A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint Andrews vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. 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. 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.

Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Saint Andrews is popular for its reputation as the birthplace of golf.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Saint Andrews different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Andrews is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Saint Andrews has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

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 Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews is not a resort destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Saint Andrews is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Both Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre have good beaches worth visiting.

Saint Andrews has a beach worth visiting. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. 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 Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its old town. However, Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre are both good destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for couples.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saint Andrews makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Both Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre offer good public transit options.

Saint Andrews has a few public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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

Is Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university 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.

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Saint Andrews 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 university town.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the charming small town of Cinque Terre. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Saint Andrews 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Saint Andrews 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the charming small town of Cinque Terre. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A week in Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food around the beautiful coastal region of Cinque Terre. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre, we can see that Saint Andrews is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews than you might in Cinque Terre.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre?

Saint Andrews has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint Andrews during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the summer, Saint Andrews is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint Andrews in July average around 14°C (58°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Cinque Terre. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Saint Andrews is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 10°C (49°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Saint Andrews gets 100 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, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint Andrews. Saint Andrews is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Saint Andrews is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint Andrews in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 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 Saint Andrews