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

Should you visit Urbino 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 Urbino 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a authentic, laid back, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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 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.

Urbino and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Urbino or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Urbino 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 Urbino attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Urbino different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Urbino 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 Urbino. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Urbino 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beach. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for hiking. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Cinque Terre?

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

Urbino has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

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 Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Cinque Terre is a good coastal region 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Urbino is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Urbino is a great town to visit as a student. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Urbino or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Urbino, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

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 Urbino or Cinque Terre?

Urbino 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. 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 Urbino or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Urbino. 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 Urbino or Cinque Terre?

Urbino 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.

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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Urbino and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Urbino much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Urbino would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Urbino 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 Urbino.

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

Which is Bigger, Urbino or Cinque Terre?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Urbino is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In July, Urbino usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Urbino or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Cinque Terre. The autumn months attract visitors to Urbino because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, 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, Urbino is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Urbino in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Urbino usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Urbino or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Urbino in the winter. In January, Urbino is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 3°C (37°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Urbino usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Urbino gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Urbino or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

Urbino is cooler than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Urbino usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 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 Urbino