Is Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast better for your Italian dream holiday?
We got married in Positano, on the Amalfi Coast, and honeymooned in Cinque Terre. We also now live in Italy. So, we have some valuable experience to lend to this discussion.
In this post, I’ll go into which of the two locations I believe is better and why!
If you’re tossing up between a vacation on the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre and want to know which is better, then this post is for you.
Is Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast the Same
There are lots of similarities between the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. It's true that they both have a string of towns along a stretch of rugged coastline. The weather is similar with 30 to 40°C (86 – 104°F) during summer. There are rocky beaches and aquamarine waters in both locations, the old towns are rich in history, and the fishing villages are abundant in seafood.
They are equally beautiful and interesting. But there are some key differences that suit different types of travelers.
Differences Between Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre
The two destinations have quite a few distinct (and important) differences. Let’s take a look at each individually.
1. Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast: Location
Cinque Terre is in the North of Italy. Closer to Milan, Venice, and Florence.
The Amalfi Coast is in the South of Italy. Closer to Rome, Naples, and Sicily.
If you have limited time in Italy (less than 2 weeks), then depending on which airport you fly into and the plans for the rest of your itinerary, you may want to let this one factor (location) decide for you.
If you have more time and are willing to incur the time and cost of travel between North and South, then you’ll have more flexibility. So keep reading!
2. Cost of Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
In our experience, while both destinations demand a healthy budget, we found the Amalfi Coast considerably more expensive than Cinque Terre.
In fact, we’ve traveled extensively in Italy and found the Amalfi Coast more expensive than almost everywhere else. Including Venice, Florence, and Rome.
For example, using booking.com (our preferred hotel booking app), if I select 3 and 4-star accommodation in May, there is a clear price difference. The median nightly accommodation price in Amalfi is between €170 to €280, versus €130 to €200 in Riomaggiore (Cinque Terre).
Even though the Amalfi Coast does have a more luxury feel with some notably swanky hotels and restaurants. If you compare similar quality restaurants and hotels, the prices are typically higher on the Amalfi Coast. That being said, if luxury is more on-brand for you, then Amalfi will meet your expectations.
Whereas Cinque Terre has long been a place for hikers walking the pilgrimage trails, looking for a more rustic, traditional, and authentic Italian experience.
For accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travelers might find Cinque Terre more appealing.
3. Accessibility on the Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
Transport on the Amalfi Coast
When we chose the Amalfi Coast for our wedding, we had absolutely no idea how annoyingly difficult it is to get around. We rented a couple of cars in Naples and thought this would solve our transport issues. But in the end, the lack of and expense of parking made it an absolute chore.
We also managed to pick up a couple of parking tickets because we didn’t realize we’d parked in resident spots!
Driving on the Amalfi Coast is an incredible and unique experience. The super windy and impossibly narrow roads are an adrenaline rush for experienced and confident drivers. But a nightmare for everyone else. Trust me, it's no joke!
On the days our group decided to ditch the cars and catch the bus, we had the joy of waiting in a long line and watching buses driving-on-by because they were already at capacity. Waiting (on one occasion) for over two hours for a bus.
Needless to say, transport was a major issue and is possibly THE MOST frustrating part of a holiday to the Amalfi Coast.
Transport in Cinque Terre
By contrast, Cinque Terre is easily accessible by train and ferry. Admittedly, during peak season, everything is busy, and the trains can be especially crammed. But I’ve never waited longer than 30 minutes for a train.
There are also numerous boat operators offering tours and transfers from La Spezia to Cinque Terre and around the UNESCO marine park.
If you’re interested, we have several articles that explain how to get around Cinque Terre. Catching public transport in a foreign country is always a bit daunting at first. But apart from the ticket queues, getting around Cinque Terre really is super easy compared with the Amalfi Coast. Plus, you can make it easy on yourself and buy your Cinque Terre pass online in advance.
4. Hiking in Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast
Cinque Terre is renowned for its extensive network of hiking trails, offering stunning coastal views. These trails are quite unique and wind through wineries, olive groves, and ancient hamlets.
Not to be outdone, the Amalfi Coast also has some excellent hiking trails. But the trails don’t hug the coastline in the same way and are not as interesting or diverse. However, the Amalfi Coast trails are considerably less crowded!
5. Are the Beaches Better on the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre
The Amalfi Coast boasts beaches that are more easily accessible from the main towns. There are also some interesting coves, and of course, the (well-photographed) Fjord of Furore has a small, picturesque beach.
Cinque Terre has some beaches, but (apart from Monterosso beach) they are small and the little coves are often inaccessible other than by boat. Some kayak tours also take tourists to these little secluded coves to swim and relax away from the busy villages.
6. Amalfi Coast Glamour vs Cinque Terre Charm
The Amalfi Coast is a more radiant and luxurious destination. There are incredibly beautiful hotels, designer shops, and Michelin-star restaurants. Places like Positano and the Island of Capri have long been attracting wealthy socialites and certainly exude the idea of glamour and wealth.
