Two famous coastlines, very different trips. Here is how to choose, or how to do both.
Quick answerChoose the Amalfi Coast for grand hotels, boat days to Capri and a classic seaside holiday near Pompeii and Naples. Choose the Cinque Terre for five small car-free villages linked by train and hiking trails, close to Florence and Tuscany. Many travellers combine one of them with Rome or Florence.
By the Thrill of Italy team · Updated October 2026
| Amalfi Coast | Cinque Terre | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Campania, south of Naples | Liguria, on the Riviera |
| Feel | Glamorous, villas and grand hotels | Five small fishing villages |
| Getting around | Coast road, boats and private drivers | Train between the villages, trails, boats |
| Hotels | Wide range including luxury hotels | Mostly small hotels and guesthouses |
| Pairs well with | Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Rome | Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Tuscany |
| Nearest major airport | Naples | Pisa or Genoa |
The Amalfi Coast is a stretch of towns, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello among them, along a dramatic cliff road south of Naples. The Cinque Terre is a national park of five villages, Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore, on the Ligurian coast. Amalfi is larger and more polished; the Cinque Terre is smaller and more rustic.
The Cinque Terre. Trails link the villages, and the classic coastal path, the Sentiero Azzurro, is the one route in the park that requires the Cinque Terre Card. Sections close for maintenance, so check the national park’s official site before you go. The Amalfi Coast has fine walks too, but most visitors explore it by boat and by road.
The Cinque Terre villages are linked by a local train and are largely car-free. On the Amalfi Coast, the single coast road is narrow and busy, and in peak months a number-plate rotation restricts cars on the main road. Licensed private-hire drivers (NCC) are exempt, which is one reason a private driver works so well there.
Neither is a long sandy-beach destination. Amalfi has small pebble beaches and beach clubs; Monterosso has the largest beach in the Cinque Terre. For real beach time, a boat day is the best option on both coasts.
Yes. A common route is Amalfi Coast, then Rome, then Florence, then the Cinque Terre, using a fast train for the long leg. See our Amalfi Coast tours and our Florence, Tuscany and Cinque Terre itinerary.
The Amalfi Coast, for most families: more hotels with pools and space, and easy boat days. The Cinque Terre suits active families who enjoy walking and trains, with Monterosso’s beach for downtime.
Both are busy in summer. The Cinque Terre villages are small, so day-trippers make them feel crowded quickly; staying overnight lets you enjoy the mornings and evenings. On the Amalfi Coast, late spring and late September to October are calmer.
Tell us your dates and what you love. A member of the team replies personally.
9 days
Exploring Positano, Guided Tour of Pompeii, Guided Tour of Naples.
8 days · Florence, Pisa, Siena
Florence Highlights Tour, Wine Tasting and Cooking Class in Tuscany, Boat Tour Of Cinque Terre.
11 days · Maremma, Bolgheri, Cinque Terre
Giglio Island, Saturnia’s thermal baths, Bolgheri wines and a private boat day in the Cinque Terre.
Something else on your mind? A member of the team replies personally.
The Amalfi Coast, for most couples: more choice of hotels with views, and Capri by boat. The Cinque Terre suits couples who love walking.
No. A car is more hassle than help on both coasts. Use trains in the Cinque Terre and a private driver on the Amalfi Coast.
Two to three nights in the Cinque Terre and at least three on the Amalfi Coast.
Tell us your dates and what you love. Your trip designer will reply with ideas and a first proposal.
12-Day Best of Italy