A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic 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.

La Rochelle and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

Both Cinque Terre and La Rochelle have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is La Rochelle different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both La Rochelle and Cinque Terre offer fantastic local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both La Rochelle and Cinque Terre are good choices.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both La Rochelle and Cinque Terre.

La Rochelle has a world-famous historical area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

La Rochelle has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Cinque Terre.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both La Rochelle and Cinque Terre make for a fantastic place to visit.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. 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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

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

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is La Rochelle or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

In either La Rochelle or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than La Rochelle because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle than Cinque Terre 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning coastal region of Cinque Terre. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the charming small town of Cinque Terre. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the stunning coastal region of Cinque Terre. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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 La Rochelle and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Cinque Terre?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, 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, La Rochelle is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°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 La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. 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, La Rochelle is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

La Rochelle is cooler than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 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, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and La Rochelle during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. 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, La Rochelle is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. La Rochelle gets 47 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 La Rochelle