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

Should you visit Nantes or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside 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.

Nantes and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Nantes and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Nantes different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Cinque Terre can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Cinque Terre?

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Nantes 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 Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes 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 Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Nantes or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes 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.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Nantes, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this welcoming city 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Nantes or Cinque Terre?

Nantes 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 food. 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 Nantes or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Nantes. 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.

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 Nantes or Cinque Terre?

Nantes 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, 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 Nantes and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Cinque Terre?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Nantes 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 Nantes 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 Nantes or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

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

Nantes is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°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 Nantes. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes 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 the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Nantes gets 141 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. Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Nantes gets 79 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 Nantes or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

In January, Nantes is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Nantes gets 72 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, Nantes usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

Nantes is cooler than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

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

Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 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 Nantes