The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
If you’re heading to Italy and you’re looking for a dreamy beach holiday, you’re going to come up against the Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre debate. These two destinations often get plotted against one another because they’re pretty similar in a lot of ways… but also have a few key differences (we’ll get into these soon!)
From the colourful villages built on steep cliffs in little coves to their quintessentially Mediterranean and jagged coastlines. But despite their similarities, they’re not the same. They each have unique attractions and offer something distinct to travellers.
Deciding which is right for you can be a dizzying experience, so I’m here to help you with the nitty-gritty parts! Whether it comes down to money or romance, let’s dive right in and get to the bottom of where you should go on your next getaway…
Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!
Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.
Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
Do you have a cheap flight open on your browser, and you’re scared you’ll lose an unbeatable flight deal? Then read this straight-to-the-point overview and make a quick decision about which place to visit on your trip to Italy. But remember, this section is just a teaser of what’s to come! I’ll get more into the details as you scroll down…
Amalfi Coast
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
- Size: The Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile-long stretch of coast in the Campania region of Italy. It’s dotted with 13 quaint fishing villages.
- What it’s famous for: You’ll leave with the sweet taste of limoncello still lingering on your taste buds, a tranquil mind eased by the sea breeze, and memories of the dramatic coastal cliffs.
- Ease of getting there: The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport. From there, it’s a bus and ferry journey to Amalfi. But because there aren’t so many flights to Naples, lots of people fly into Rome and then catch the train to Sorrento and then hop on a bus to their destination from there.
- How to get around: The most iconic way to get around the Amalfi Coast is on a rented scooter, but the windy roads aren’t for the fainthearted.
- Types of accommodations: There are loads of luxurious hotels and comfy apartment rentals to stay in the Amalfi Coast, and even a rare hostel with cheap dorms.
Cinque Terre
- Size: Cinque Terre is a mere 15 square miles in size. But it packs a lot of characters into such a small area.
- What it’s famous for: Cinque Terre is famous for its 5 brightly coloured and next-level cute fishing villages, its rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, and pristine waters that beckon you in for a dip.
- Ease of getting there: You can reach Cinque Terre from the airports in Mila, Pisa, or Florence! From each of the airports, there are shuttle buses to the central station of each city, and from there you can take an Intercity train that goes directly to Cinque Terre.
- How to get around: You can walk between the region’s 5 villages, use the Cinque Terre Express train, or catch the ferry that travels between the fishing towns.
Is Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast Better?
The Amalfi Coast is more polished than Cinque Terre, so it’s a haven for luxury-seekers who want to soak their worries away in the sea and dine on exquisite seafood dishes each evening. Cinque Terre’s charming villages and coastal trails attract outdoorsy backpackers who want to experience the Mediterranean coast while travelling on a smaller budget.
For Things to Do
Historian nerds will love the Amalfi Coast. I was blown away by how much history there is in the area. Towns like Sorrento have ancient origins dating back to 800 BCE, when noble Romans would travel here for a break by the sea. You’ll go nuts when you see the 13th-century mill in the Valley of the Mills.
Cinque Terre has fewer historical sites, but the area’s 75 miles of hiking trails are perfect for travellers who want to put their latest hiking gear to the test. The Sentiero Azzurro is the most famous trail, as it connects all five villages along its length.
One thing both Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast have to offer is mouth-watering seafood dishes. Italy is famous for its cuisine anyway, but the fresh bream, succulent octopus, and curious sea urchin dishes you can get your hands on along the coast are out of this world. Don’t forget to wash your dinner down with some local limoncello, which is made from the area’s larger-than-life lemons (seriously, they’re about 3 times bigger than normal!).
The Amalfi Coast is bigger, so it’s also our top pick for a beach holiday. Go for a dip at Baia di Ieranto or kayak to Bagni Regina Giovanna, which was the favourite bathing spot of Giovanna II of Naples – a spot worthy of a queen. You can’t miss out on a boat trip to the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Grotto) either, the water in the cave is so blue people always think the pictures have been edited!
While Cinque Terre is less packed with things to do, you can’t compete with the area’s tranquil atmosphere and slowed-down pace of life. Wander through the quiet streets of Manarola, admiring the town’s brightly coloured houses and picture-perfect harbour.
