, and energetic lake. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Lake Garda are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Lake Garda is known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Lake Garda and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Lake Garda is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Lake Garda is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Is Cinque Terre or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

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

Lake Garda has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

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 Lake Garda Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Lake Garda is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Lake Garda Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Lake Garda is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Lake Garda is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Lake Garda. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

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 Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a 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.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking trails. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lake Garda. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

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

Lake Garda has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

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 Lake Garda Better for Families?

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

Lake Garda is an amazing family-friendly lake to visit. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

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 Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Lake Garda frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Is Cinque Terre or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre and Lake Garda are both good 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.

Lake Garda is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

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

Lake Garda 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 Lake Garda can get you to most places easily. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

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 Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Cinque Terre or Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Lake Garda. 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.

One day in Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this fun lake 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 Lake Garda?

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.

Lake Garda is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Lake Garda?

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 museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Lake Garda. 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 Lake Garda?

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.

Lake Garda 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Cinque Terre.

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 Lake Garda Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Cinque Terre or Lake Garda?

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 Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cinque Terre is generally around the same temperature as Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 24°C (75°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Lake Garda. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

Both Lake Garda and Cinque Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cinque Terre is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 137 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 Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Lake Garda. The winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Lake Garda this time of year.

It's quite cold in Lake Garda in the winter. In the winter, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cinque Terre in January average around 8°C (46°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lake Garda during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 98 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 Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Lake Garda in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Lake Garda. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cinque Terre is generally a little warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 14°C (57°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than Lake Garda. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Cinque Terre