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

Should you visit Athens or Cefalu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Cefalu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a ancient, vibrant, and energetic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a touristy, charming, and coastal fishing village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Athens and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Athens. Although Athens and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Athens has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Athens are world-renowned. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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.

Is Athens or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Athens just to party. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Cefalu to choose from. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Athens is not a resort destination.

Is Athens or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is great for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cefalu for it's beautiful 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.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

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

Is Athens or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. However, Athens is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Athens is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Cefalu?

Athens 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 Athens. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Athens or Cefalu Better for Families?

Athens 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, Athens is very family-friendly. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cefalu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens 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, Athens is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Cefalu Better for Students?

Athens is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Many students visit Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Athens 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 Athens can get you around easily. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Athens and Cefalu are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Athens?

How long in Athens or Cefalu?

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Cefalu?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Athens or Cefalu?

Athens 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 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 Athens or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Athens or Cefalu?

Athens is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Cefalu?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Cefalu. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Athens usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Athens or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Athens as well as Cefalu. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the autumn, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Athens usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Athens usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Athens or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Athens during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the spring, Athens often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in April than Cefalu. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Athens