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

Should you visit Delphi or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Delphi

Delphi is a world-renowned, historic, and fascinating archeological site. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

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.

Delphi and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Temple of Apollo
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Delphi and Cinque Terre 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, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Delphi attracts visitors for its museums. Delphi is famous for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor.

Vernazza Harbor
Vernazza Harbor

How is Delphi different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cinque Terre and Delphi. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Delphi is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Delphi has many famous sights for visitors. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Neither Delphi or Cinque Terre offer decent nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Delphi This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

People don't go to Cinque Terre for the nightlife. 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 Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

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

Delphi is not a resort destination.


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

Delphi
Cinque Terre

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

Delphi is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

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

Delphi is not a beach destination.

Is Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

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

Delphi does not have a historic old town.


Is Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is renowned for hiking. However, Delphi 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.

Delphi is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Cinque Terre has some good spots for those that want to go 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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Delphi and Cinque Terre are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Delphi offers lots of family activities. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is renowned for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.

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

Delphi
Cinque Terre

For backpackers, both Delphi and Cinque Terre are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Delphi. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cinque Terre is a good archeological site 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 Delphi or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Delphi and Cinque Terre both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Delphi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

Cinque Terre has a few public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.


Is Delphi or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Delphi
Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.

Delphi is very walkable. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Delphi?

How long in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

In either Delphi or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Delphi because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Delphi, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Delphi. 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 Delphi. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Delphi 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.


  • How many days in Delphi or Cinque Terre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Delphi 1-2 
    Cinque Terre 2-5

One day in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

In Delphi, many people enjoy the museums and food that this world-renowned archeological site offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this archeological site.

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.

A weekend in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Delphi 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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.


Five days in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and food around the world-renowned destination of Delphi. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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.

A week in Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Delphi 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Delphi?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Delphi is €102, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Delphi and Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Delphi 59
    Cinque Terre 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Delphi 118
    Cinque Terre 144
Compare Hotels in Delphi and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Delphi or Cinque Terre? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Delphi


Hotels in Cinque Terre


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Delphi 8.57
    Cinque Terre 16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:


  • Ferry Day Pass
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Delphi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Delphi 36
    Cinque Terre 41

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    9.50
  • Panini
    3.75
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    52
  • Fresh Focaccia
    2.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Delphi 11
    Cinque Terre 13

Tours and Activities in Delphi

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Delphi.

  • Delphi Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11
  • Athens to Delphi and Arachova Full day Tour: $856
  • Athens: Mythology of Delphi and Museum Guided Day Tour: $26
  • Delphi Audiovisual Self-guided Tour with 3D Representations: $7.59
  • Delphi Guided Walking Tour and Admission Ticket: $107
  • Delphi Navel Of Earth Hosios Loukas Full Day Private Tour: $182
  • Delphi Private Tour with Tickets&Lunch: $182
  • Delphi Skip-The-Line Private Tour with Licensed Guide & Admission: $143
  • Delphi Tour: $396
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Refundable Ticket with Audio: $18
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $16
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    10
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    16
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    5.00
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    12

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop: $163
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour of the Cinque Terre: $251
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Cinque Terre Lunch boat tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Morning Tour: $131
  • Cinque Terre Night Tour: $191
  • Cinque Terre Paddleboarding cruise at sunrise or sunset: $218
  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Private half day tour with Official Tour Guide: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Delphi 13
    Cinque Terre 6.71

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:


  • Glass of Local Wine
    2.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Delphi Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Delphi or Cinque Terre?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Delphi and Cinque Terre, 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.