A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santiago de Compostela vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela. Although Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santiago de Compostela is more popular for its museums & sights, nightlife, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Santiago de Compostela is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also home to the Cathedral of Santiago. Cinque Terre is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

How is Santiago de Compostela different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Santiago de Compostela has many famous sights for visitors. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Santiago de Compostela has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre.

Santiago de Compostela has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre both have fantastic trails.

People visit Santiago de Compostela specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to town.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Cinque Terre offers lots of family activities. 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 Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good city for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Santiago de Compostela is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Santiago de Compostela, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

While Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Santiago de Compostela?

How long in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

In Santiago de Compostela, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this inspirational city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Santiago de Compostela 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. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This coastal region offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the religious destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Santiago de Compostela is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain, The Best 2-Week Tours 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 Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Santiago de Compostela much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santiago de Compostela would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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

Which is Bigger, Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Santiago de Compostela as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santiago de Compostela this time of the year. In the summer, Santiago de Compostela often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Santiago de Compostela are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Santiago de Compostela is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Santiago de Compostela average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Santiago de Compostela gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. In October, Santiago de Compostela usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Santiago de Compostela during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Santiago de Compostela is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Santiago de Compostela averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Santiago de Compostela often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santiago de Compostela. Santiago de Compostela usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Santiago de Compostela or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Santiago de Compostela and Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the spring, Santiago de Compostela is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santiago de Compostela in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Santiago de Compostela usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Santiago de Compostela gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Santiago de Compostela usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Santiago de Compostela gets 83 mm (3.3 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 Santiago de Compostela