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

Should you visit Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic 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 traditional, charming, and picturesque coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zaragoza and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre. Although Zaragoza 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, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Zaragoza attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. It is also well known for Vernazza Harbor. Zaragoza is famous for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Zaragoza different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can be an interesting and educational experience. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Zaragoza. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its 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.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Zaragoza and Cinque Terre are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly place to visit. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly city. 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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for couples. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

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

Both Zaragoza and Cinque Terre are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza can get you to most places easily. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an amazing coastal region to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre 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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Zaragoza?

How long in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

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

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

In Zaragoza, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this compact 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

Zaragoza 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Zaragoza. 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 is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cinque Terre, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

Zaragoza 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 great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal region offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Zaragoza or Cinque Terre?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 410 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Zaragoza during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, 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.

Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zaragoza. In the summer, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 344 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Zaragoza usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zaragoza and Cinque Terre. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Zaragoza gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zaragoza as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Zaragoza often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Zaragoza usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zaragoza or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Zaragoza are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Zaragoza is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Zaragoza averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. Zaragoza usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Zaragoza gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zaragoza usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Zaragoza gets 34 mm (1.3 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 Zaragoza