A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Stratford-upon-Avon 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, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its museums and theatre productions. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Stratford-upon-Avon specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Cinque Terre is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Cinque Terre is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Cinque Terre doesn't offer many options. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a resort destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a decent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cinque Terre is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Cinque Terre, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this quaint small town offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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. Lots of people come for the theater. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit Cinque Terre for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

In Cinque Terre, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful small town offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Cinque Terre, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre?

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

Both Cinque Terre and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Stratford-upon-Avon