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

Should you visit Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a world-class, stunning, and adventurous town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint 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.

Interlaken and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing. Interlaken is well known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Cinque Terre is well known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Interlaken different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a nice place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cinque Terre doesn't offer many options. 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Interlaken and Cinque Terre.

Many people visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Interlaken is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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 Interlaken or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both Interlaken and Cinque Terre are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Interlaken has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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.

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

Interlaken and Cinque Terre are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

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.

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

Interlaken is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Interlaken or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

In either Interlaken or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cinque Terre has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cinque Terre than Interlaken. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this breathtaking town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

Interlaken 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.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region.

Five days in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the food and skiing that this stunning 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.

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

Interlaken 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.

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Cinque Terre?

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

Both Cinque Terre and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Interlaken is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 21°C (70°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Interlaken. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Interlaken during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Interlaken is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the winter for the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Interlaken can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Interlaken is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Interlaken in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Interlaken is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 12°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Interlaken