A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Bilbao for Couples, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Cefalu or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao. 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.

Bilbao

Bilbao is a authentic, colorful, and friendly city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Cefalu and Bilbao: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Bilbao?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bilbao than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bilbao is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Bilbao and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Bilbao is well known for it's world-class culinary scene, its modern museums, and its lovely parks. Also, Bilbao is famous for The Guggenheim Museum.

How is Cefalu different from Bilbao?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.

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 Bilbao? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Bilbao is not a culinary destination.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cefalu. 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.

Bilbao is not a culinary destination. The food scene is among the best in Spain. The city has several world renowned restaurants, including a few Michelin-starred restaurants, but there are also smaller eateries that cater to the locals and tourists alike. Make sure you try the pintxos, which are small dishes that are the Basque region's answer to tapas. Many include seafood and are cooked with olive oil and garlic.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for Nightlife?

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

Bilbao has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.

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 Bilbao Better for Resorts?

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

Bilbao is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for the beache. However, Bilbao is not a beach destination.

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.

Bilbao is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is well known for its old town. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bilbao has an old town worth visiting. The old town, often called Casco Viejo, is filled with historic architecture, great local bars, and some interesting shopping.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bilbao 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.

Bilbao is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Bilbao?

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

Bilbao is well-known for its shopping. Gran Vía is the most popular shopping street in town. There are also historic boutique shops around the old town.

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 Bilbao Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Bilbao 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 Bilbao. The city offers some great museums such as the Guggenheim Museum. Families will also enjoy taking a ride of the Artxander Funicular, and exploring Mercado de la Ribera. You can also enjoy walking around Park Abandoibarra and exploring the creative sculptures.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Bilbao is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The city is filled with a vibrant enjoy with parks and outdoor strolls that couples will enjoy. There are also many great museums and romantic restaurants as well as some great shopping streets.

Is Cefalu or Bilbao Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Bilbao. There are plenty of hostels to choose from and a good social scene that makes it easy to meet other backpackers.

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 Bilbao Better for Students?

Bilbao is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Bilbao. This is a popular study abroad destination with many great museums and educational opportunities for international students.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Bilbao 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 Bilbao can get you around easily. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.

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 Bilbao a more walkable city?

Cefalu is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bilbao is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bilbao is a somewhat walkable fishing village. It's a fairly walkable city with several pedestrian-friendly areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Bilbao or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Bilbao?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cefalu and Bilbao. In our opinion, Cefalu has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cefalu than Bilbao. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bilbao.

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

One day in Cefalu or Bilbao?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Bilbao. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Bilbao?

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.

Bilbao 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.

Five days in Cefalu or Bilbao?

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 Bilbao. 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 Bilbao?

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 colorful destination of Bilbao. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Bilbao, we can see that Bilbao 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 Bilbao Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Bilbao?

Bilbao has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Bilbao, 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 Bilbao?

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 Bilbao in the Summer?

Both Bilbao and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bilbao this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Bilbao in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Bilbao fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 188 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bilbao in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Bilbao. 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. Also, many travelers come to Bilbao for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Bilbao. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Bilbao averages at about 16°C (62°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 125 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bilbao receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bilbao in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Bilbao. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bilbao in the winter for the museums and the shopping scene.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Bilbao. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Bilbao fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bilbao receives 77 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bilbao. Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Bilbao in the Spring?

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

Cefalu is a little warmer than Bilbao in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Bilbao fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Bilbao during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Bilbao receives 117 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bilbao. In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Bilbao. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bilbao receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bilbao and Cefalu