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

Should you visit Oxford or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic 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.

Oxford and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Oxford, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Oxford is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Oxford different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford 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 Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Oxford is not a resort destination.

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

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

Oxford is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a beach destination.

Is Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Oxford is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Oxford has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

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 Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Oxford and Cinque Terre are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for romance. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Oxford and Cinque Terre.

Oxford has some public transit options. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

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 Oxford or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Cinque Terre?

In either Oxford or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Oxford because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this college town.

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 Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Oxford 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. 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 Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Oxford 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.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours 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 Oxford and Cinque Terre, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Cinque Terre?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm 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 July, Oxford is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Oxford usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Oxford 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 Oxford or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford 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.

Oxford is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Oxford gets 107 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. Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Oxford 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.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Oxford gets 52 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, Oxford usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm 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 April, Oxford is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Oxford