The answer to this is no. However, both Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast are two of the most iconic locations in Italy. They bring travelers from all around the world, including myself. I even found myself going back a few times. I simply cannot get enough of these two regions.
The towns are similar in that they both sit on the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views, and have charming little towns that dot the coastline.
Although both destinations offer unforgettable coastal experiences, their unique landscapes and cultural uniqueness do set them apart as distinct treasures of the Italian coastline.
Is Cinque Terre On The Amalfi Coast?
As mentioned above, Cinque Terre is not on the Amalfi Coast. There are roughly 716 km that separate the two (445 miles). Although they are both breathtakingly beautiful coastal areas in Italy, they do differ. Below, I will go over what sets these two Italian regions apart.
Which Part of Italy Is Cinque Terre?
Cinque Terre is situated along the rugged coastline of Liguria in northwest Italy. It is highly known for its five picturesque villages clinging to the cliffsides. These villages are Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. I enjoyed staying in the town of Manarola. It’s the second furthest south of the villages and a great starting point for a day of hiking to all the villages. The Ligurian region is well known for its landscape, characterized by rugged cliffs, terraced hillsides, and cute little seaside villages. Liguria’s capital and largest city is Genoa.
What City Is Closest to Cinque Terre?
La Spezia is the closest city to Cinque Terre. It sits 33.5 km to the southeast (21 miles). This is the largest city in the vicinity and is a major transportation hub for travelers exploring the Cinque Terre region. This is a great location to stay if you want to explore Cinque Terre on a budget. It’s a quick 8-minute regional train ride to Riomaggiore, the furthest south of the 5 villages. La Spezia itself offers its own attractions. These include the historic city center, a naval museum, and picturesque waterfront promenades, making it a worthwhile destination in its own right for those visiting the Cinque Terre area.
How Is Cinque Terre Different From Amalfi Coast?
Now that we know Cinque Terre is not on the Amalfi Coast, we can talk about the several factors that make Cinque Terre different from the Amalfi Coast. Although both places will take your breath away for sure, there are several differences.
- Geography: Cinque Terre is characterized by its rugged coastline, dramatic cliffs, and terraced vineyards. The five villages of Cinque Terre are perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. In contrast, the Amalfi Coast is known for its sheer cliffs, colorful villages built into the mountainsides, and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
- Architecture: Without a doubt, both regions feature charming, pastel-colored villages. However, Cinque Terre tends to be more rustic and simple, with narrow alleyways and stone buildings. The Amalfi Coast, on the other hand, has elegant villas, stunning churches, and grand palaces, all of which reflect its rich history and cultural heritage.
- Accessibility: Cinque Terre is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot or by train, with hiking trails connecting the five villages. The Amalfi Coast is spread along a winding coastal road. (Sidenote: I highly recommend renting a scooter to explore this coastal road) Navigating this road can be challenging, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Is Cinque Terre More Expensive Than Amalfi?
The cost between Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast can vary depending on a few factors. These factors include the time of year you visit, planned activities, accommodations, and dining options.
The Amalfi Coast is well known for luxury resorts, high-end boutiques, and elegant dining. It’s also good to note that the cost of everything is high since it is a very popular destination.
Cinque Terre, on the other hand, is less developed in luxury tourism. Although completely charming, with abundant accommodations, dining, and activities, it is more budget-friendly, giving your wallet a little bit of a break.
With this information, it’s best to conclude that the Amalfi Coast does tend to be more expensive than Cinque Terre.
Which Is More Beautiful, Amalfi or Cinque Terre?
Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question without being biased. I am an Amalfi Coast girl. Ok, who am I kidding? I’d be at either destination in a heartbeat. However, deciding which region is more beautiful than the other is based on personal experience. I love Cinque Terre and all the ruggedness, but I do love the beach life along the Amalfi Coast. There are a few small beaches in Cinque Terre. However, they are more like “swimming spots” with rugged rocks that can be easily sunbathed on.
