A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cadiz vs. Cefalu for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Cadiz or Cefalu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Cefalu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a undiscovered, historic, and authentic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a charming, coastal, and historic fishing village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Cadiz and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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 for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Cadiz or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cadiz and Cefalu are popular destinations, Cefalu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cefalu is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cadiz attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than Cadiz and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also well known for the beaches. Cadiz is famous for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cadiz is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Cadiz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

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 Cadiz or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cefalu is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cadiz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

Is Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cadiz 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 Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

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 Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Cadiz is not a resort destination.

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Cadiz is not a resort destination.


Is Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cefalu is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Cadiz is not a good port city for the beache.

The beaches at Cefalu attract visitors from all over. 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.

You can check out the beach in Cadiz. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

Is Cadiz or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Both Cadiz and Cefalu have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Is Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Cadiz is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Cadiz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Cefalu?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cadiz is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Cadiz is well-known for its shopping. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

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 Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Families?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Both Cadiz and Cefalu are nice to visit with kids.

Cadiz is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Cefalu is a family-friendly port city. 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 Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cefalu is renowned for romance. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cefalu is a great fishing village for couples, as it 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.

Cadiz makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.


Is Cadiz or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cadiz
Cefalu

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Cadiz. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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

Cadiz
Cefalu

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

Cadiz has some public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

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 Cadiz or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cadiz
Cefalu

Cadiz and Cefalu both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Cefalu?

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

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Cadiz. 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 Cadiz. 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz.


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

One day in Cadiz or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cadiz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Cadiz or Cefalu?

Cadiz 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Cefalu?

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

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Cadiz or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Cadiz. This port city 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.

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Cadiz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cadiz is €152, 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 Cadiz and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cadiz 77
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cadiz 154
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Cadiz and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Cadiz 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 Cadiz


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: Cadiz Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cadiz 30
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cadiz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cadiz:

  • Private Transfer from/to Cadiz Airport to/from Hotel: $87
  • Private Transfer from Cadiz city hotels to Cadiz Cruise Port: $28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cadiz or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Cadiz 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
    Cadiz 45
    Cefalu 28
Typical Food Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Dinner and Tapas
    15
  • Lunch for 1
    10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cadiz

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cadiz.

  • Tapas Food Tour in Jerez de la Frontera: $39
  • Food Tour Cadiz: $75
  • Tabancos Food Tour Jerez: $92

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.
    Cadiz 27
    Cefalu 5.71
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cadiz

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cadiz are as follows:


  • Cadiz Sightseeing Tour
    15

Tours and Activities in Cadiz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cadiz are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Historical Tour in Cadiz : $87
  • 3 Hour Tapa and Cultural Experience Walking Tour: $120
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Cádiz: $17
  • Audioguided Tour of Cádiz Monumental, at your pace: $4.27
  • Cádiz 2:45h Bike Tour: $38
  • Cádiz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Cádiz: Cadiz Milenaria Guided Tour: $13
  • Cádiz: Guided Bike Tour: $37
  • Cádiz: Local Tapas Experience: $160
  • Cádiz: Mysteries and Legends Walking Tour with Souvenir: $25
  • Cádiz: Private Guided Tour with Flexible Route: $106
  • Cádiz: Private Sun Cruise for 2 with Aperitivo and Wine: $481

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
    Cadiz 28
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Cadiz

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cadiz:

  • Private Tour with Tapas, Wine Tasting and Bike Rental: $107
  • Countryside Olive Oil & Wine Tasting: $128

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 Cadiz and Cefalu, we can see that Cadiz 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz 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 Cadiz Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Cefalu?

Cadiz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Cadiz during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cadiz is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cadiz in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the summer, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cadiz 25°C (77°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Cefalu. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cadiz is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 20°C (68°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cadiz 20°C (68°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Cefalu. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cadiz is a little warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cadiz 13°C (55°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cadiz or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cadiz for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cadiz is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cadiz in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cadiz. Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cadiz usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cadiz 17°C (63°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Cadiz

Cadiz Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 7 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)