Cinque Terre does offer a touch of luxury, with some small boutique hotels and high-end restaurants. But in general, you should expect a more traditional and authentic charm, with family-run businesses and local hospitality.
7. Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast - Sightseeing
I think that there are a lot of similarities between the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre when it comes to things to do.
Things to See and Do – Amalfi and Cinque Terre
Both have several cultural sites, such as cathedrals, castles, monasteries, picturesque villages, and coastal scenery.
Cinque Terre is also well known for its terraced vineyards and farms that grow grapes (for local Cinque Terre DOC wine), lemons, and olives. With a view of the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop, it’s a unique place for winery tours and tasting experiences.
You can also explore both coasts by boat and both are close to other worthy tourist destinations.
Day Trips and What’s Nearby
The Amalfi Coast is close to the blissful island of Capri, as well as the smaller islands of Ischia and Procida. Back on land, the Amalfi Coast is within reach of Sorrento, Naples, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius. But you’ll have to endure the infrequent and overcrowded buses (or arrange a private transfer or car).
Cinque Terre is close to Portofino (playground for the rich and famous) and several picturesque towns along the Ligurian coast, such as Portovenere, Sestri Levante, and Lerici. It’s also only 10 minutes from La Spezia, which is well connected with the rest of Italy and only a day trip from Florence, Pisa, and other parts of Tuscany. All of which can be easily reached by train.
If Italy is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then it would be heartbreaking to skip Florence. However, the islands of Ischia, Procida, and the chance to visit Pompeii would give anyone a severe case of FOMO.
In the end, if you have the budget and you’re willing to make the effort to do sightseeing and day trips, then either the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre has a lot to offer and will leave enduring memories.
8. Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast: Crowds and Tourism
We didn't visit the Amalfi Coast in peak summer. We were there for the end of May/beginning of June. Nothing was particularly hectic. The towns felt busy but not crowded. Even so, the major problem for us was getting around. The single coastal road was congested, and the buses were already at capacity.
As I mentioned already, Cinque Terre is easy to get around. The trains and ferries to and around Cinque Terre make everything simple. But (and this is a BIG BUT), this is also the reason why Cinque Terre is getting so busy. There is no bottleneck as such. So, tourists can just keep flooding in!
That being said, there are still ways to avoid the intensity of the crowds if you plan ahead and make an extra effort to get off the beaten track and seek out activities that have limited entry or are in the hills. Activities like hiking, pesto making classes, wine tasting and vineyard tours, boat excursions, kayaking, and biking adventures.
My Honest Opinion: Which is better Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast
The truth is that after getting married in Positano (Amalfi Coast) and having our honeymoon in Cinque Terre, I did kind of wish we’d done it the other way around. Both places were amazing, but the transport issues on the Amalfi Coast were difficult to manage with a group and hampered our daily plans.
Ultimately, I didn’t have to choose between the two, but you may not have that same luxury.
So, let’s do a quick recap to help you make your final decision between Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.
My advice is to choose the Amalfi Coast if you have a healthy budget, like luxury and glamour, don’t mind dealing with transport issues, and if you want the following:
- Choice of refined and elegant accommodation
- Easy access to beaches
- Boutique shopping
- Day trips to exclusive islands like Capri
- Chance to visit places like Sorrento, Pompeii, and Mount Vesuvius
And choose Cinque Terre if you have a mid-range budget, need easy and convenient transport and if want the following:
- Boutique and B&B style accommodation
- Activity-based vacation (cycling, hiking, kayaking)
- Wine culture with terraced vineyards and farms
- Local artisanal shopping
- Day trips to nearby historic medieval towns
- Chance to visit places like Portofino, Pisa, and Florence
Summary of Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast
Whilst there are many similarities between the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, there are enough differences to make each location distinct and unique.
Based on my experience of both the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, and what I have outlined in this post, I hope that you now have a better sense of where you should book your vacation.
FAQ
Is Cinque Terre on the Amalfi Coast?
No, Cinque Terre is not part of the Amalfi Coast. Cinque Terre is in the North of Italy, and the Amalfi Coast is in the south of Italy.
How far is Cinque Terre from Amalfi Coast?
Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast are more than 7.5 hours' drive from each other. Almost 700 km (435 miles).
What coast is Cinque Terre on?
Cinque Terre is in the region of Liguria along the Ligurian Riveria. It is close to the Gulf of La Spezia and the port city of La Spezia. This being the nearest major town with transport connections to the rest of Italy.
Is the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre better?
Neither is better. Both are amazing destinations for an Italian holiday. It depends on your budget and style of travel. The Amalfi Coast would appeal to visitors wanting a more high-end luxury break. Cinque Terre is better for mid-range travelers who like activity-based vacations. There are other key differences and deciding factors. Read our full article (above) to help you decide.
Does Amalfi Coast have a train?
Unlike Cinque Terre (which has the Cinque Terre Express train), the Amalfi Coast does not have a train network between the coastal towns. There is only car, bus, or boat transport. The coastal road on the Amalfi Coast is windy, narrow, and notoriously busy during peak summer months. And to make matters worse, parking is in short supply.
