A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Olympos for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cefalu or Olympos?

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 Olympos. 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.

Where Should I go: Cefalu or Olympos?

Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.

Olympos

Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.

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 in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Olympos 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 Olympos is €89. 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 Olympos in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    Olympos 40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    Olympos 80
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and Olympos

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or Olympos? 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 Olympos


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 Olympos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    Olympos 28

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 Olympos

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

  • Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
  • Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
  • Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
  • Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
  • Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
  • Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
  • Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
  • Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or Olympos?

Prices for flights to both Olympos 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
    Olympos 28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos

For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
  • Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cefalu 5.71
    Olympos 28

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 Olympos

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

  • 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
  • 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
  • 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
  • Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
  • Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
  • Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
  • Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
  • Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
  • Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
  • Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
  • Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    Olympos 17

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Olympos, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos 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 Cefalu would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cefalu than you might in Olympos.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cefalu Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cefalu or Olympos?

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 Olympos in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Olympos. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In July, Cefalu is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Olympos. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Olympos 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Olympos in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Olympos. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the autumn, Cefalu often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    Olympos 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Olympos in the Winter?

Both Olympos 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.

In the winter, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cefalu in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Olympos during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Olympos. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    Olympos 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Olympos in the Spring?

Both Olympos 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.

In April, Cefalu is generally cooler than Olympos. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 15°C (58°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    Olympos 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Olympos and Cefalu

Cefalu Olympos
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)