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

Should you visit Galway or Cinque Terre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Galway and Cinque Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Galway

Galway is a friendly, cultural, and historical city. 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

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Galway and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Galway or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Galway, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Galway is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Galway and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Galway is well known for its many festivals, its traditional pubs, and its live Irish folk music.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Galway different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Galway 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 Galway. Popular landmarks and sights in town include Eyre Square, St. Nicholas' Church, the Galway Cathedral, and the Galway City Museum.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Galway has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are local pubs and traditional restaurants offering authentic Irish dishes. Popular options include Irish Stew, Cockles and Mussels, and Galway Oysters.

Is Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Galway has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is among the best in Ireland. The city embraces the friendly Irish hospitality and there are laid back pubs and bars around town as well as a few trendy nightclubs.

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 Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Galway is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Galway is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its beaches. However, Galway is not a beach destination.

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.

Galway is not a beach destination.

Is Galway or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Galway does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Galway does not have a historic old town.

Is Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Galway is not a hiking destination.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Galway is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Galway or Cinque Terre?

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

Galway has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find shopping both in the city center as well as at suburban shopping malls. For some of the best shopping head to The Latin Quarter, The Westend or the outdoor market which is found in Church lane by St Nicholas' Church.

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 Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Galway and Cinque Terre are notable to visit with kids.

Galway is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the National Aquarium Galway or simply wandering around the Latin Quarter. About 15 minutes outside of the city is the Wildlands Adventure Park which has ziplines, ropes courses, and other adrenaline filled activities. Brigit's Garden is another fun place to let kids stretch their legs.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly city. 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 Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it 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.

Galway makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are nice restaurants, beautiful walks, and a few parks to explore. There are also several romantic places just outside of town that make for a great day trip.

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

Galway is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Galway. There are plenty of hostels in the area and it's easy to meet other travelers.

Cinque Terre is a good city 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 Galway or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Galway. The city has a solid student population with a number of activities and entertainment options.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Both Galway and Cinque Terre offer notable public transit options.

Galway has a few public transit options. There are two bus companies in Galway, Bus Eireann and City Direct.

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

Is Galway or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Galway is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Galway is a very walkable city. If you stay in central Galway, the area is generally compact and walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Galway?

How long in Galway or Cinque Terre?

In either Galway or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Galway because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Galway, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Galway. 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 Galway. 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 Galway than Cinque Terre 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 Galway.

One day in Galway or Cinque Terre?

In Galway, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant city offers. 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.

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 Galway or Cinque Terre?

Galway 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.

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 Galway or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the lively destination of Galway. 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.

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 Galway or Cinque Terre?

Galway 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 Budget Tours to Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Galway and Cinque Terre, 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 Galway Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Galway or Cinque Terre?

Galway has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Galway 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.

When is the best time to visit Galway or Cinque Terre?

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 Galway or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Galway during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Galway for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Galway is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 16°C (60°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Galway often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Galway gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Galway usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Galway gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Galway and Cinque Terre. The autumn months attract visitors to Galway because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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.

Galway is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Galway averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Galway gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Galway gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Galway usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Galway gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Galway or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Galway as well as Cinque Terre. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Galway this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Galway is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Galway in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Galway often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Galway gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Galway receives a lot of rain in the winter. Galway usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Galway gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Galway or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Galway are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Galway for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Galway is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Galway average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Galway usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Galway gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Galway usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Galway gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Galway