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

Should you visit Verona or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Verona 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.

Verona

Verona is a cultural, beautiful, and stunning city. 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 idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Verona and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Verona or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Verona 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, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Verona is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Verona and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Verona is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Verona different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Verona is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Verona can be an interesting and educational experience. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Verona is an experience not to be missed. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Verona 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 Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

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 Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Verona is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Verona is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Verona. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Verona or Cinque Terre?

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

Verona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

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 Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Verona is a very popular place to visit for couples. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in the area.

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

For backpackers, both Verona and Cinque Terre are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

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.

Is Verona or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Verona is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Verona and Cinque Terre both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Verona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. ATV operates buses through the city.

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

Is Verona or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Verona is a very walkable destination. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Verona?

How long in Verona or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Verona, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic city 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 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 Verona or Cinque Terre?

Verona 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.

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 Verona or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Verona. 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.

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 Verona or Cinque Terre?

Verona 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 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 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Verona and Cinque Terre, we can see that Verona 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 Verona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Verona 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 Verona Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Verona or Cinque Terre?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Verona 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 Verona 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 Verona or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Verona and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Verona for 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.

In the summer, Verona is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Verona in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Verona, it's very sunny this time of the year. Verona usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Verona gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Verona usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Verona 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 Verona or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Verona as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Verona in the autumn for the shopping scene 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 October, Verona is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Verona average around 14°C (57°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Verona often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Verona 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. Verona usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Verona 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 Verona or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

Verona can be very cold during winter. Verona is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Verona averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Verona usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during winter. Verona 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, Verona usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Verona 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 Verona or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Verona during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Verona because of 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.

In the spring, Verona is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Verona in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

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

Verona usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Verona 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 Verona