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

Should you visit Porto or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Porto and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Porto and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Porto than Cinque Terre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Porto is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Porto and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine. Also, Porto is famous for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Porto different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Porto 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 Porto can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Porto and Cinque Terre offer terrific local cuisine and restaurants.

Porto has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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.

Is Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto has a large number of nightlife venues. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Porto is not a resort destination.

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

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Porto or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Porto to see the historical old town. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for hiking. However, Porto is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. 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.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Cinque Terre?

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

Porto has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

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 Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Porto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Porto. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

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 Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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

Porto is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Porto, as it is a very popular port city for budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Cinque Terre is a good port 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 Porto or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Porto can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Porto is a very walkable port city. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Porto?

How long in Porto or Cinque Terre?

In either Porto or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. You can fill a similar amount of time in either place. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Porto. 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 Porto 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 Porto.

One day in Porto or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Porto or Cinque Terre?

Porto 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Porto or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Porto or Cinque Terre?

Porto 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Cinque Terre?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Cinque Terre. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Porto this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Porto is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 21°C (69°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. Porto usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during summer. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Porto usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Porto or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Porto as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Porto is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Porto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Porto usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Porto is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Porto in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Porto gets 124 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. It's quite rainy in Porto. In January, Porto usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Porto or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Porto during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Porto is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 14°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. In the spring, Porto often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Porto gets 217 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 Porto. Porto usually gets more rain in April than Cinque Terre. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 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 Porto