A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa Blanca vs. Cinque Terre for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Playa Blanca and Cinque Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre?

Playa Blanca

Located on the southern tip of the Canary Island of Lanzarote, Playa Blanca is a resort area popular with families and couples seeking a quieter vacation alternative to the lively neighbor resort of Puerto del Carmen. The resort's white sandy beaches are peaceful and sheltered from the higher winds found on other parts of the island. Timanfaya National Park is also nearby, as well as a number of other spectacular volcanic features.

Cinque Terre

Located on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, Cinque Terra consists of five seaside villages exuding a charm that dates back to medieval times. Fishing boats bob in the harbors, bringing fresh seafood to the tables of the region, while age old vineyards make for fragrant signature wines. Cinque Terre is considered to be a National Park, with its five villages earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their beauty and timelessness.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cinque Terre or Playa Blanca?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Playa Blanca is €155, while the average daily cost in Cinque Terre is €140. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Playa Blanca and Cinque Terre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Playa Blanca 81
    Cinque Terre 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Playa Blanca 162
    Cinque Terre 144
Compare Hotels in Playa Blanca and Cinque Terre

Looking for a hotel in Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Playa Blanca


Hotels in Cinque Terre


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Playa Blanca Hotel Prices and Cinque Terre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Playa Blanca 49
    Cinque Terre 16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cinque Terre

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Cinque Terre:


  • Ferry Day Pass
    15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cinque Terre

Also for Cinque Terre, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Cinque Terre to La Spezia by car or van: $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre?

Prices for flights to both Cinque Terre and Playa Blanca change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Playa Blanca 45
    Cinque Terre 41

Typical Food Prices in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Whole Pizza
    9.50
  • Panini
    3.75
  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    52
  • Fresh Focaccia
    2.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Riomaggiore: $195
  • Cinque Terre Food Tour (half day): $273

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Playa Blanca 20
    Cinque Terre 13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cinque Terre's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Double Kayak Rental (One Hour)
    10
  • Bagni Eden Beach Club Umbrella
    16
  • Cinque Terre Card (One Day)
    5.00
  • Cinque Terre Card (Three Days)
    12

Tours and Activities in Cinque Terre

For Cinque Terre, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Cinque Terre Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop: $163
  • 2-Hour Boat Tour at sunset in the Cinque Terre with Pesto tasting and focaccia: $104
  • 3-Hour Private Boat Tour of the Cinque Terre: $251
  • Cinque Terre Hybrid Boat Tour: $109
  • Cinque Terre Kayak Adventure from Riomaggiore: $98
  • Cinque Terre Lunch boat tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Morning Tour: $131
  • Cinque Terre Night Tour: $191
  • Cinque Terre Paddleboarding cruise at sunrise or sunset: $218
  • Cinque Terre Pesto experience in Riomaggiore: $49
  • Cinque Terre Private Boat Tour: $218
  • Cinque Terre Private half day tour with Official Tour Guide: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Playa Blanca 9.29
    Cinque Terre 6.71

Typical Alcohol Prices in Cinque Terre

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Cinque Terre:


  • Glass of Local Wine
    2.90

Sample the Local Flavors in Cinque Terre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cinque Terre:

  • BarCa Winery Cinqueterre Tour with Wine Tasting & Pesto Class: $60
  • Cinque terre wine tour and tasting with the somelier: $74
  • Eco Hiking and Wine Tasting in Cinque Terre : $97
  • Cinque Terre Walking Tour with Food and Wine Tastings: $169


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


Which is Bigger, Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre?

Playa Blanca has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca 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 Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Playa Blanca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa Blanca. Playa Blanca usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Playa Blanca gets 282 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Playa Blanca 23°C (73°F) 
    Cinque Terre 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Playa Blanca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In October, Playa Blanca is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Playa Blanca average around 22°C (72°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Playa Blanca. In the autumn, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 224 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. Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Playa Blanca 22°C (72°F) 
    Cinque Terre 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa Blanca and Cinque Terre. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Playa Blanca is much warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Playa Blanca averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Playa Blanca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Playa Blanca usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Playa Blanca gets 204 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, Playa Blanca usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Playa Blanca 17°C (63°F) 
    Cinque Terre 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Playa Blanca or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Playa Blanca as well as Cinque Terre. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Playa Blanca is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Playa Blanca in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa Blanca this time of the year. In the spring, Playa Blanca often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Playa Blanca usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Playa Blanca gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Playa Blanca 19°C (66°F) 
    Cinque Terre 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca Cinque Terre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 17°C (63°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Feb 17°C (63°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Mar 18°C (64°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 22°C (72°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 24°C (75°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 21°C (70°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Oct 22°C (72°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 18°C (64°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)