A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches.

How is Cefalu different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel are world-renowned. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cefalu. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Cefalu is a fishing village with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a great destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Cefalu. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Cefalu is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Cefalu is a fishing village with a few options for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cefalu has some nice offerings. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Cefalu is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel both first-rate 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Is Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Mont-Saint-Michel has some public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cefalu than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

One day in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In Mont-Saint-Michel, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cefalu is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Cefalu