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

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Reykjavik, 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. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a green, safe, and friendly city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and hiking.

Cinque Terre and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Reykjavik, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Reykjavik is more popular for its nightlife and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Reykjavik and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Reykjavik is well known for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in 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 Reykjavik Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Reykjavik is not a resort destination.

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

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

Reykjavik is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Reykjavik is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre and Reykjavik are both places where visitors can find amazing 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 Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

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

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

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 Reykjavik Better for Families?

Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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

Cinque Terre and Reykjavik are both notable 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.

Reykjavik is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Reykjavik is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cinque Terre and Reykjavik.

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 Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Cinque Terre or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable coastal region. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

In either Cinque Terre or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cinque Terre has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cinque Terre than Reykjavik. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this clean city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Reykjavik is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

In Reykjavik, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this green 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Reykjavik 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and Reykjavik, we can see that Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Reykjavik?

Reykjavik has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

Both Reykjavik and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

In the summer, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cinque Terre in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during summer. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Cinque Terre during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. In October, Cinque Terre is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 17°C (63°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the autumn, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 83 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 Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Reykjavik in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the winter. Cinque Terre is much warmer than Reykjavik in the winter. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 8°C (46°F) in January, and Reykjavik fluctuates around -0°C (32°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during winter. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 27 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 Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Reykjavik. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the natural beauty during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Cinque Terre is much warmer than Reykjavik. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cinque Terre in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Reykjavik averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the spring, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in April than Reykjavik. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Cinque Terre