A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Saint-Etienne for Couples, Food, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 touristy, charming, and coastal fishing village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Cefalu and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Cefalu is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Cefalu different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

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 Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Hiking trails can be found around both Cefalu and Saint-Etienne, and they are notable.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

Shoppers can find a variety of respectable stores in both Cefalu and Saint-Etienne.

If you're looking to go shopping, Cefalu has some nice offerings. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Saint-Etienne are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Cefalu or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

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

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Cefalu is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable fishing village. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Saint-Etienne. 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 Cefalu than Saint-Etienne 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 Cefalu.

One day in Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

A weekend in Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Saint-Etienne?

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

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Saint-Etienne. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Cefalu