A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. San Remo for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Cefalu or San Remo?

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 San Remo. 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.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cefalu and San Remo are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its museums, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while San Remo is known for its nightlife and shopping. Cefalu is more touristy than San Remo and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches. San Remo is popular for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Cefalu different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Cefalu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cefalu or San Remo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and San Remo both to be superb 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 San Remo is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

Is Cefalu or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

San Remo 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 San Remo. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo Better for Resorts?

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

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Cefalu and San Remo both offer superb beaches.

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.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Is Cefalu or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Cefalu and San Remo.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is Cefalu or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. 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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or San Remo?

San Remo 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 San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy 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.

Is Cefalu or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo 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, San Remo is very family-friendly. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

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 San Remo Better for Couples?

Cefalu is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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

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

San Remo has some public transit options. There are local buses around 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 San Remo a more walkable city?

Cefalu and San Remo are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

San Remo is a very walkable destination. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or San Remo?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo.

One day in Cefalu or San Remo?

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of San Remo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or San Remo?

Cefalu is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

San Remo 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 San Remo?

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Remo. 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.

A week in Cefalu or San Remo?

Cefalu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of San Remo. This coastal city 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

Both San Remo and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and San Remo averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in San Remo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than San Remo. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun.

San Remo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than San Remo. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Remo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and San Remo. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than San Remo in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than San Remo. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as San Remo. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than San Remo. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Cefalu