A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Nantes for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cefalu or Nantes?

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 Nantes. 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 coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cefalu and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Cefalu different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes 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 Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is Cefalu or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Nantes?

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

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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.

Is Cefalu or Nantes Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cefalu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Cefalu or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Nantes are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cefalu and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Cefalu. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Nantes. 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 Nantes 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 Nantes.

One day in Cefalu or Nantes?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantes?

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 welcoming destination of Nantes. This city 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Nantes, 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 Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nantes. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Nantes. 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 Nantes this time of year.

Cefalu is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Nantes. 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 Nantes for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cefalu is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Cefalu