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

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a traditional, understated, and classic seaside town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Ventimiglia and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Ventimiglia 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, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Ventimiglia different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Neither Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre offer decent nightlife.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Ventimiglia. Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

The nightlife scene is quiet 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 Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ventimiglia and Cinque Terre are nice choices.

Ventimiglia is a good option for a beach vacation. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ventimiglia. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ventimiglia and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

Is Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Ventimiglia is very walkable. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Ventimiglia is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. 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 seaside town.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic coastal region of Cinque Terre. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Ventimiglia 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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting the idyllic small town of Cinque Terre. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Ventimiglia 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the picturesque coastal region of Cinque Terre. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Ventimiglia 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.

Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre?

Ventimiglia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ventimiglia as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Ventimiglia for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Ventimiglia this time of the year. In the summer, Ventimiglia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 295 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Ventimiglia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ventimiglia in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ventimiglia in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Ventimiglia gets 183 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 Ventimiglia. In October, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Ventimiglia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ventimiglia for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Ventimiglia is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Ventimiglia average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Ventimiglia often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 127 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. Ventimiglia usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ventimiglia and Cinque Terre. The spring months attract visitors to Ventimiglia because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Ventimiglia is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Ventimiglia averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Ventimiglia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Ventimiglia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ventimiglia usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Ventimiglia gets 62 mm (2.4 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 Ventimiglia