A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Cannes for Food, Resorts, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cefalu or Cannes?

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

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cefalu and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cefalu or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Cefalu and Cannes are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cefalu is known for its museums, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cannes is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu
Cannes

Cefalu is a moderate fishing village for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Cefalu or Cannes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cannes 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 Cannes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

Cefalu
Cannes

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

Cannes has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

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 Cannes Better for Music?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cannes 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 Cannes. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.


Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cannes is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Cannes for its luxury resorts. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

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.

Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cannes is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Cannes. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for Beaches?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cefalu and Cannes both offer high quality 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.

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.


Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu
Cannes

Visitors enjoy the high quality old town areas in both Cefalu and Cannes.

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 Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for Hiking?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cefalu is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Cannes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Cannes?

Cefalu
Cannes

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

Known for shopping, Cannes draws large crowds to its stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

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 Cannes Better for Families?

Cefalu
Cannes

Both Cefalu and Cannes 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 Cannes. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cefalu or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cefalu
Cannes

Cefalu and Cannes 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.

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's getaway.

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

Cefalu
Cannes

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

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

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 Cannes a more walkable city?

Cefalu
Cannes

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

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

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Cefalu or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes 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 Cannes.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Cefalu or Cannes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cefalu 1-3 
    Cannes 2-4

One day in Cefalu or Cannes?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes. 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 Cannes?

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 nightlife and live music when visiting the lavish destination of Cannes. This resort 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 Bicycle Tours in France, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France.


Which place is cheaper, Cannes or Cefalu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cefalu is €119, while the average daily cost in Cannes is €137. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cefalu and Cannes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    Cannes 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    Cannes 150
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and Cannes

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or Cannes? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cefalu


Hotels in Cannes


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Cefalu Hotel Prices and Cannes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    Cannes 16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cannes

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cannes:

  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Cannes: $399
  • Transfer Nice Airport French Riviera: $125
  • Private Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Luxury Van: $116
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Port to Nice Cote Airport (NCE): $82
  • Private Transfer from Cannes Cruise Port to Monaco City Hotels: $91
  • Private One-way Transfer From Cannes to Nice, 2h Stop in Antibes: $124
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Nice: $101
  • Private Direct Transfer From Cannes to Monaco: $139
  • Mandelieu to St Tropez Round Trip Ferry Transfer: $95
  • From 1-Way Private Transfer to Nice Airport: $128
  • Departure Transfer: Cannes to Nice Airport NCE in Business Car: $103
  • Copenhagen: One Way Transfer to & from International Airport: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or Cannes?

Prices for flights to both Cannes and Cefalu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cefalu 28
    Cannes 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cefalu 5.71
    Cannes 30

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272

Tours and Activities in Cannes

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cannes are as follows:

  • Watch the Fireworks from the boat. Unique experience: $1,593
  • Cannes 2 Hours : Privat City Tour in a French Vintage Bus: $315
  • Cannes 2.5-Hour E-bike Tour: $74
  • Cannes : Ferrari experience: $214
  • Cannes : Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • Cannes Discovery: walking Tour Led by a Local Expert: $38
  • Cannes E-Bike Guided Tour: $75
  • Cannes Experience private boat tour Islands French Riviera: $631
  • Cannes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Cannes Luxury Catamaran Half or Day Cruise with lunch option: $96
  • Cannes Royal Regatta Catamaran cruise: $107
  • Cannes Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $9.84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    Cannes 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49

Sample the Local Flavors in Cannes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cannes:

  • St Paul de Vence, Antibes & Wine Tasting from Cannes: $130
  • Grasse, Valbonne & Gourdon: Day Tour with Wine Tasting: $139
  • French Riviera: Provencal Wine Tours: $759
  • Wine Tasting, Cannes, Coco Chanel, Perfume Factory & Grasse: $1,273


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


Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Cannes?

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

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Cannes. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cannes in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Cannes. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Cannes 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Cannes. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    Cannes 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cannes because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    Cannes 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Cannes. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Cannes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Cannes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Cannes. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    Cannes 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cannes and Cefalu

Cefalu Cannes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)