A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Cefalu for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Alicante or Cefalu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Cefalu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a cultural, colorful, and authentic city. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Alicante and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Alicante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Alicante 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 Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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 Alicante or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Alicante and Cefalu.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Alicante. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

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 Alicante or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Alicante is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alicante. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

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 Alicante or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cefalu. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Cefalu is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Alicante or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is Alicante or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

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.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Cefalu?

Alicante 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 Alicante. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

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 Alicante or Cefalu Better for Families?

Alicante is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Alicante is very family-friendly. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cefalu. 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 Alicante or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Alicante or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

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 Alicante or Cefalu Better for Students?

Alicante is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Alicante has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

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 Alicante or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Cefalu. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante.

One day in Alicante or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alicante. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Cefalu?

Alicante 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. 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.

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. This city 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 great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Cefalu, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Cefalu?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Cefalu. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, 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 Alicante this time of the year. In the summer, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Alicante is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Alicante during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

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

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Cefalu. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Cefalu. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Alicante