Top Free Things To Do In Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre offers endless unforgettable experiences. I have so many vivid memories of my stays here. My favorite thing to do was hike from village to village. The views!!! Can we just say….!!! There are literally no words! Below, we can explore some things to do while you visit this stunning region.
- Hiking: Hiking from village to village is a lot of fun. The Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) connects all five villages and offers breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. The most popular stretch of the hike is The Via dell’Amore. This path is excavated in hard rock and winds along the coast on rocks that overhang the sea.
- Visit the Villages: If you aren’t into hiking but still want to get to the other villages, this is no problem at all. There are trains that will get you from town to town. I recommend visiting each town as they are each a little different and special in their own way.
- Attend Local Events: When you decide on your travel dates, check to see what local events may be happening in the area. Use this link to see when these events are.
- Photography: For you photography lovers, this is the place for you. With its colorful villages, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque landscapes, you will not be disappointed. I was able to capture amazing photos with little effort simply because of the intense beauty of this region. Your photos will not disappoint.
Top Paid Things To Do In Cinque Terre
If you want to make the absolute most of your stay in Cinque Terre, you will want to focus on a few paid excursions. The list below will not disappoint.
- Boat Tour: One top paid thing to do that I highly recommend is taking a boat tour. This gives you a whole different viewpoint of the villages. There is nothing like being on the water and seeing this area from this vantage point. You can find many options at the provided link that will be well-suited for what you’d like.
- Walking Tours: This is a great way to learn about Cinque Terre. There are all kinds of tours to suit any desire. There are trekking wine tours, private walking tours, food tours, and many more that are sure not to disappoint. You can explore all of them at the link below.
FAQS
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler seeking new adventures, having answers to frequently asked questions can enhance your experience and ensure a seamless trip. From understanding the best time to visit and the most convenient transportation options to exploring the must-see attractions and savoring local cuisine. Below are some common queries that may provide valuable insights for making the most of your Cinque Terre getaway.
Is Lake Como better than Cinque Terre?
These two areas are vastly different. Lake Como is nestled in the Italian Alps and has small towns dotted around the lake. Cinque Terre, the Italian Riviera, has villages strung together along rugged cliffs. Deciding which is better is based on personal preference. Do you like leisurely boat rides on the lake and exploring charming lakeside villages, or do you prefer colorful fishing villages, scenic hiking trails, and dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Liguria Sea?
Is Cinque Terre too touristy?
I always recommend visiting highly popular destinations during the off-season. This would be any time other than late spring to early fall. You may encounter cooler weather during the off-season, but the crowds will be sustainably less to allow for a more authentic visit to the area.
Which of the Cinque Terre Villages is the prettiest?
Opinions on which Cinque Terre village is the prettiest can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and experiences. Each village – Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – has its own unique charm and beauty, making it difficult to declare one as the prettiest. Monterosso al Mare is known for its sandy beaches and historic center, Vernazza for its colorful harbor and cliffside houses, Corniglia for its terraced vineyards and panoramic views, Manarola for its picturesque marina and hillside vineyards, and Riomaggiore for its charming alleyways and stunning sunsets. Visitors often find beauty in exploring all five villages, each offering its own delightful scenery and atmosphere.
How many days do you need in Cinque Terre?
To get the full experience of Cinque Terre, I recommend dedicating at least 3 days here. This gives you ample time to enjoy the hikes between the villages and to explore each town at a leisurely pace. Remember, this is the Italian Riviera; don’t rush; take your time to enjoy it slowly. This will be a trip you never forget!
In Conclusion
Exploring Italy’s coastal beauties, the question often arises: “Is Cinque Terre On The Amalfi Coast?” But now we know it doesn’t. Cinque Terre will promise anyone an unforgettable journey. As you stroll through the vibrantly colored villages and hike the trails between each village, you will be left with an impression that will be like none other. This area will be ingrained into your heart and soul, and you will find yourself smiling fondly at the memories of your time here.
