Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast: 10 important differences
It is always hard to compare two destinations, even more so with Cinque Terre vs Amalfi Coast. I visited both multiple times and although I cannot recommend one over the other, I can certainly identify 10 major differences that you should consider before booking your next trip.
Without further ado, let’s start with the accessibility.
Is it easier to arrive at the Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast?
The Cinque Terre is very well connected by train, besides a few ferries from La Spezia and Rapallo.
You can easily fly to either Genoa or the low-cost airport of Pisa and from there, it’s just a 1h-1h30m train trip to any of the 5 towns on the Cinque Terre which they sit just halfway between the two cities.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast is a bit more challenging, especially if you are not staying in Amalfi, the bus hub of the coast. You’ll need to fly into Naples and then take a combination of train and bus, or organise direct private transportation, which will take time, effort and money.
The newly refurbished Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport should re-open in July 2024, however, there were a few delays (the website is down as I am writing this post – maybe just temporarily?) so have a check before booking your flights.
Keep also in mind that ferries (La Spezia/Rapallo to Cinque Terre and Naples/Salerno to Amalfi Coast) run only from mid-spring to mid-autumn.
Cost of travel in Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre
Let me be honest with you, they are both expensive and somehow exclusive destinations. In saying that the Amalfi Coast is on average more expensive, roughly 50% more, although it must be said you also get more quality, facilities and amenities.
The most costly towns are Vernazza in Cinque Terre and Positano on the Amalfi Coast, for both accommodations and restaurants.
There are other villages on the Cinque Terre much cheaper like Manarola. Minori has also some well-priced accommodations on the Amalfi Coast.
I would budget at least 100-150 Euros/day for the Cinque Terre and 150-200 Euros/day for the Amalfi Coast for a basic stay and food. Add more for the excursions, like private boat trips.
Weather in Amalfi Coast vs Cinque Terre
Both have typical Mediterranean weather with hot summers and warm springs and autumns. Winter can be very cold, beside most of the accommodations, restaurants and shops are closed.
The Amalfi Coast can be very hot in July and August, and extremely busy, too.
My tip: visit the Cinque Terre between mid-May and mid-June or in September for a combination of good weather and a relaxed atmosphere. Experience the Amalfi Coast in May or from mid-September to mid-October.
Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre for a family trip?
Both destinations are very similar in this respect. You can have great days visiting the town and villages or walking on the trails along the coast. You will have similar options.
Keep in mind that travelling with a pram won’t be easy, however, it’s going to be harder on the Amalfi Coast, especially in Positano, where there are a ton of stairs.
If you like to mix in some beach time, the Amalfi Coast is the winner because you can find a few sandy and pebble seashores with Maiori being the best town for that. Monterosso in the Cinque Terre is the only option to plan a swim and a sandcastle.
Although there are public areas, most of the beaches are usually organised, which means you can rent a couple of sunbeds and a parasol for the day. Expect to pay 70-100 euros/day on the Amalfi Coast, less in Monterosso
Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre for couples?
Both destinations are very romantic but there is quite a difference between the two.
I find the Cinque Terre to have plenty of charm, but quite understated. Luxury accommodations are rare and swimming pools are uncommon, if non-existing. You can surely experience a boutique stay but on the low-key side.
The Amalfi Coast is more for a VIP gateway with infinity pools overlooking the marvellous coast, plush restaurants with a magical view where you can have the most romantic dinners and plenty of aperitivo spots to start off your evening.
Of course, as you may expect, there is a difference also in price with Positano the most expensive town of all.
Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast for Beaches
Monterosso is the only town on the Cinque Terre with a beach, quite long and narrow. It’s a mix of pebble and sand, surely not the main reason to go there. Riomaggiore and Vernazza have also an opening to the sea, but it’s honestly more for those really hot days when you need a swim.
