A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trento vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Hiking, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Trento 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 Trento and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Trento

Trento is a high energy, dynamic, and youthful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Trento and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trento or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Trento, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Trento is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Trento and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Trento is well known for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Trento different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trento 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 Trento. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Trento is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Trento. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

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 Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Trento is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Trento or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town. However, Trento does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for hiking. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Trento is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Trento or Cinque Terre?

Trento is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Trento has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around 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 Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Trento or Cinque Terre.

Trento offers lots of family activities. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

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 Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for romance. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

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

For backpackers, both Trento and Cinque Terre are notable places to visit.

Trento is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. 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 Trento or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Trento is a great destination for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Trento and Cinque Terre both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Trento offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

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

Is Trento or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its walkability. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Trento is a very walkable city. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Trento?

How long in Trento or Cinque Terre?

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

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Trento. 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 Trento. 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 Trento 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 Trento or Cinque Terre?

In Trento, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic 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. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Trento or Cinque Terre?

Trento is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Trento or Cinque Terre?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Trento. 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Trento or Cinque Terre?

Trento 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Trento and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Trento Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trento or Cinque Terre?

Trento has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Trento 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 Trento 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 Trento or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Trento and Cinque Terre. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trento this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Trento is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Trento average around 24°C (75°F), 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 Trento, it's very sunny this time of the year. Trento usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Trento gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trento usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trento or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Trento as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Trento for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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.

Trento is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Trento averages around 14°C (57°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Trento often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Trento usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trento or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Trento are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Trento in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Trento can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Trento is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Trento in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Trento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during winter. Trento gets 98 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, Trento usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trento or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Trento during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Trento for the natural beauty 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 April, Trento is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Trento average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Trento often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Trento usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Trento gets 69 mm (2.7 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 Trento