A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Como for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Cefalu or Como?

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 Como. 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 coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cefalu and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Como?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Como. Although Cefalu and Como are both popular with visitors, Como has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Como is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, and small town charm. Como is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also home to the lakeside setting. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cefalu and Como.

While most people don't head to Cefalu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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 Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Como 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 Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

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 Como Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Como Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cefalu. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Cefalu or Como Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

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

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Como Better for Hiking?

Como is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Como?

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

Known for shopping, Como draws large crowds to its stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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 Como Better for Families?

Como 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, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Como both world-class 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.

Como makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Cefalu or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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 Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Como are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Como?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Como?

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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Como?

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.

Como 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 Como?

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 Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

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 food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Como. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Como. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Como. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Como. The winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. Cefalu is much warmer than Como in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Como during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Como. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Como. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cefalu is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Como averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Como. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Como. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Cefalu