A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Cefalu for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Antalya or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Antalya and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya. Although Antalya and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Antalya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antalya is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Cefalu is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Antalya is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Antalya different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Cefalu can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cefalu makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Cefalu is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Antalya 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 Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

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

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Antalya and Cefalu.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

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.

Is Antalya or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Cefalu?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antalya draws large crowds to its stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for Families?

Antalya 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, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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

Antalya is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Antalya can get you around easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around 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 Antalya or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Cefalu. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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

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

One day in Antalya or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the destination of Antalya. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Cefalu?

Antalya 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the luxurious destination of Antalya. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Cefalu, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Cefalu?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Cefalu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, 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, Antalya is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 28°C (83°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antalya usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antalya or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Antalya during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music 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.

Antalya is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the autumn, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cefalu. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Cefalu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Antalya is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antalya in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Antalya usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during winter. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Antalya usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antalya or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Antalya is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 16°C (62°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the spring, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets more rain in April than Cefalu. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Antalya