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

Should you visit Cefalu or Venice?

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 Venice. 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 touristy, charming, and coastal fishing village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Cefalu and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Venice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Venice. Although Cefalu and Venice are both popular with visitors, Venice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Venice is more popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Cefalu is known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Venice is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also home to St. Mark's Basilica. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Cefalu different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice are world-renowned. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Cefalu or Venice Better for Nightlife?

The decent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cefalu and Venice.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cefalu. 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.

Venice is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Cefalu or Venice Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is great for its luxury resorts. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Venice Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is great for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in 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 Venice Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is very good for hiking. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Venice draws large crowds to its stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Cefalu and Venice 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.

Venice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

Is Cefalu or Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Venice is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Venice is a very popular place to visit for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Venice. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Venice?

Both Cefalu and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Cefalu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cefalu, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Cefalu or Venice?

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cefalu or Venice?

Cefalu 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.

Venice 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 Venice?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Venice?

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village 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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Venice?

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

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 Venice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Venice. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cefalu is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cefalu in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Venice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Venice this time of the year. In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Venice during summer. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Venice. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cefalu or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Venice. 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 Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cefalu is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 19°C (67°F), and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Venice. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in October than Venice. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Cefalu is much warmer than Venice in the winter. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Venice during winter. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cefalu or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Cefalu during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Venice this time of year.

In the spring, Cefalu is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cefalu in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Venice averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the spring, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Venice. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in April than Venice. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Venice and Cefalu