A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Cefalu for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Chania or Cefalu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Cefalu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a idyllic, charming, and picturesque 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

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. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Chania and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Chania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Chania different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cefalu and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Cefalu?

Chania 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 Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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 Chania or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania 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 Chania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

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 Chania or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Chania 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 Chania. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

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 Chania or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Chania is not a resort destination.

Is Chania or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Chania is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Chania offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Chania or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Cefalu both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

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.

Is Chania or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Chania 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 Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

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 Chania or Cefalu?

Chania is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

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 Chania or Cefalu Better for Families?

Chania 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, Chania is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

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 Chania or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cefalu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Is Chania or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for 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 Chania or Cefalu Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Chania has some public transit options. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

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 Chania or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Chania and Cefalu both are great when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Chania?

How long in Chania or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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

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

One day in Chania or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Chania. 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.

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.

A weekend in Chania or Cefalu?

Chania is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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.

Five days in Chania or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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.

A week in Chania or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the picturesque destination of Chania. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Cefalu?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Cefalu, 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 Chania or Cefalu?

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 Chania or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Cefalu. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Chania is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Cefalu. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Chania