A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. San Sebastian for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Cefalu or San Sebastian?

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 Sebastian. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy city. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or San Sebastian?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cefalu than San Sebastian, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cefalu is better known for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Also, Cefalu is famous for the beaches. San Sebastian is well known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Cefalu different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

San Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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 San Sebastian? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Sebastian is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through San Sebastian, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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.

Is Cefalu or San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

San Sebastian has a large number of nightlife venues. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is notable for its resorts. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

Cefalu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

San Sebastian has a few great resort options. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Cefalu or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

Cefalu and San Sebastian both offer great 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 Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

Is Cefalu or San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cefalu to see the historical old town. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu has hiking trails worth exploring. 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 Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 Sebastian Better for Families?

San Sebastian 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 Sebastian is very family-friendly. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

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 Sebastian Better for Couples?

Cefalu is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Cefalu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Cefalu or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Many students visit San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

San Sebastian 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 Sebastian has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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 Sebastian a more walkable city?

Cefalu and San Sebastian are great when it comes to walkability.

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

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cefalu and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Cefalu. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

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

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

One day in Cefalu or San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or San Sebastian?

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.

San Sebastian is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Sebastian?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy destination of San Sebastian. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

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

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 Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or San Sebastian?

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

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as San Sebastian. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

Both San Sebastian and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Cefalu during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In January, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or San Sebastian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and San Sebastian. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the beaches.

Cefalu is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

San Sebastian receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Cefalu