A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a dramatic, historic, and spiritual destination. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Kalampaka (Meteora) 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, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is known for its museums. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Kalampaka (Meteora) and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Kalampaka (Meteora) is popular for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kalampaka (Meteora) has many famous sights for visitors. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Neither Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre offer decent nightlife.

Kalampaka (Meteora) doesn't offer many options. This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its old town. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) does not have a historic old town.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Cinque Terre is well-known for its hiking and trekking. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Cinque Terre are good family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) 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, Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 generally limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not very walkable. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora). 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), many people enjoy the museums and food that this historic destination 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 is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Cinque Terre for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and food around the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre?

Kalampaka (Meteora) has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) in the summer for 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 the summer, Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kalampaka (Meteora). Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for 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.

In October, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 17°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 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. Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during winter. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 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, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in April average around 14°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of the year. In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 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 Kalampaka (Meteora)