Cinque Terre and Amalfi are stunning destinations in Italy, each offering unique experiences with their own attractions and charms.
Amalfi or Cinque Terre, Which one to Choose
The choice is depending from your interests and what you are looking for in your travel destination, whether natural beaty, cultural experiences or culinary delights.
They are both worth a visit and choosing one of them can be tricky. Here follows a detailed comparison to help you choose which coastal location is best for you.
If your journey in Italy is long and you're planning to visit more places between north & south, an excellent suggestion is to consider visiting both. Otherwise is recommended to visit both on separate trips.
Where do you fly into?
Opt for Cinque Terre if you want easy access by train from the airports of Milan, Florence, Genua or Pisa. It is ideal to visit Cinque Terre as a part of your northern Italy road trip. Places to visit: Milan, Lake Como, Venice, Tuscany, Florence, Pisa and Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre is a good base to visit nearby Portofino, Lucca and Pisa, as well as many lovely local towns on the coast.
Amalfi Coast is in southern Italy and is easily reached if you fly into Naples or Rome. Go to Amalfi Coast if your itinerary is towards the South of Italy. The Amalfi Coast would most easily be combined with Rome, Sicily, Naples, Positano, Sorrento, Ravello and the isle of Capri.
Accommodation
Cinque Terre is a relaxed, informal type of place. The towns only have small hotels, there are no resorts and the area is served by the train rather than taxis and limo services.
The Amalfi Coast offers a wide range of hotels, from luxury to charming boutique hotels that suit every kind of preference.
Transport
The five Cinque Terre villages are best accessed by train or ferry. The towns are mostly closed to traffic, the roads are narrow and winding and parking is limited and challenging. The Cinque Terre villages are linked together by hiking trails.
Amalfi Coast is best accessed by ferry or car, yet with a big warning: driving here is challenging and parking is really limited! So usually the best way to use the roads here is with private car service.
Atmosphere
Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast are completely different when it comes to vibe and feel. The Amalfi Coast is a long stretch of coastline in southern Italy; a luxurious beach destination that is a very popular choice for those who want a relaxing Italian holiday by the sea.
Cinque Terre, on the other hand, is a more rural destination on Italy’s northern Riviera coast that consists of five small villages nestled on the cliffs. Cinque Terre is a relaxed, informal type of place.
Atmosphere is the hardest thing to convey in writing but it is the one that makes some people fall in love with a place rather than other and what makes the choice so difficult as it is not an objective element: it is what you like for you. Amalfi Coast is glamorous, movie set / wedding backdrop type of place: the views as jaw-droppingly beautiful and hospitality here are top.
A helpful breakdown
Here's a breakdown to help you choose between two of the most popular destinations in Italy:
| Feature | Cinque Terre | Amalfi Coast |
| Location | Northern Italy (Ligurian coast) | Sothern Italy (Campania region) |
| Accessibility | Closest airport: Pisa, Genoa, Milan | Closest airport: Naples |
| Size | A collection of five small charming villages (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, Monterosso) perched on rugged cliffs along the Ligurian Sea. |
Amalfi is a stretch of coastline in southern Italy with 13 towns known for its cliffs, luxurious resorts and charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. |
| Vibe | Quaint,casual atmosfere, rustic and informal | Glamorous, lively and luxurious, vibrant and sophisticated |
| Transportation | Car-free villages connected by train, hiking trails, ferries and car | Accessibile by car, buses and ferries |
| Activities | Hiking trails, boat tours, landscapes. The region is famous for the scenic hiking trails connecting the five villages, especially the coastal Blue Path (Sentiero Azzurro). |
Historic sites, luxury beach, day trips to Pompei and Capri |
| Accommodation | Small hotels and guest houses, airbnb, b&b |
Luxury hotels, resorts and villas |
| Highlights | Natural beauty and local charm |
Cultural sites: Amalfi Cathedral, Ravello gardens Positano is a photogenic village Stunning drives along the Amalfi Drive (SS163). Ravello’s breathtaking Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo. Luxurious accommodations and high-end dining. |
| Price | Pricing in Cinque Terre comes in a bit lower than the Amalfi Coast | The Amalfi Coast will general come in quite a bit higher than Cinque Terre, particularly in high season. |
| Crowds | Less crowded | More popular and busier during peak season |
Why choose Cinque Terre?
- Ideal for hikers, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- Seeking scenic hikes
- Tranquil coastal views
- Intimate experience with fewer tourists
- Seeking romantic vacation with nature landscapes
Why choose Amalfi Coast?
- Suited for travellers looking for luxury
- For tourists seeking for nightlife
- Searching for cultural explorations and iconic attractions like Pompei and Capri
- Fits well into Sothern Italy itineraries near Naples
- Those seeking a luxurious or romantic vacation
Cinque Terre final considerations
- It's situated in the north of Italy, and is easily accessible by train.
- It's less luxurious than Amalfi Coast, more rustic. Hotels and AirbNb are small sized.
- Stunning coastal scenery, with colorful villages clinging to rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers picturesque hiking trails with breathtaking views.
- CT has retained much of its authenticity and traditional way of life. Agriculture is still important in the region.
- Most beaches are rocky. One popular sandy beach is in Monterosso al Mare.
- Can be accessed by train, car and boat. The villages are not easily accessible by car, which helps to preserve their pedestrian-friendly character.
Amalfi Coast final considerations
- Amalfi Coast is situated in the south of Italy, and is easily reached from Naples and Rome
- Amalfi can be more crowded than Cinque Terre and more expensive.
- Terrain is steep and may require more effort to navigate.
- Amalfi has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine civilizations. Visitors can explore historic sites such as the Cathedral of Amalfi and the Villa Rufolo in Ravello.
- The Amalfi Coast is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque towns, and stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The coastal road, known as the Amalfi Drive, offers breathtaking views at every turn.
- Gastronomy: The Amalfi Coast is famous for its delicious cuisine, which features fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and traditional dishes such as pasta with lemon and seafood risotto.
- Accessibility: While the Amalfi Coast is accessible by car, bus, or ferry, the narrow and winding roads can be challenging to navigate.
Key factors to decide between Cinque Terre and Amalfi Coast
Budget
Cinque Terre is generally more affordable than Amalfi.
Simplicity vs. Luxury
Amalfi is more upscale, while Cinque Terre offers a rustic charm.
Activities
- Hiking and quiet exploration? Choose Cinque Terre if you're a nature lover and seek a more laid-back experience.
- Relaxation and high-end dining? Choose Amalfi Coast.
Crowds
Amalfi tends to be more crowded than Cinque Terre, especially in peak season.
