A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Old Town, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela. 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 historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a religious, inspirational, and iconic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santiago de Compostela is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. Also, Santiago de Compostela is famous for the Cathedral of Santiago. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Santiago de Compostela are world-renowned. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela is an experience not to be missed. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

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

Santiago de Compostela has a large number of nightlife venues. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Santiago de Compostela is revered around the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

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

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its hiking and trekking. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Santiago de Compostela is well-known for its shopping. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to 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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Cefalu is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Santiago de Compostela is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Santiago de Compostela has some public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

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 Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable destination. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Cefalu Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santiago de Compostela. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This fishing village offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santiago de Compostela. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 inspirational destination of Santiago de Compostela. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Santiago de Compostela for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Santiago de Compostela, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Santiago de Compostela. 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 Santiago de Compostela in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Santiago de Compostela. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cefalu is generally around the same temperature as Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

Both Santiago de Compostela and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. 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 Santiago de Compostela because of the natural beauty.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Cefalu