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

Should you visit Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a quaint, seaside, and stunning coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Ravenna and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Ravenna 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, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Ravenna is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Ravenna different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna can be an interesting and educational experience. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

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

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

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Cinque Terre can be explored in its historical center. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

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

Ravenna has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

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 Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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

Ravenna and Cinque Terre are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Ravenna and Cinque Terre.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Ravenna 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 town.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

Ravenna 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.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

Ravenna 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.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

Ravenna 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Cinque Terre?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, 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, Ravenna is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ravenna in July average around 22°C (72°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In July, Ravenna usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ravenna or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Ravenna during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, 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, Ravenna is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 14°C (58°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ravenna usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Cinque Terre. The winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. Ravenna is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ravenna or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Cinque Terre. The small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ravenna is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ravenna in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 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 Ravenna