A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marseille vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Marseille or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille 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.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Marseille and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

Both Cinque Terre and Marseille have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Marseille is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and christmas markets, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Marseille and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Cinque Terre both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Marseille is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

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 Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. 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.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Both Marseille and Cinque Terre have nice beaches worth visiting.

Marseille has a beach worth visiting. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

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 Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Marseille and Cinque Terre both have amazing historical old towns that attract visitors.

The historic old town of Marseille is revered around the world. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

Marseille is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

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 Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas markets.

Marseille has Christmas markets worth visiting. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Cinque Terre are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Cinque Terre is a good city 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 Marseille or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Marseille is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and Cinque Terre.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Marseille or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Marseille is very walkable. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Marseille. 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 Marseille. 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.

One day in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

In Marseille, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this energetic city offers. 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.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

Marseille 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Cinque Terre?

Marseille 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.

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Marseille and Cinque Terre, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Cinque Terre?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 510 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Marseille 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 Marseille 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 Marseille or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Marseille because of the beaches 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.

Marseille is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marseille. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Marseille during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Furthermore, 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 the autumn, Marseille is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marseille in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 205 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. Marseille usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

In January, Marseille is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 7°C (44°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Marseille gets 150 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, Marseille usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

Marseille is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Marseille gets 48 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 Marseille