A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Cefalu or Barcelona?

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 Barcelona. 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 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.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and beaches.

Cefalu and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Barcelona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Barcelona. Although Cefalu and Barcelona are popular destinations, Barcelona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Barcelona is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Barcelona is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also well known for Basilica Sagrada Familia. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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 Barcelona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Barcelona both to be very good destinations.

Cefalu has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Barcelona is an experience not to be missed. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Cefalu is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Barcelona. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Barcelona offers a nice beach destination. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona 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.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Barcelona?

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

Known for shopping, Barcelona draws large crowds to its stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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 Barcelona Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Barcelona are nice 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 Barcelona. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Cefalu is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Cefalu or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona 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, Barcelona is extremely popular for backpackers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Barcelona is a very popular place to visit for students. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona 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 Barcelona can get you around easily. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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 Barcelona a more walkable city?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable fishing village. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Barcelona?

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Barcelona?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Barcelona 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.

A weekend in Cefalu or Barcelona?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Barcelona 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.

Five days in Cefalu or Barcelona?

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Cefalu or Barcelona?

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Barcelona 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Barcelona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Barcelona. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Barcelona in the Autumn?

Both Barcelona and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Barcelona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Barcelona fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Barcelona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cefalu is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cefalu in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Barcelona averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in January than Barcelona. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Barcelona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Barcelona. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Barcelona in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 15°C (58°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Cefalu