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

Should you visit Cefalu or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cefalu or Zagreb?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zagreb than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zagreb is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Zagreb and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Zagreb is well known for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. Also, Zagreb is famous for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Cefalu different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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 Zagreb? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Cefalu and Zagreb 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 Zagreb is an experience not to be missed. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Zagreb is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Zagreb has a large number of nightlife venues. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

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 Zagreb Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a great destination for its resorts. However, Zagreb is not a resort destination.

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.

Zagreb is not a resort destination.

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great destination for the beache. However, Zagreb is not a beach destination.

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.

Zagreb is not a beach destination.

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Cefalu and Zagreb.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cefalu or Zagreb?

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

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

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 Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Cefalu and Zagreb are notable family-friendly destinations.

Cefalu is a family-friendly fishing village. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Zagreb. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Zagreb is a good fishing village for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Cefalu or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Zagreb. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Zagreb 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 Zagreb can get you around easily. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

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 Zagreb a more walkable city?

Cefalu and Zagreb are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

Zagreb is a very walkable destination. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Cefalu?

How long in Cefalu or Zagreb?

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

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Zagreb. 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 Cefalu than Zagreb. 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

One day in Cefalu or Zagreb?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

Zagreb 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cefalu and Zagreb, we can see that Cefalu is more expensive. And not only is Zagreb much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zagreb would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

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

Which is Bigger, Cefalu or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Cefalu and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb in the Summer?

Both Zagreb and Cefalu during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Zagreb in the summer. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Zagreb fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Zagreb, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cefalu. In the summer, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Cefalu gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets less rain in July than Zagreb. Cefalu gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cefalu and Zagreb. 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 Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cefalu is a little warmer than Zagreb. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cefalu in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Cefalu usually receives more sunshine than Zagreb during autumn. Cefalu gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cefalu usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zagreb. Cefalu gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Cefalu or Zagreb in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cefalu as well as Zagreb. Many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cefalu is generally much warmer than Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Cefalu average around 10°C (51°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Cefalu often gets more sunshine than Zagreb. Cefalu gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun.

Cefalu usually gets more rain in January than Zagreb. Cefalu gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cefalu or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Cefalu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

Cefalu is a little warmer than Zagreb in the spring. The daily temperature in Cefalu averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zagreb 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 Zagreb during spring. Cefalu gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cefalu usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Cefalu gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Cefalu