A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Playa de las Americas for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Cefalu or Playa de las Americas?

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 Playa de las Americas. 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 Playa de las Americas?

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.

Playa de las Americas

If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.

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 from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.


Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cefalu 87
    Playa de las Americas 115
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cefalu 174
    Playa de las Americas 230
Compare Hotels in Cefalu and Playa de las Americas

Looking for a hotel in Cefalu or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas


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 Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cefalu 4.29
    Playa de las Americas 56

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cefalu or Playa de las Americas?

Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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
    Playa de las Americas 45

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cefalu 5.71
    Playa de las Americas 30

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cefalu 11
    Playa de las Americas 8.57

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 Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Playa de las Americas?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?

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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Playa de las Americas. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Playa de las Americas in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Playa de las Americas. 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.

In the autumn, Cefalu is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?

Both Playa de las Americas and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cefalu is generally much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Cefalu usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Cefalu or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?

Both Playa de las Americas and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Cefalu is cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F) 
    Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Cefalu

Cefalu Playa de las Americas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)


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