Winner: Even though I’m completely in love with both, the Amalfi Coast does have more to add to its itinerary.
For Budget Travellers
In an ideal world, money wouldn’t be a factor, but with bills to pay and more travelling to plan, you’re probably wondering how much your trip will cost you. Even a small difference between meal prices and accommodation rates can add up to a lot when you add it all up at the end of your trip.
Because the Amalfi Coast is known as a luxury destination, it tends to be a fair bit more expensive than Cinque Terre. VIPs and wealthy professionals flock in from abroad, making the prices skyrocket. Especially in high season, Cinque Terre is a better option for budget-conscious travellers.
There aren’t many hostels in the Amalfi Coast either, so finding cheap dorms is pretty tricky. Backpackers tend to flock to Cinque Terre as there are a few more hostel options here. La Spezia, one of the region’s five towns, is especially great for budget travellers as there are loads of hostels. Let’s check out the price difference of things in the Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre.
List of price comparisons:
Below is a price breakdown for both the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre:
Amalfi Coast
- Accommodation: Expect to pay around €150- €200 a night for a hotel room.
- Main mode of transport: Single bus tickets cost less than €2.
- 1 restaurant meal: Expect to pay around €50 for a restaurant meal (ouch!).
- Beer: A pint of beer costs €5 upwards.
Cinque Terre
- Accommodation: You can easily find hotel rooms for around €80 a night.
- Main mode of transport: The Cinque Terre Train Card gives you unlimited train travel for as little as €15 outside of peak season. If you just want to hike, it’s as little as €7,50.
- 1 restaurant meal: Simple, budget meals cost as little as €12.
- Beer: A pint of beer costs €5 upwards.
Winner: If you’re worried about the impact that this holiday is going to have on your bank account, then staying in Cinque Terre is the best choice!
Ostello Tramonti | Where to Stay in Cinque Terre
I had such a cosy stay at this enchanting hostel in La Spezia – I never wanted to leave! The couple who run it are super friendly, and all the shared spaces have a homely touch.
Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….
These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…
Get Yours Here Read Our ReviewFor Couples
When you picture romance, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are likely what you see. The Italian Mediterranean coast conjures up the stereotypical images of kissing by the sea as the sun sheds its last golden rays of light, or drinking cool glasses of wine as you listen to the waves gently crashing on the shore.
Because both fit the bill so well, it’s hard to decide whether to visit Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast if you’re travelling as a couple.
The Amalfi Coast is better suited to lovey-dovey couples who are in desperate need of luxury and pampering. Cinque Terre is more shabby-chic, and because it has around 75 miles of hiking trails, it’s our top pick for health-conscious couples who like to stay active even when they’re away.
Couples who cringe at the idea of finding rose petals on their bed will love Cinque Terre’s less in-your-face version of romance. But, if you’re looking for somewhere to spend your honeymoon? Then the tranquil beaches in the Amalfi Coast and glamorous hotels with cliffside pools are where you need to be.
The great thing is, they’re the kind of destinations that grow with you as you can visit each one at different stages of your relationship.
Winner: The Amalfi Coast wins when it comes to romance, as it’s a great honeymoon and anniversary destination.
Villa Santa Maria | Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast
This intimate hotel is hidden amongst the lush mountain vegetation atop a rocky cliff. The sea views are the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway – I couldn’t stop snapping pictures!
For Getting Around
Cinque Terre is definitely our top pick for travellers who are happy to get around on foot. There are miles of hiking trails that run along the jagged coastline and connect each of the five villages in Cinque Terre, from Riomaggiore in the south to Monterosso in the north. The Amalfi Coast is too big to do entirely on foot, so it’s less appealing to anyone who wants to spend their holiday time hiking!
Hot tip: Bear in mind that not all the hiking trails in Cinque Terre are public, so you’ll need the Cinque Terre Train Card to access them all. Luckily, the card works on the Cinque Terre Express trains too, so if you get tired of walking, you can hop on a train and rest your feet instead.
