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

Should you visit Windsor or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Windsor and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Windsor 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, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Windsor is known for its museums and nightlife. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Windsor is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Windsor different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Windsor 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 Windsor can be an interesting and educational experience. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Windsor 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 Windsor. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

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 Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

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

Windsor is not a resort destination.

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

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

Windsor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cinque Terre has some nice offerings. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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 Windsor or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor 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 Windsor and Cinque Terre.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

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 Windsor or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and museums. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

Windsor 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.

In Cinque Terre, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Cinque Terre?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food when visiting Cinque Terre. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Cinque Terre, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Cinque Terre?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, 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, Windsor is cooler than Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Windsor in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for 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 October, Windsor is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Windsor gets 107 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. In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

Windsor can be very cold during winter. Windsor is much colder than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 52 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. Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Windsor is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Windsor in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 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 Windsor