A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cefalu or Amalfi?

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 Cefalu and Amalfi. 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.

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.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cefalu and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Amalfi is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

Amalfi has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

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

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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Cefalu or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Cefalu and Amalfi.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Amalfi. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Is Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Amalfi are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Cefalu or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Amalfi both fantastic destinations for a couple.

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.

Amalfi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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

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

Amalfi has some public transit options. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

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 Cefalu or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Amalfi?

Both Cefalu and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Cefalu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Amalfi?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Amalfi. 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.

A weekend in Cefalu or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cefalu or Amalfi?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amalfi. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Cefalu or Amalfi?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Amalfi. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Amalfi, we can see that Amalfi 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 Amalfi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amalfi 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 Cefalu Expensive? and Is Amalfi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Amalfi?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Amalfi, 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 Cefalu or Amalfi?

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 Cefalu or Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amalfi because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Amalfi in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Amalfi. 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Amalfi. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Amalfi in the Spring?

Both Amalfi and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Cefalu