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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its beaches. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Outer Hebrides different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cinque Terre doesn't offer many options. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Outer Hebrides is not a resort destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Outer Hebrides is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre, and they are world-class.

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

In either Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this remote archipelago offers. 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.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this tranquil destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 83 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 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. Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Cinque Terre. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 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 Outer Hebrides