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

Should you visit Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Zermatt and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Cinque Terre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Zermatt is well known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Cinque Terre is well known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is renowned for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Cinque Terre is not a skiing destination.

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

Zermatt is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for its resorts.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

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.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. 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.

Zermatt is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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.

Zermatt is not a beach destination.

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

You'll find terrific hiking in both Zermatt and Cinque Terre.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Zermatt. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both Zermatt and Cinque Terre are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

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.

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

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Cinque Terre is a good town 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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Zermatt and Cinque Terre offer notable public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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

Is Zermatt or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Zermatt and Cinque Terre both are terrific when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Zermatt on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

In either Zermatt or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Zermatt has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Zermatt than Cinque Terre. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Zermatt than Cinque Terre. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Zermatt, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Zermatt than Cinque Terre. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zermatt that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this iconic town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 is a small town with plenty to do. 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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

Zermatt is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

In Zermatt, many people enjoy the shopping and skiing that this charming destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

Zermatt is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Cinque Terre, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Cinque Terre?

Zermatt has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°F), 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 Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Zermatt is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 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. Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zermatt is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Zermatt usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

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

In April, Zermatt is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Zermatt usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 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 Zermatt