A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Ravenna for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Cefalu or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a off-the-beaten-path, charming, and authentic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Ravenna?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Ravenna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Cefalu different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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 Ravenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Ravenna both to be excellent destinations.

Cefalu has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Cefalu or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Ravenna. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cefalu to choose from. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a very popular place for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

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

Cefalu offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Ravenna?

Ravenna is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

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 Ravenna Better for Families?

Ravenna 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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Cefalu or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

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

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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 Ravenna a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Ravenna are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Ravenna?

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Ravenna?

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 and nightlife when visiting the small town destination of Ravenna. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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.

Five days in Cefalu or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the authentic small town of Ravenna. This town 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 Ravenna, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

Both Ravenna and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Ravenna in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ravenna averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Cefalu usually gets more rain in October than Ravenna. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Ravenna in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Cefalu usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Ravenna. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Ravenna in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Cefalu