A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tartu vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tartu 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 Tartu 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.

Tartu

Tartu is a student-oriented, cultural, and historical university town. Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Tartu and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Tartu and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Cinque Terre has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cinque Terre is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Tartu attracts visitors for its nightlife. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Tartu and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Tartu different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Tartu 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, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Tartu has a large number of nightlife venues. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

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 Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. 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.

Tartu is not a resort destination.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its 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.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tartu and Cinque Terre both offer plenty of reasonable spots.

Tartu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

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 Tartu or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Tartu and Cinque Terre are nice to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

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 Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

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

Tartu 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 Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

Cinque Terre is a good university town 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 Tartu or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Tartu is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Tartu is a great destination for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Tartu and Cinque Terre both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its walkability.

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.

Tartu is very walkable. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

In either Tartu or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Tartu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Tartu. 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 Tartu. 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.

One day in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this intellectual university town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 university town.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

Tartu 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife around the intellectual destination of Tartu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tartu or Cinque Terre?

Tartu is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, 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 Tartu and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Tartu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tartu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tartu 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 Tartu.

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

Which is Bigger, Tartu or Cinque Terre?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Tartu for 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.

Tartu is cooler than Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Tartu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tartu usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tartu or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Cinque Terre. The autumn months attract visitors to Tartu because of 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.

In the autumn, Tartu is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tartu in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Tartu usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tartu or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Tartu in the winter. In January, Tartu is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around -7°C (19°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Tartu gets 36 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, Tartu usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tartu or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Tartu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Tartu for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tartu. Tartu is much colder than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Tartu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 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 Tartu