A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cefalu or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Cefalu and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cefalu and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii is known for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches.

How is Cefalu different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii 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 Pompeii are world-renowned. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Cefalu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cefalu. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is very good for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Pompeii?

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Pompeii Better for Couples?

Cefalu is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Cefalu has plenty to offer. 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.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Cefalu or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

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 Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

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 Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Pompeii?

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Pompeii?

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Pompeii?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Cefalu is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Cefalu or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

Both Pompeii and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pompeii in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Pompeii averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Pompeii. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Pompeii. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Pompeii in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Pompeii. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the museums.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Pompeii in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Pompeii fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Pompeii. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cefalu is a little warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Pompeii averages at about 13°C (55°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 Pompeii. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Pompeii. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Cefalu