A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Calais for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Attractions

Should you visit Cefalu or Calais?

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 Calais. 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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 Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Cefalu and Calais are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Cefalu different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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 Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Cefalu or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Calais 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 Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive 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 Calais Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Calais is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Calais Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Cefalu or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Calais Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Calais?

Calais 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

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 Calais Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Calais are good 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 Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Cefalu or Calais Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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

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

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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 Calais a more walkable city?

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

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Calais?

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Calais?

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 destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

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 Calais. 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 Calais?

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 authentic destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Calais. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Calais. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Cefalu is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Calais. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Calais in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cefalu is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Calais. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Cefalu