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

Should you visit Cefalu or Girona?

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 Girona. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Girona

Girona is a ancient, charming, and beautiful city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Cefalu and Girona: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cefalu or Girona?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Girona, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Girona is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Cefalu is more touristy than Girona and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. Girona is well known for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Cefalu different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu
Girona

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Girona both to be excellent destinations.

Cefalu has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Girona is an experience not to be missed. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

Is Cefalu or Girona Better for Nightlife?

Cefalu
Girona

The respectable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cefalu and Girona.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cefalu. 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.

Girona is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Cefalu or Girona Better for Resorts?

Cefalu
Girona

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a resort destination.


Is Cefalu or Girona Better for Beaches?

Cefalu
Girona

Cefalu is a well-known place for the beache. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Girona Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu
Girona

Girona 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 Girona is revered around the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

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 Girona Better for Hiking?

Cefalu
Girona

Cefalu is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Girona 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.

Girona is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Girona?

Cefalu
Girona

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

Girona is well-known for its shopping. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

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 Girona Better for Families?

Cefalu
Girona

Cefalu is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cefalu is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Cefalu or Girona Better for Couples?

Cefalu
Girona

Cefalu is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Girona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Girona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.


Is Cefalu or Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cefalu
Girona

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

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 Girona Better for Students?

Cefalu
Girona

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

Plenty of students visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Cefalu
Girona

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

Girona has some public transit options. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

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 Girona a more walkable city?

Cefalu
Girona

Girona 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 Girona. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Girona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cefalu or Girona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cefalu than Girona because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 1-2 days is enough time in Girona.

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


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

One day in Cefalu or Girona?

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 quaint destination of Girona. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Girona?

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.

Girona 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 Girona?

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 Girona. 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 Girona?

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 charming destination of Girona. This 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Girona 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 Girona is €140. 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 Girona in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    Girona 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    Girona 138
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and Girona

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or Girona? 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 Girona


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 Girona Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    Girona 49

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 Girona

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Girona:

  • Transfer from Barcelona to girona Airport: $196
  • Private Transfer from Tossa de Mar/ Lloret de Mar to Barcelona: $262
  • Palamós to Girona Airport (GRO) - Departure Private Transfer : $33
  • Palamós to Barcelona Airport (BNC) Departure Private Transfer: $60
  • Girona Airport Bus Transfer from/to Barcelona Center: $21
  • Girona Airport (GRO) to Costa Brava - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or Girona?

Prices for flights to both Girona 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
    Girona 41

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Girona

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Girona.

  • The 11 tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $88
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $91
  • Girona Evening Food Tour & Tapas Bar Experience: $95
  • The 11 Tastings of Girona small-group tour and dinner: $96
  • Girona Morning Food Tour & Local Market: $97

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cefalu 5.71
    Girona 24

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 Girona

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

  • 2h Guided Kayak Tour on the Costa Brava: $44
  • Basic Dali Experience & Costa Brava from Girona or Palamos: $196
  • Cadaqués & Dalí House-Museum day trip from Girona (tickets included): $158
  • Dalí Museum and Costa Brava Small Group Tour from Girona: $152
  • E-ticket to Girona's Cathedral, Art Museum & S.t Feliu Church: $29
  • Entrance ticket to the Girona Art Museum: $6.54
  • Fábrica-Museo de Anchoas Solés Ticket: $7.74
  • From Dalí Museum and Girona Small Group Tour: $149
  • From Dalí Museum, Cadaqués and Creus Cape Tour: $149
  • Girona - Private Historic Walking Tour: $374
  • Girona Art Museum: Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket & Audio Guide: $6.42
  • Girona City Tour Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Phone (no ticket): $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    Girona 9.69

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 Girona

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

  • Spanish Wine Tasting in the Costa Brava: $82
  • Local Wineries Tour with Breakfast and Wine Tasting: $149


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


Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Girona?

Girona has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Girona. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Girona this time of year.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Girona in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Girona fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Girona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Girona. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Girona. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Girona 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Girona in the Autumn?

Both Girona and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Girona for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Girona during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Girona. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    Girona 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Girona in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Girona. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Girona. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    Girona 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Girona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Girona. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Girona in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Girona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Girona during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Girona. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    Girona 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Girona and Cefalu

Cefalu Girona
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)