A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Versailles vs. Cinque Terre for Food and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a traditional, charming, and picturesque 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.

Versailles and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

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

Vernazza Harbor

How is Versailles different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Versailles is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

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

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is adequate for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Versailles or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace 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.

Versailles is a very walkable palace. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this historic palace offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this palace.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

Versailles 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. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region.

Five days in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums around the grand destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Cinque Terre?

Versailles 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, 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 Versailles and Cinque Terre, we can see that Versailles 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles 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 Versailles Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Cinque Terre?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

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

In July, Versailles is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°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 Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Cinque Terre. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Versailles is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In the winter, Versailles is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Versailles gets 56 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, Versailles usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Versailles or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Versailles is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 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 Versailles