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

Should you visit Pisa or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Pisa or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pisa and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Pisa 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, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Pisa is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Pisa different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa 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 Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a large number of nightlife venues. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Pisa and Cinque Terre are good choices.

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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 Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Cinque Terre.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

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.

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

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

Pisa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Cinque Terre is a good city 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.

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Pisa and Cinque Terre both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Pisa or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region 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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa than Cinque Terre 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 Pisa.

One day in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

In Pisa, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming city 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 city.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

Pisa 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 is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the classic destination of Pisa. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Pisa or Cinque Terre?

Pisa 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.

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Cinque Terre?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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 Pisa 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 Pisa or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pisa is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pisa in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Pisa is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Pisa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Pisa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cinque Terre. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Pisa is cooler than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Pisa usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Pisa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the spring, Pisa is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pisa in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Cinque Terre. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 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 Pisa