A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Resorts

Should you visit Cefalu or Sorrento?

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

Sorrento

Sorrento is a colorful, historic, and relaxing small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cefalu and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Cefalu and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its museums, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Cefalu different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cefalu is a fishing village with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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 Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Sorrento 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 Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

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 Sorrento Better for Resorts?

There are very good resorts to choose from in both Cefalu and Sorrento.

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.

Sorrento is known as a popular and fun resort destination. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Is Cefalu or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a decent place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Cefalu attract visitors from all over. 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.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Cefalu or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Cefalu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Cefalu or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

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 Sorrento?

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

Sorrento is well-known for its shopping. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento 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, Sorrento is very family-friendly. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

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 Sorrento Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Sorrento both fantastic 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.

Sorrento makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Cefalu or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Sorrento is extremely popular for backpackers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

The public transit in Sorrento can get you around easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

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 Sorrento a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Sorrento are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Sorrento?

Both Cefalu and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Cefalu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Cefalu or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Cefalu or Sorrento?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Sorrento. This small city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Sorrento?

Sorrento has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Sorrento, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Sorrento. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Sorrento in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Sorrento. The autumn months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Sorrento. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sorrento for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cefalu is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cefalu in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Sorrento. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Cefalu usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Sorrento in the Spring?

Both Sorrento and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Sorrento in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 15°C (58°F), and Sorrento 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 Sorrento during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Cefalu