A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Piazza Armerina and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Piazza Armerina and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Cinque Terre has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Piazza Armerina is known for its museums. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Piazza Armerina different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina can be an interesting and educational experience. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Neither Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Piazza Armerina for the nightlife. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

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.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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 explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a moderate coastal region for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

Both Piazza Armerina and Cinque Terre offer good public transit options.

Piazza Armerina has a few public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre 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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Piazza Armerina, many people enjoy the museums and food that this authentic town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Piazza Armerina 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This coastal region offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Piazza Armerina 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.

Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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

Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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 the summer, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piazza Armerina in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Cinque Terre. Furthermore, 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.

In October, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 19°C (67°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piazza Armerina in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Piazza Armerina