A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cinque Terre vs. Livorno for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Livorno?

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

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

Livorno

Livorno is a friendly, down-to-earth, and waterfront port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Livorno?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Livorno 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 Livorno attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Livorno is famous for its large port and its great seafood.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Livorno is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Livorno specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno 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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Livorno 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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of 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 Livorno Better for Resorts?

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

Livorno is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for hiking. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Livorno?

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

Livorno has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

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 Livorno Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Livorno are both nice 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 Livorno. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno 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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

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

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

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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Cinque Terre or Livorno a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Livorno because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-2 days is enough time in Livorno.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Livorno. 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 Livorno. 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 Livorno 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 Livorno?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Livorno, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this waterfront port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Livorno?

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the waterfront destination of Livorno. 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 Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Livorno 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 Livorno, 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 Livorno Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Livorno. 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, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Livorno in the summer. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Livorno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno 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 Livorno during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Livorno. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Livorno. 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 Livorno for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cinque Terre in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Livorno averages at about 16°C (61°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in October than Livorno. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno 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 Livorno in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cinque Terre is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Livorno. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno 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 Livorno for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Livorno in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Livorno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

Cinque Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Livorno. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Cinque Terre