A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Marbella or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic 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.

Marbella and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marbella. Although Marbella and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Marbella has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Marbella and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Marbella is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also home to Plaza de los Naranjos.

How is Marbella different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cinque Terre is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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 Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Marbella is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Marbella is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Marbella offers an unforgettable resort vacation. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

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.

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

Marbella is renowned for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

People travel to Marbella specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Is Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Marbella is renowned for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Marbella are among the best in the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Marbella is not a hiking destination.

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.

Marbella is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

Marbella is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Marbella specifically to go shopping. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Marbella is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Marbella. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Marbella and Cinque Terre are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Cinque Terre is a great resort town for couples, as it 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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Cinque Terre are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Cinque Terre is a good resort town 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 Marbella or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella 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 Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Marbella than Cinque Terre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Marbella, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Marbella than Cinque Terre. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Marbella that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this ritzy resort town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Marbella or Cinque Terre?

In Marbella, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Marbella or Cinque Terre?

Marbella is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal region offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 Marbella and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Marbella much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Marbella would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Marbella 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 Marbella.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Cinque Terre?

Marbella has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the summer, Marbella is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Marbella in July average around 25°C (77°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 Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marbella usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marbella or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Marbella during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 19°C (67°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. In the autumn, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 213 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. Marbella usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Marbella is much warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Marbella gets 171 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, Marbella usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marbella or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Marbella is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Marbella in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marbella this time of the year. In the spring, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 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 Marbella