Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast? • Anthony in Italy

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and trying to choose between the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre, you’re not alone. These two stretch-of-the-coast heavyweights often go head-to-head in travel forums, guidebooks, and Instagram reels. I’ve been to both—multiple times—and I live in Italy, so I’ve got thoughts. Practical ones. No fluff.

Logistics: Getting There and Around

Cinque Terre: Easy by Train

Cinque Terre is in northern Italy, and you can reach it easily by train from Florence or Milan. Once you’re there, the five towns are linked by a frequent, six-minute train ride.

Amalfi Coast: A Logistical Puzzle

No train. You’re navigating ferries, buses, or rental cars. Coming from Rome or Naples? You’re looking at a multi-step journey.

Verdict: If you want less time figuring out logistics and more time eating anchovies, go Cinque Terre.

Scenery: The “Wow” Factor

Aperitivo drinks on a seaside terrace at Torre Aurora with sweeping ocean views in Monterosso. — *Aperitivo at Torre Aurora in Monterosso al Mare.*

Cinque Terre: Gentle, Pastel, Pretty

Colorful buildings, tidy coastlines, and sea views.

Man standing in front of the colorful stacked buildings of Riomaggiore on a sunny day, with boats and people in the background. — *Riomaggiore doing its thing: bright, stacked, full of tourists taking pictures in this one spot.*

Amalfi Coast: Cinematic and Bold

High cliffs, plunging roads, and dramatic contrast with the sea.

Amalfi Coast view from Path of the Gods — *The Amalfi Coast*

Verdict: Amalfi if you want bold and cinematic. Cinque Terre if you like your beauty a bit more buttoned-up.

Culture (Or What’s Left of It)

Cinque Terre: Tourists Everywhere

You’re mostly surrounded by fellow foreigners.

Amalfi Coast: Slightly More Local

Touristy too, but you can still find bits of local life if you know where to look.

Verdict: Slight nod to Amalfi Coast for having a threadbare layer of actual local life if you dig a little.

Food

*Lunch at C’era una Volta on the Amalfi Coast*

Both: Excellent Seafood

You’re on the coast. Expect anchovies, mussels, and pasta alle vongole.

Amalfi Edge: Pizza

Thanks to its proximity to Naples, the pizza is world-class.

Verdict: Tie for seafood. Amalfi wins on pizza alone.

Hiking

Cinque Terre: Short, Steep, Scenic

National park trails connect the towns, some require a ticket. I did Monterosso to Vernazza (about 1.5 hrs).

Amalfi Coast: Path of the Gods

One of the most spectacular hikes in Italy, hands down. I wrote up a guide to it here.

Me on the Amalfi Coast! — *Hiking the Path of the Gods*

Verdict: Amalfi for drama, Cinque Terre for convenience.

Cost

They’re about the same, especially in high season.

Verdict: Call it even. Your wallet won’t love either (in busy season), but it’s still cheaper than most coastal places in the U.S.

When to Choose Which?

Choose Cinque Terre If:

You’re already visiting Florence, Milan, or Venice
You want a smoother travel experience

Choose Amalfi Coast If:

You’re also going to Rome, Naples, or Pompeii
You want more dramatic scenery and don’t mind a longer trip

Pro Tip: Cinque Terre can be done as a day trip from Florence. Amalfi Coast? Less so.

Final Takeaway

Cinque Terre is easier. Amalfi is more dramatic. Both are beautiful. Just match the coast to your trip and your tolerance for buses full of seasick tourists.