A wish-list destination is never going to be cheap, and of course, this is Italy. It's not a country known for bargain basement holiday deals.
Add to that a destination that is small with limited supply, you can safely assume that demand has created inflated pricing.
Both the above factors are 100% true of Cinque Terre. In this post we’ll look at how much money you need for a vacation to Cinque Terre.
We live in La Spezia, just 10 minutes from the Cinque Terre towns and we experience ‘tourist’ prices on a regular basis. We’re now so accustomed to the high cost that on a recent trip to the (famously expensive) Dolomites, Justin and I were surprised at the relative ‘affordability’ of accommodation and restaurants. LOL!
Ok. So, you get my point. But don’t rush out to remortgage your house just yet. It’s better to understand the true costs and plan accordingly!
I’m guessing you need more info, and a nightly cost estimate might be useful? If you’re short on time, then you can skip to my handy costing tables below.
Otherwise, keep reading for my full Cinque Terre cost analysis!
Seasonal Pricing in Cinque Terre
High Season Pricing
The main tourist season runs from June to early September. This coincides with European school holidays.
This period is when the Cinque Terre is at its busiest, with vibrant towns, plenty of activities and an Aperol spritz is the order of the day!
During the high season, prices in Cinque Terre remain high and are more or less stable. Even last minute accommodation, tours and activities will be marked up, not down!
Shoulder Season Pricing
The shoulder season in Cinque Terre is April, May, late September, and October. It can start a little earlier if Easter falls in March.
Most (but not all) tourist businesses are usually open during shoulder season. You can get better deals on accommodation and there are fewer tourists around. But it’s usually still busy.
During shoulder season, prices in Cinque Terre are more affordable and it’s still a good time to visit.
Off Season Pricing
The low season in Cinque Terre is from November to March.
It’s a great time for hiking and cycling. Especially on sunny dry days. During the low season, you can save reasonable money on accommodation.
But there are some disadvantages to coming at this time. The weather can be unpredictable and many tourist businesses, including hotels and restaurants, will be closed!
Costs for Major Expenses in Cinque Terre
Now let's see how much you should expect to spend each day in Cinque Terre for your major expenses.
Accommodation Costs
For most people, holiday accommodation will be the biggest daily expense. Expect to pay a minimum of 175 Euros per day for a mid-range standard double room during high season.
You can find cheaper accommodation in the nearby towns of Levanto and La Spezia.
It is also more affordable in the off season; however, the weather can oscillate a little between mild dry days and damp cold days:
Eating Out and Restaurant Costs
A pasta dish (Primi) in a local homestyle trattoria can be as low as €12. But more typically, you should expect to pay €15 and up to €20 if it includes seafood.
If you decide to eat a meat or fish dish (Secondi), then expect to pay around €25.
A glass of local house wine, beer, or a soft drink and gelato or dessert will add an extra €10-15.
Italian restaurants will normally add a cover charge (coperto) for dining in. The coperto is not a service charge or tip, but instead is an odd sort of charge for the use of crockery and cutlery! Some restaurants will also say this is for the bread that comes with your meal. The coperto is typically between 2 and 4 Euros per person.
If you eat out for 3 meals per day and eat modestly (2 courses per meal with a drink), then you should budget no less than €75 per person per day.
You can save money by renting an apartment and cooking for yourself. There are lots of small grocery stores or deli-style gastronomia where you can buy delicious local meats, cheese, focaccia, olives, and fresh pastas.
Transport Costs
A single train ticket (during peak season) between the Cinque Terre towns costs 10 Euros (2025 pricing).
In peak season a daily Cinque Terre card with unlimited travel is €32.50! Quite an expense, considering the train ride between the towns only takes a few minutes!
The ferry is another transport option and a daily ticket with unlimited travel is €42.50.
So, depending on your plans, the costs are quite varied. But on average, I would budget €25 per day.
The hiking paths in Cinque Terre are well-marked and well-used. If you enjoy getting out in nature and viewing spectacular scenery, then walking between the villages is a cheap alternative to the trains and boats. Only the famous SVA Blue Trail (Cinque Terre Trekking Card) and Path of Love are ticketed.
Cost of Tours and Experiences
You can experience Cinque Terre without doing any extra special tours or excursions. There are lots of hiking trails, public beaches, and, of course, you can walk around the towns without booking a tour. Take a look at our one-day in Cinque Terre itinerary for some inspiration!
But if you have the chance, then a local Italian cooking course, boat trip, wine tasting or walking tour will add depth to your understanding and appreciation of the area that a guidebook just can’t match.
Typical tours range from €75 for a walking tour to €120 for a boat trip or winery experience.
Let’s call it €100 for good measure. Budgeting for one experience over a 3-day trip, I think is fair.
When we make tour bookings in Italy, we typically use Get Your Guide or Tiqets. Both platforms offer a wide range of tours, activities, and experiences. They have secure payment gateways and transparent cancellation and refund policies.
Related posts you may like:
Other Miscellaneous Costs
Cinque Terre villages and UNESCO area has a lot to offer and there are plenty of activities and things to do that will keep you busy.
But many of these things aren’t free and these little extras can soon add up. Miscellaneous costs could include tips, entry to museums, church donations, and GELATO!
Tipping is not a normal cultural rule. Unlike America and other parts of the world, you shouldn’t feel any obligation. But typically, restaurant staff don’t earn generous salaries and take the brunt of demanding and impatient tourists. So, if you experience good service then a tip will likely be appreciated!
Thankfully these additional costs don’t have to be a budget-buster. For example, entry to Riomaggiore castle is a couple of euros.
However, purchasing small trinkets, Italian artisanal products, and gifts might make a dent in your wallet!
For Justin and me, our miscellaneous costs would include our daily stop for aperitivo and my unnecessary (or is it absolutely necessary?) habit of buying handmade jewelry (earrings to be specific).
Let’s throw caution to the wind and add an extra €25 per day!
Cost for 3 Days in Cinque Terre
Assuming it’s 2 adults visiting Cinque Terre for 3 days over the summer period, with mid-range options, you can expect the following total costs.
Accommodation (€175 per night, 3 nights) = €525
Food = (€75, 2 people, 3 meals per day) = €450
Local Transport = (€25, 2 people, 3 days) = €150
Tours and Experiences = (€100, 2 people, 1 experience) = €200
Miscellaneous Costs = (€20, 2 people, 3 days) = €120
Total Budget for 2 people staying 3 nights = €1,445
And because I used to be a project manager, I should really tabulate my results for the heck of it.
Table showing a high season sample budget for Cinque Terre:
Table showing a high season sample budget for Cinque Terre:
How to Save Money in Cinque Terre
I’ll write a separate blog post on how to do Cinque Terre on a budget. But for now, here are some cost-saving ideas:
- Visit in shoulder season when prices are a little more affordable.
- Stay in one of the convenient nearby towns. Both La Spezia and Levanto have excellent accommodation options with prices that are less inflated.
- Hike between the towns to avoid transport costs.
- Stay in an apartment and buy groceries instead of eating out.
- Book in advance for better pricing and the best deals on accommodation.
Wrap Up
The reality is that Italy is a very desirable holiday destination, and prices are reflective of this demand.
We’ve traveled throughout Italy and consider Cinque Terre to be expensive but not as inflated as other places including, The Amalfi Coast, Venice, Trieste, or Lake Como.
The mid-range travel example in this post is just a guide. But I hope you find it useful for constructing your travel budget!
Do you have any questions? Please add a comment below.
