A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cefalu vs. Split for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Cefalu or Split?

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 Split. 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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cefalu and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Split?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Split than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Split is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Split 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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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 Split? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Split both to be excellent 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

There are excellent resorts to choose from in both Cefalu and Split.

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.

Split is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for Beaches?

Cefalu and Split both offer excellent 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.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Split is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Split?

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

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

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 Split Better for Families?

Split 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, Split is very family-friendly. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Split both terrific 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.

Split makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Is Cefalu or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Split has some public transit options. There are bus services that will help you get 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 Split a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Split are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Cefalu or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Split?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. 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 Split?

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.

Split is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Split?

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 Split. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Split?

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 nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Split. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Cefalu and Split, we can see that Cefalu 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 Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Split. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Cefalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Split. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Split. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Split during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Cefalu or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Split. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Cefalu is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. 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 Split. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Split. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Cefalu