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

Should you visit Giverny or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Giverny or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Giverny

Giverny is a serene, inspiring, and picturesque town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Giverny and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Giverny and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Giverny is known for its museums. Giverny is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Giverny different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Giverny is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Giverny is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Giverny is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Giverny is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Giverny is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is adequate for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cinque Terre offers lots of family activities. 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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

For backpackers, both Giverny and Cinque Terre are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Giverny or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Giverny and Cinque Terre both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Giverny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Giverny or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable town. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Giverny?

How long in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Giverny. 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 Giverny. 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 Giverny 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 Giverny or Cinque Terre?

In Giverny, many people enjoy the museums and food that this inspiring town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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.

A weekend in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

Giverny 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 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.

Five days in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and food around the serene destination of Giverny. 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.

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.

A week in Giverny or Cinque Terre?

Giverny 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Giverny or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Giverny 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 Giverny or Cinque Terre?

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 Giverny or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Giverny and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Giverny for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Giverny is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Giverny in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Giverny gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Giverny usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Giverny or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Giverny as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Giverny in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Giverny is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Giverny average around 13°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Giverny usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Giverny or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Giverny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Giverny can be very cold during winter. Giverny is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Giverny averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Giverny usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Giverny gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Giverny usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Giverny or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Giverny during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the spring, Giverny is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Giverny in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Giverny often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Giverny usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Giverny gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Giverny