A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Izmir vs. Cinque Terre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Izmir 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 Izmir 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.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Cinque Terre?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is $149. 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 Izmir and Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Cinque Terre $77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Cinque Terre $154
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Cinque Terre $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Ferry Day Pass
    $16

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 Izmir or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Cinque Terre $44

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

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


  • Whole Pizza
    $10
  • Panini
    $4.02
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    $56
  • Fresh Focaccia
    $2.27

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.
    Izmir $21
    Cinque Terre $14

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

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)
    $11
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    $17
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    $5.36
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    $13

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

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

  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Marine Biology & Snorkelling Experience in the Cinque Terre : $59
  • Kayak experience with Carnassa Tour in Cinque Terre + Snorkeling: $73
  • From La Spezia: Cinque Terre Tour by Train with Limoncino: $89
  • La Spezia: Cinque Terre Guided Hiking Tour: $95
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Kayak tour from Monterosso to Vernazza: $98
  • Half Day Guided Tour of the Cinque Terre from the Sea: $104
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • The heart of the 5 Terre: Monterosso and national park ebike tour: $120
  • Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Aperitif: $131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Cinque Terre $7.19

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

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
    $3.11

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 Izmir and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Izmir much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Izmir would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Izmir 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 Izmir.

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Cinque Terre?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 1590 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Cinque Terre. 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, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 28°C (82°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

Izmir is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Izmir 19°C (67°F) 
    Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the winter, Izmir is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Izmir in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 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 Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Cinque Terre. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Izmir is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Izmir

Izmir Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)