The Amalfi Coast has a few good beaches with Maiori offering the biggest and longest sandy coastline. The most spectacular of all is certainly the one in Positano. The view is to die for and there is also a good-sized public area in case you don’t want to pay over 70 euros for two sunbeds and a parasol.
Two other beaches I suggest are Il Duoglio, reachable by boat from Amalfi or get ready for a long way down from the main road, and the small unique beach inside the Furore Fjord.
Safety and Transportation
Italy is a beautiful country, unique in its genre, but it’s also a place where petty crime is more on the common side, so pay attention to your belongings.
In saying that both the Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are usually a safer heaven, however, to get there you will need to take a busy or crowded train, ferry or bus. These are the places where pickpocketing usually happens more frequently.
Naples is quite (in)famous for that, although safety has improved a lot in the last few years. Genoa and La Spezia are not as bad but still be alert.
Talking of transportation, the Cinque Terre is very well connected by train. Reachability is definitely a big advantage of this corner of Italy. Moreover, La Spezia is connected to Vernazza as well as Porto Venere by boat.
The Amalfi Coast is well linked by bus although the narrow road along the cliff can be very busy (the timetable is based on the traffic). The trip itself offers magnificent views, but they can be scary too.
Accidents on the road are rare, based on what the locals say, but certainly, I would not suggest renting a car or a scooter to enjoy the Amalfi Coast. Parking is also rare and extremely expensive.
My tip: If you are renting a car in Italy and you are on a big tour of the country, I suggest leaving the vehicle parked in La Spezia/Genoa (Italian Riviera) or in Salerno (Amalfi Coast) and taking public transportation from there.
Amalfi Coast Vs Cinque Terre for a 1-week stay
I have actually organised a full guide for 1 week on the Amalfi Coast. In short, you can experience a lot and you will enjoy it so much. Here is a quick table with a possible itinerary.
| Day | Destination | Activities and Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Positano | Arrive and settle in. Explore the town, visit Spiaggia Grande, and enjoy a sunset dinner. |
| 2 | Positano | Take a boat tour to nearby coves and beaches, visit Fornillo Beach, and explore local shops. |
| 3 | Capri | Day trip to Capri Island. Visit the Blue Grotto, Villa San Michele, and the Gardens of Augustus. |
| 4 | Amalfi | Travel to Amalfi. Visit the Amalfi Cathedral, stroll through the town, and try local pastries. |
| 5 | Ravello | Spend the day in Ravello. Visit Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone for stunning views. |
| 6 | Sorrento | Day trip to Sorrento. Explore Piazza Tasso, visit Marina Grande, and shop for souvenirs. |
| 7 | Path of the Gods | Hike the Path of the Gods. Enjoy breathtaking views, then relax in the evening. |
One week will give you ample time to enjoy the Cinque Terre and take some time to relax too. Here is a possible itinerary
| Day | Destination | Activities and Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Monterosso al Mare | Arrive and settle in. Explore the village, enjoy the largest beach in Cinque Terre, and dine by the seaside. |
| 2 | Vernazza | Hike to Vernazza early in the morning. Explore the castle and harbour area, and enjoy a local lunch. |
| 3 | Corniglia | Visit Corniglia, the only village not directly by the sea. Walk the vineyard trails and sample local wines. |
| 4 | Manarola | Spend the day in Manarola. Enjoy scenic views from Punta Bonfiglio and dine at a sea-view restaurant. |
| 5 | Riomaggiore | Explore Riomaggiore’s historic centre and marina. Try a sunset boat tour of the Cinque Terre coastline. |
| 6 | Porto Venere | Take a day trip to Porto Venere. Visit San Pietro Church, explore Doria Castle, and walk the old town. |
| 7 | Leisure Day | Spend a leisurely day in your favourite village or return to one you’d like to explore more thoroughly. |
Things to do in Cinque Terre and highlights of Amalfi Coast
The two destinations have similar things to do in a way that exploring the beautiful towns and following a few trails for some spectacular views are really where you will spend most of your time.
