A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Sorrento vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Sorrento and Cinque Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a accessible, laid back, and colorful small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Sorrento and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Cinque Terre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its nightlife, resorts, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Sorrento and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Sorrento is well known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Sorrento different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Sorrento and Cinque Terre.

Many restaurants in Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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.

Is Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Sorrento is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Is Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Both Sorrento and Cinque Terre are considered to be notable beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sorrento. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

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.

Is Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking experiences. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking 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.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Is the Shopping Better in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both Sorrento and Cinque Terre are first-rate destinations for a couple's getaway.

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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.

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

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular small city for budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Cinque Terre is a good small 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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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 Sorrento or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Sorrento is a very walkable small city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Sorrento?

How long in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

In either Sorrento or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Sorrento, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic small city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

In Sorrento, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the food. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

Sorrento is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal region offers something for everyone.

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

When comparing the travel costs between Sorrento and Cinque Terre, we can see that Sorrento is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Sorrento or Cinque Terre?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Sorrento as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 23°C (74°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 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 Sorrento this time of the year. In the summer, Sorrento often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 313 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Sorrento usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Sorrento are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Sorrento is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sorrento averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Sorrento gets 189 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 Sorrento. In October, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sorrento or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Sorrento during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Sorrento is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Sorrento in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Sorrento often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 115 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 Sorrento. Sorrento usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sorrento or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sorrento and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Sorrento is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Sorrento average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Sorrento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Sorrento gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sorrento usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Sorrento gets 71 mm (2.8 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 Sorrento