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

Should you visit Cefalu or Annecy?

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 Annecy. 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 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Annecy

Annecy is a breathtaking, quaint, and storybook alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Cefalu and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Annecy than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Annecy is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Also, Annecy is famous for Palais de l'Isle. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Annecy 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 Annecy?

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

Annecy offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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 Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy 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 Annecy, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy 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 Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

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 Annecy Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a great fishing village for its luxury resorts. However, Annecy 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.

Annecy is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great fishing village for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy 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 Annecy is revered around the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

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

Is Cefalu or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy 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 Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

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 Annecy?

Annecy 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 Annecy. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

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 Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy 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, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for 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 Cefalu or Annecy Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Annecy both first-rate 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.

Annecy makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Is Cefalu or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

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

Annecy has some public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

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 Annecy a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Annecy are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Cefalu or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Annecy?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the small town destination of Annecy. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy 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 Annecy?

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 Annecy. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cefalu or Annecy?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of Annecy. This alpine town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

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 Cefalu or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Annecy. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Annecy. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Annecy. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Annecy. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Annecy because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Annecy can be very cold. In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Annecy. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Cefalu