A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cefalu or Siena?

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 Siena. 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. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Siena

Siena is a history, beautiful, and romantic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Siena?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cefalu and Siena are popular destinations, Cefalu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cefalu is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Siena attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also well known for the beaches. Siena is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Cefalu different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Siena is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Siena. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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 Siena? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Siena both to be high quality 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 Siena is an experience not to be missed. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Is Cefalu or Siena Better for Nightlife?

Siena 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 Siena. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around 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 Siena Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is notable for its resorts. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Siena Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is notable for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena 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 Siena is revered around the world. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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 Siena Better for Hiking?

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

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Siena?

Siena 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 Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

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 Siena Better for Families?

Cefalu is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Cefalu is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Cefalu or Siena Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Siena both first-rate destinations for a couple.

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.

Siena makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

Is Cefalu or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Siena. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

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 Siena Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Siena. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Siena has some public transit options. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

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 Siena a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Siena are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Siena is a very walkable destination. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Siena?

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

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Siena. 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 Siena than Cefalu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Siena that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Siena 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 Siena.

One day in Cefalu or Siena?

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. 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 Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Siena 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 Siena?

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the medieval destination of Siena. This 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 comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Siena?

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

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 Siena in the Summer?

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

In July, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Siena. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the summer, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Siena. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Siena. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Siena in the Autumn?

Both Siena 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 Siena for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Siena in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Cefalu or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Siena because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cefalu is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cefalu in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Siena averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Siena. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Siena. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Siena in the Spring?

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

In April, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 15°C (58°F), and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Siena during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Siena. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Siena and Cefalu