A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Rijeka for Food, Couples, Families, and Beaches

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Rijeka, 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. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Cinque Terre and Rijeka 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 Rijeka attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Cinque Terre different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

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

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

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

Rijeka has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

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 Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

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

Cinque Terre and Rijeka are both nice 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.

Rijeka is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Cinque Terre or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cinque Terre or Rijeka to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cinque Terre than Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this slow-paced town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the accessible destination of Rijeka. 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 Rijeka?

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rijeka 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Rijeka?

Rijeka has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In the summer, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Cinque Terre are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the autumn, Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cinque Terre in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during autumn. Cinque Terre gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In October, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Cinque Terre during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cinque Terre is generally much warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cinque Terre often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in January than Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Cinque Terre usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Cinque Terre gets 192 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cinque Terre usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rijeka. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Cinque Terre