A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Rijeka for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Cefalu or Rijeka?

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 Rijeka. 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Rijeka?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rijeka. Although Cefalu and Rijeka are both popular with visitors, Rijeka has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rijeka is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Rijeka and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Rijeka is popular for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also home to Trsat Castle.

How is Cefalu different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rijeka is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Rijeka offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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 Rijeka? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Cefalu or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

Rijeka is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Rijeka has a large number of nightlife venues. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a well-known place for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Cefalu or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Rijeka?

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

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 Rijeka Better for Families?

Rijeka 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, Rijeka is very family-friendly. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

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 Rijeka Better for Couples?

Cefalu is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Cefalu or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Rijeka. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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 Rijeka a more walkable city?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Rijeka?

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Rijeka?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Cefalu or Rijeka?

Cefalu 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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Rijeka, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Rijeka much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Rijeka would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rijeka 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 Rijeka.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Rijeka. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Rijeka in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Rijeka averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Rijeka for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cefalu is much warmer than Rijeka in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Rijeka. The spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Rijeka. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Rijeka averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Cefalu