A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Cefalu or Florence?

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 Florence. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Florence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Florence than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Florence is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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 Florence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Florence 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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Florence 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 Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

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 Florence Better for Resorts?

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

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Florence Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great fishing village for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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

Is Cefalu or Florence Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Florence is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Florence?

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

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

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 Florence Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Florence 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 Florence. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Cefalu or Florence Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Florence 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.

Florence makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Cefalu or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Florence is extremely popular for backpackers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Florence is a very popular place to visit for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Florence has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive 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 Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Florence?

Both Cefalu and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Cefalu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Florence?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. 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 Florence?

Cefalu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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 Florence?

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cefalu or Florence?

Cefalu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Florence, we can see that Florence 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 Florence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Florence 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 Florence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Florence?

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

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Florence. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence 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 Florence during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Florence. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Florence. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Florence during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Florence. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Cefalu