A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Bari for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cefalu or Bari?

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 Bari. 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Cefalu and Bari are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Bari and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Cefalu different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bari 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 Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari 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 Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

Bari has a large number of nightlife venues. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Resorts?

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

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Bari Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great fishing village for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

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.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Cefalu or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Cefalu and Bari.

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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Cefalu or Bari Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Bari?

Bari 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 Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

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 Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Cefalu is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Cefalu or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Bari has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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 Bari a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Bari are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cefalu and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Cefalu. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Bari?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

A weekend in Cefalu or Bari?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari 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 Bari?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Cefalu or Bari?

Because Cefalu is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari 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 Bari during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Bari. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bari in the Autumn?

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

In October, Cefalu is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Bari. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bari in the Winter?

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

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Bari during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bari. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bari in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Cefalu