A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Cefalu vs. Trieste for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Cefalu or Trieste?

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 Trieste. 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. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Trieste

Trieste is a cultural, historic, and dynamic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Cefalu and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Trieste?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Cefalu and Trieste are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Trieste is known for its museums and nightlife. Cefalu is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Cefalu different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Trieste offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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 Trieste? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cefalu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Trieste 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 Trieste. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

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 Trieste Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Trieste is not a resort destination.

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Trieste is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

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.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Trieste to see the historical old town. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for its hiking trails. However, Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Trieste is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Trieste?

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste 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, Trieste is very family-friendly. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

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 Trieste Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cefalu is a great fishing village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

Is Cefalu or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Trieste. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

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 Trieste Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Trieste. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Trieste 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 Trieste can get you around easily. There are buses and trams to 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 Trieste a more walkable city?

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

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

Trieste is a very walkable destination. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Trieste?

It's fun to spend time in either Cefalu or Trieste. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Trieste 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 Trieste.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Trieste. 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 Trieste 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 Trieste.

One day in Cefalu or Trieste?

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Trieste. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Trieste?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer.

Trieste 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 Trieste?

Cefalu is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the dynamic destination of Trieste. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Trieste, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Trieste much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Trieste would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Trieste 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 Trieste.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Trieste?

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

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 Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Trieste because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Cefalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Trieste. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the museums and the cuisine.

Cefalu is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Trieste. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Trieste. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cefalu is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Trieste averages at about 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Cefalu