A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Cefalu for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Aegina or Cefalu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aegina or Cefalu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Aegina and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Aegina or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Aegina and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Aegina is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches.

How is Aegina different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cefalu and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Cefalu?

Aegina
Cefalu

Aegina is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aegina. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cefalu is an experience not to be missed. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Cefalu

Aegina is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Aegina has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Cefalu is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great destination for its resorts. However, Aegina is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Aegina is not a resort destination.


Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Cefalu?

Aegina
Cefalu

Aegina is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Families?

Aegina
Cefalu

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Cefalu.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Cefalu offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.


Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Cefalu

Aegina is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Cefalu is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's not a big backpacker vibe to the town, and you won't find tons of hostels, but there are affordable places that budget travelers can stay.

Is Aegina or Cefalu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Cefalu

Aegina is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Aegina has some public transit options. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Aegina or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Aegina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Cefalu is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.


For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Cefalu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cefalu than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cefalu, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cefalu that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aegina than Cefalu if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aegina.


  • How many days in Aegina or Cefalu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Cefalu 1-3

One day in Aegina or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aegina. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Cefalu?

Aegina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cefalu is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aegina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Aegina or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Aegina. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is €119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aegina and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Cefalu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Cefalu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Aegina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Cefalu 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Cefalu 5.71

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Cefalu, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Cefalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cefalu than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Cefalu?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Cefalu, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Aegina or Cefalu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aegina or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Cefalu. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the summer, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aegina usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Aegina during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Aegina is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in January than Cefalu. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Cefalu. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Aegina is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aegina usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Aegina

Aegina Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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