A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Milan for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Cefalu or Milan?

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 Milan. 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Milan

Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Cefalu and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Milan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan. Although Cefalu and Milan are both popular with visitors, Milan has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Cefalu is more touristy than Milan and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Cefalu different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Milan 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 Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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 Milan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Milan 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 Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

People head to Milan just to party. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan 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 Milan. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.

Is Cefalu or Milan Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is great for its luxury resorts. However, Milan is not a resort destination.

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Milan Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is great for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cefalu attract visitors from all over. 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.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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 Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 Milan Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for hiking. However, Milan is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Milan?

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

Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Milan 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 Milan. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Cefalu or Milan Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Cefalu is a great fishing village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Cefalu or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

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

Milan is a very popular place to visit for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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 Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Milan?

In either Cefalu or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Cefalu because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Milan?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Milan is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Milan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Milan 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 Milan?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. 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 Milan?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the cultural big city of Milan. 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 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 Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan 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 Milan Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Milan. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Milan during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Cefalu or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Milan. The autumn months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Milan. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Milan. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. Cefalu is much warmer than Milan in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Milan fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

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

Should I visit Cefalu or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Milan. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Milan and Cefalu