A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Murren vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Murren or Cinque Terre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Cinque Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Murren

Murren is a serene, authentic, and breathtaking town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Murren and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Murren, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Murren is more popular for its skiing, museums, and nightlife. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Murren and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Murren is well known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Murren different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Skiing?

Murren is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Murren is among the best in the world. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

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

Murren is not a good area for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Murren. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

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 Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Murren is not a resort destination.

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.

Murren is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Murren is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Murren is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its beaches. However, Murren is not a beach destination.

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.

Murren is not a beach destination.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town. However, Murren does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Both Murren and Cinque Terre are destinations which offer first-rate hiking.

Around Murren visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with a few options for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Murren 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 Murren. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

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 Murren or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both Murren and Cinque Terre are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Murren is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

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.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region 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.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Murren and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Murren, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

While Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Murren or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Murren and Cinque Terre both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Murren on foot is easy. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

Cinque Terre is a very easy town 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Murren?

How long in Murren or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Murren. 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 Murren 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 Murren or Cinque Terre?

Murren is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and skiing. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the quaint small town of Cinque Terre. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Murren or Cinque Terre?

Murren is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Murren or Cinque Terre?

Murren is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Murren or Cinque Terre?

Murren is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the picturesque small town of Cinque Terre. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, 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 Murren and Cinque Terre, we can see that Murren is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Murren would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Murren than you might in Cinque Terre.

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

Which is Bigger, Murren or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.