A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Cefalu or Nice?

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 Nice. 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.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cefalu and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Nice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Cefalu is more popular for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu is a moderate fishing village for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cefalu or Nice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

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.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for Beaches?

Cefalu and Nice both offer very good beaches.

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.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Cefalu and Nice.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Nice?

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

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Nice 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 Nice. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Nice both fantastic 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.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Is Cefalu or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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 Nice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice 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 Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Nice?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. 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 Nice?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cefalu or Nice?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Because Cefalu is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Nice. This seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Nice?

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

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Nice. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Nice. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Nice. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Cefalu