There are however a few specific things to do that are typical of one or the other destination. Here below are my top 5 activities on the Amalfi Coast
| Activity | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Positano | Explore the iconic hillside town with its colourful buildings, chic boutiques, and Spiaggia Grande Beach. |
| 2 | Tour the Island of Capri | Take a ferry to Capri, visit the Blue Grotto, and enjoy the upscale shops and breathtaking views. |
| 3 | Hike the Path of the Gods | Experience this famous trail offering panoramic views across the coast from Agerola to Nocelle. |
| 4 | Discover Amalfi | Visit the impressive Amalfi Cathedral, stroll through the ancient streets, and taste local limoncello. |
| 5 | Relax in Ravello | Enjoy the tranquil gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone, and take in the stunning coastal vistas. |
And here is a table with my suggested things to do in the Cinque Terre
| Activity | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Swim at Monterosso’s Beaches | Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches of Monterosso, the largest of the Cinque Terre villages. |
| 2 | Hike the Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro) | Trek along this famous trail connecting the five villages, known for its breathtaking views and nature. |
| 3 | Sunset at Nessun Dorma in Manarola | Savour an evening at Nessun Dorma with local wines and appetizers, complemented by stunning sunset views. |
| 4 | Kayak Along the Coast from Vernazza | Paddle along the rugged coastline for a unique perspective of Vernazza’s colourful houses and cliffs. |
| 5 | Culinary Tour in Riomaggiore | Embark on a culinary adventure, sampling fresh seafood and Ligurian specialties like pesto and focaccia. |
Accommodations
You can find accommodations for any price and style in both locations. As I previously mentioned, there are no cheap hotels or Airbnb but still book well in advance you may be able to find a few bargains.
Keep in mind that on average the Cinque Terre tends to be better priced than the Amalfi Coast.
My tip: As a rule of thumb, peak season is from the 15th of June till the end of August. Book very well in advance if travelling there in summer.
I have written a full guide to the best towns and areas to stay in the Cinque Terre. Here is a quick summary table.
| Best for | Town | Best for | Suggested hotel | My notes |
| Family | Monterosso | Family | Seaside Apartment | It has a nice beach where you can spend some time with the kids when you are not busy visiting the Cinque Terre and it’s an easily reachable place, with or without a car. |
| Couples | Vernazza | Couples, picturesque stay | Casa Gabri | It’s so romantic! It can be very busy though, especially during the day. If you are more about a relaxing and quieter spot, then Corniglia is the place to be. |
| Budget | Manarola | Budget | Da Baranin | This is not the cheapest area to stay in Italy, however, you can still find some bargains, especially if you book well in advance. |
| Nightlife | Riomaggiore | Nightlife | Le Giare | Most of the Cine Terre towns tend to “shut down” at dinner time, not much happening. Riomaggiore is the only one with some late dinner options and a few bars for a drink even after midnight. |
| Close to Cinque Terre | Portovenere | The hidden jewel | La Torre | This town is a destination by itself, so beautiful. You can even visit it on a day boat trip from the Cinque Terre |
I have organised also a full guide to where to stay in Amalfi, including a few suggested boutique accommodations and budget options.
Here is a quick summary table
| Town | Best for | Suggested Hotel | Beaches | Architecture & Character | Restaurants | Nightlife | Bus Access | Car parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agerola | Hiking | Dafne | NA | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Amalfi | Without a Car | B&B Valenti | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| Atrani | Budget (Value for money) | Gabry & Dodò | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Erchie | Unique | Bougainvillaea | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Maiori | Families, Beaches | La Casa di Zeffiro | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Minori | Budget (Best Deals) | Hotel Europa | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Positano | For Couples For Nightlife | La Nunziata or Torre Trasita | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Praiano | Couples (Seclusion) | Giardino Dei Limoni | 2 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Ravello | Honeymoon | Palazzo Avino | NA | 5 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Sorrento | With a Car, Nightlife | Palazzo Marziale | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
