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

Should you visit Cefalu or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle. 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a relaxing, laid-back, and quaint coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cefalu and La Rochelle: 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 with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Cefalu or La Rochelle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is Cefalu different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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 La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Cefalu is great for its luxury resorts. However, La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.


Is Cefalu or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Cefalu is great for the beache. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the beach.

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 La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Cefalu or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Hiking trails can be found around both Cefalu and La Rochelle, and they are notable.

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.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.


Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or La Rochelle?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

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 La Rochelle Better for Families?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Both Cefalu and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Cefalu or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Cefalu and La Rochelle both amazing 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.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.


Is Cefalu or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

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

Plenty of backpackers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

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

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Cefalu
La Rochelle

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

La Rochelle has some public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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 La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Cefalu
La Rochelle

Cefalu and La Rochelle are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.


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

One day in Cefalu or La Rochelle?

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the small town destination of La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 La Rochelle?

Because Cefalu is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 La Rochelle?

Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint small town of La Rochelle. This coastal town 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is €114. 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 La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    La Rochelle 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    La Rochelle 134
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or La Rochelle? 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 La Rochelle


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 La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    La Rochelle 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle 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
    La Rochelle 34

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
    La Rochelle 13

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

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

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

Tours and Activities in La Rochelle

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.

  • 3 Hour La Rochelle Private Tour: $90
  • 1.5 Hour Guided Tour in Poitiers: $98
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • La Rochelle "The Heritage" Segway Tour - 1h30: $59
  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Private Walking Tour With a local: $60
  • La Rochelle : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide: $50
  • La Rochelle Grand Format Segway Tour: $87
  • La Rochelle Heritage Segway Tour: $60
  • La Rochelle Lighthouse at the end of the world Segway Tour: $44
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    La Rochelle 16

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


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


Which is Bigger, Cefalu or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm.

Cefalu is a little warmer than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than La Rochelle. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Cefalu

Cefalu La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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