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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque 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.

Saint-Etienne and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is known for its museums and nightlife. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint-Etienne and Cinque Terre both offer plenty of decent spots.

If you're looking to go shopping, Saint-Etienne has some nice offerings. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Cinque Terre has some good spots for those that want to go 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-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Cinque Terre are good family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

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 Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Cinque Terre is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Saint-Etienne and Cinque Terre both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

In either Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Etienne, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this park-filled city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 small town with plenty to do. 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-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

Saint-Etienne 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, 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-Etienne and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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, Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°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 Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, 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, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne can be very cold. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 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, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Saint-Etienne during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne 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, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 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 Saint-Etienne