A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Albufeira vs. Cefalu for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Albufeira or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Albufeira 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.

Albufeira

Albufeira is a party hard, vibrant, and touristy resort town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Albufeira and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Albufeira than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Albufeira is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Albufeira is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Also, Albufeira is famous for Praia da Falesia. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Albufeira different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cefalu is a fishing village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Albufeira does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Albufeira and Cefalu both to be superb destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Albufeira. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, the city also has the widest selection of restaurants. There are traditional options that serve up classic dishes like grilled sardines, as well as international restaurants with traveler favorites. As expected, you'll find a lot of seafood, but you'll also find inland influences from local farms in the area.

Cefalu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

People head to Albufeira just to party. It's probably the most infamous party destination in the Algarve and it won't disappoint. During the peak summer months you'll find the streets around the popular "Strip" filled with tourists and party-goers. There are hen and stag parties, backpackers, and drunken travelers out for a good time. The Strip has become so popular that there are now bars and clubs on the adjacent streets as well. If you're not staying in the area, you'll likely want to take a taxi, as it's a couple kilometers outside of the town center.

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 Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Albufeira for its luxury resorts. As the largest resort town in the Algarve, you'll find a wide selection of hotels to choose from. Party-goers will want to stay near the Strip while families will prefer the old town or resorts in Olhos de Agua.

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.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Albufeira is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Albufeira. There are countless vendors who will take you by boat to explore the underwater world, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. The marine life is impressive and the water is generally clear.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Albufeira offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. With their golden sands and blue waters, the beaches are world class. The area also has a diversity of beaches that are perfect for all types of vacationers. For water sports, head to Praia dos Alemaes but for relaxation and catching some rays check out Praia da Falesia. You'll find some interesting rock formations at Praia dos Olhos de Agua. One of the most convenient beaches to town is Praia dos Pescadores. For nightlife you'll want to head to Praia da Oura.

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.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a great destination for its old town. However, Albufeira 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.

Albufeira does not have a historic old town.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Albufeira and Cefalu both have notable trails.

Albufeira is a good destination for hiking. There are countless coastal walks that are perfect for all skill levels. Many offers stunning views along the rocky coast and pass through natural settings. Popular trails in the area include Praia Grande Interpretation Trail and Paderne Castle Trail.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cefalu. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cefalu and Albufeira.

If you're looking to go shopping, Albufeira has some nice offerings. You'll find most of the shops are geared toward souvenirs or beach items, particularly near the beach and marina. If you look hard you might find some nice ceramics or items made of cork.

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 Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Albufeira or Cefalu.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Albufeira. Despite it's reputation as a party-hard city, there are actually a lot of family-friendly activities in the area. Because it's the largest resort town in the Algarve, it also has the most activities to choose from, including theme parks, water parks, dolphin watching, ropes courses, go karting, and more. The best area's for families are in the old town or the most of the family-friendly resorts outside of town. Families should avoid staying near "the Strip."

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 Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Albufeira and Cefalu make for a amazing place to visit.

Albufeira makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. For an active honeymoon or couple's retreat, this resort town has it all. Beautiful beaches, adventure-filled activities, a wild nightlife scene, and excellent resorts and restaurants all make for a memorable couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Cefalu has plenty to offer. 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.

Is Albufeira or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Albufeira is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Albufeira is extremely popular for backpackers. If you're looking for a party, then you found it. The area is a top pick for European holidays, so you'll find plenty of energy and activities around town. There are also golden beaches and a decent selection of hostels to choose from.

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

Albufeira is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Albufeira. There are regional buses and even trains, but do take note that many of the train and bus stations are a good distance outside of town.

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 Albufeira or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is a great destination for its high level of walkability. However, Albufeira is a resort town with minimal options for its ease of walking around.

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

Albufeira is generally not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to hire a car, but if your hotel is near the beach and you're ok with walking to restaurants, then you may be able to get away without one. If you hope to travel into the countryside at all then a car is necessary.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Albufeira?

How long in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Albufeira and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Albufeira, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Albufeira 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 Albufeira.

One day in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Albufeira. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Albufeira is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Albufeira or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Albufeira. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Albufeira or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the high energy destination of Albufeira. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Albufeira and Cefalu, we can see that Albufeira is more expensive. And not only is Cefalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cefalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cefalu 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 Albufeira would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Albufeira than you might in Cefalu.

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

Which is Bigger, Albufeira or Cefalu?

Albufeira has a larger population, and is about 15% larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Albufeira 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 Albufeira 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 Albufeira or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Albufeira as well as Cefalu. Most visitors come to Albufeira for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, 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.

Albufeira is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Albufeira usually gets less rain in July than Cefalu. Albufeira gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Albufeira are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Albufeira because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

In the autumn, Albufeira is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Albufeira in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In October, Albufeira usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Albufeira gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Albufeira or Cefalu in the Winter?

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

In January, Albufeira is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Albufeira average around 11°C (52°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Albufeira usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Albufeira gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Albufeira or Cefalu in the Spring?

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

Albufeira is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Albufeira averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In April, Albufeira usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Albufeira gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Albufeira