Whilst Cinque Terre has a great network of trains, the SITA buses in the Amalfi Coast are just as good. They run between all 13 villages, and even go to popular mountainous regions beyond the main stretch of coast, like Agerola, which is where the Path of the Gods hike starts.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
The Amalfi Coast is also our top pick for adventurous travellers. Rent a scooter and get your adrenaline pumping, whizzing along the exposed cliffs and windy roads that connect all the towns. Even Cinque Terre’s local ferry can’t compete with that!
Winner: When it comes to getting around, the Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre conundrum is a solid tie! The Amalfi Coast’s dangerous roads are made for adventurous types, while Cinque Terre is perfect for hikers.
For a Weekend Trip
Running out of annual leave? Don’t worry, even a short weekend trip can be enough to reset you and break up the monotony of day-to-day life. Escape your to-do lists and forget about the chores you haven’t finished with a trip to Italy!
Because the Amalfi Coast is so much bigger than Cinque Terre and there are eight more villages, it would be pretty rushed to try and see it in just a weekend. Cinque Terre, on the other hand, is a very manageable size, which is what you want for a short trip.
You won’t struggle to see all five villages, which you can squeeze into just a day if you do the Sentiero Azzurro hiking trail or use the train as a hop-on, hop-off tour. Of course, you’ll only have time for a whistle-stop tour of the area, but you’ll get a good idea of the landscape and local culture.
Skip the FOMO and come back to the Amalfi Coast when you’ve got more time on your hands.
Winner: The little Cinque Terre region with its charming and close-together villages is perfect for a weekend getaway to Italy.
For a Week-Long Trip
Hurrah! You’ve finally managed to book a decent chunk of time off work, and you’re desperate to get horizontal on a sun bed already. But which should you visit, Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast?
Personally, I found that after a few days, Cinque Terre was starting to feel a little claustrophobic. The towns are picture-perfect, but there’s not a whole lot of difference between them. There are only so many minuscule harbours you can be awed by.
Avoid a week of déjà vu and opt for the Amalfi Coast instead. With its thirteen vibrant towns, endless beaches, and epic history, there’s enough to keep you busy for ages. Even busy bees who like to get up at the crack of dawn and fill their day to the brim will struggle to see everything.
Even if you did manage to tick all the local attractions off your checklist, you can fill your time with day trips to other top places to visit in Italy, like Pompeii, which is only an hour away.
Winner: The Amalfi Coast takes the pedestal for a week-long trip!
Visiting Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast
In an ideal world, all of Italy’s coolest regions would be neatly positioned side by side, so you could do it all! Sadly, that’s not quite how it works… I looked into doing both the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre on one trip when I was up against the same conundrum you’re having now.
I like to think anything is possible if you’re determined enough, but in this case, I had to admit defeat. With 440 miles between them, it’s an almighty journey to get from one to the other. Even if you rented a car, which is the quickest way to get from Cinque Terre to the Amalfi Coast, it’s an exhausting 8-hour drive.
If you wanted to do it with public transport, you’d need to go via Rome. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend wasting a whole day of your time off travelling from A to B. Pick one and stick to your decision.
The exception, of course, is if you’re on a long European backpacking trip and you’ve got all the time in the world to add both to your Italian itinerary.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on OspreyFAQs About Cinque Terre vs the Amalfi Coast
Got some burning questions you need the answers to? Don’t panic, I’ve got your back.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Italy
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Italy.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
If you’re a lovely, dovey couple looking for some pampering or a busybody who likes to pack their itinerary to the brim, then the Amalfi Coast is for you! There’s loads to do, but it’s also dotted with laid-back towns and picturesque beaches where you can spend the day doing nothing.
On the other hand, Cinque Terre is a great option for outdoorsy types who love a challenge. Trek between the area’s five villages and admire the colourful houses built into the steep cliffs.
Whether you choose the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre, remember to drink limoncello until your heart’s content!
- Get inspired by our Backpacking Europe guide
- Book your dream place to stay in Amalfi Coast
- Devise your ultimate itinerary for Amalfi Coast with our in-depth guide.
- Check out our Backpacking Italy guide for everything you need to know
- Use our Where to Stay in Cinque Terre guide to plan your adventure.
- Read up on the very best itinerary in Cinque Terre
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links, since we’ve decided to keep the site ad-free. So here it is!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
