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

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a historical, colorful, and youthful city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Yogyakarta and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also home to Vernazza Harbor. Yogyakarta is popular for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Yogyakarta different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Yogyakarta has many famous sights for visitors. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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 Yogyakarta is an experience not to be missed. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Yogyakarta has a large number of nightlife venues. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a resort destination.

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

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

Yogyakarta is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the beach. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a beach destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its old town. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in 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 Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta 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.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

Yogyakarta is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Yogyakarta specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Cinque Terre is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

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

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. 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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

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

Yogyakarta is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Yogyakarta. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Cinque Terre is a good city 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.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Yogyakarta. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Cinque Terre is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. 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.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

In either Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Yogyakarta because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta. 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 Yogyakarta than Cinque Terre 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 Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

In Yogyakarta, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this colorful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

Yogyakarta 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Yogyakarta. 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.

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 Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

Yogyakarta 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 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 Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, 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 Yogyakarta and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yogyakarta is in Asia and Cinque Terre is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta 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 Yogyakarta.

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

Which is Bigger, Yogyakarta or Cinque Terre?

Yogyakarta has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Yogyakarta 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.