A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers San Sebastian vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic 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.

San Sebastian and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although San Sebastian 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 scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while San Sebastian is known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than San Sebastian and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. San Sebastian is popular for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

Vernazza Harbor

How is San Sebastian different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both San Sebastian and Cinque Terre offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Sebastian is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

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.

Is San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in San Sebastian. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Cinque Terre is a good 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a great city to visit as a student. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Both San Sebastian and Cinque Terre offer good public transit options.

San Sebastian has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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

Is San Sebastian or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or San Sebastian?

How long in San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

In either San Sebastian or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than San Sebastian because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for San Sebastian, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in San Sebastian than Cinque Terre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Sebastian, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this splendid city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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. 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

San Sebastian is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, 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 San Sebastian and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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

Which is Bigger, San Sebastian or Cinque Terre?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and San Sebastian during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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, San Sebastian is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in San Sebastian in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in San Sebastian. In the summer, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both San Sebastian and Cinque Terre. The shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year. Furthermore, 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, San Sebastian is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in San Sebastian average around 16°C (60°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. San Sebastian gets 144 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. San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, San Sebastian usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

San Sebastian is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in San Sebastian averages around 8°C (47°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, San Sebastian often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 85 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the winter. San Sebastian usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit San Sebastian or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

In the spring, San Sebastian is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in San Sebastian in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

San Sebastian usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. San Sebastian gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. In April, San Sebastian usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. San Sebastian gets 163 mm (6.4 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 San Sebastian