A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional 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.

Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Isle of Skye and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Isle of Skye is well known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Isle of Skye different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a resort destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Isle of Skye is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

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.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre, and they are world-class.

Isle of Skye is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

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 Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for romance. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Cinque Terre is a good island 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 Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

In either Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this diverse island 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. 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.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

Isle of Skye 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre?

Isle of Skye has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, 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.

Isle of Skye is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 82 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In the winter, Isle of Skye is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 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. Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Cinque Terre. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 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 Isle of Skye