A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ephesus vs. Cefalu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ephesus or Cefalu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus 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.

Where Should I go: Ephesus or Cefalu?

Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC). It is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destroyed in 401 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Constantine I along with new public baths. The town was again partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River (Kucuk Menderes).

Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village and beach resort that is located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. It sits on the Tyerrhenian Sea and is just 70 kilometers from Palermo and 185 kilometers from Messina. The town has a small population of under 14,000 residents but is a significant tourist destination on the island of Sicily. The city is flooded with millions of tourists every year from around Sicily, elsewhere in Italy, and abroad. During the summer months it is not uncommon for the city's population to triple, putting a lot of pressure on the main streets and roads around town. The city is popular as a beach resort with a youthful vibe and an active nightlife.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Ephesus?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $143, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is $127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ephesus and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ephesus $70
    Cefalu $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ephesus $140
    Cefalu $186
Compare Hotels in Ephesus and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Ephesus or Cefalu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ephesus


Hotels in Cefalu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ephesus Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ephesus $51
    Cefalu $4.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ephesus

Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • VIP Transfer Kusadasi From/To Bodrum Airport: $128
  • Transfer izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Davutlar: $98
  • Scuba Diving Experience in Kusadasi with Instructor and Transfer: $60
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Kusadasi Town: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Selçuk, Ephesus, Şirince: $131
  • Private Transfers From Kusadasi: $173
  • Private Transfer | KUSADASI - IZMIR Airport: $120
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi hotels to Kusadasi Cruise Port: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi hotels: $24
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Kusadasi Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from Kusadasi Cruise Port to Izmir Airport (ADB): $58

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $174
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Ephesus or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Ephesus change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ephesus $33
    Cefalu $30
Typical Food Prices in Ephesus

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:


  • Sandwiches
    $0.15
  • Dessert
    $0.17
  • Lunch at Beach (for 2)
    $0.59
  • Snacks
    $0.25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ephesus

For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Kusadasi Ephesus: $110
  • Ephesus Tour with Cooking Class in the Village: $149
  • Taste of Traditional Turkish Cuisine | Small Group Kusadasi Food Tour: $211
  • Cooking Class in Ephesus Selcuk Town: $228

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ephesus $59
    Cefalu $6.12

Tours and Activities in Ephesus

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.

  • Ephesus Half Day Small Group Tour: $40
  • Ephesus Shared Tour from Kuşadası Port: $130
  • Ephesus Tour With Small Group From Kusadasi: $76
  • Ephesus Tour from Kusadası Port: $44
  • Ephesus small groups Tour For Cruisers (skip the line): $100
  • Ephesus tours Sirince Village from Kusadasi Port with lunch: $63
  • Ephesus tours and Virgin Mary's House Temple Artemis tours : $67
  • Private Tour Ephesus for Cruise Guests : $250
  • Private Tour to Ephesus, Virgin Mary, and Artemis Temple From Cruise Ship/Hotel: $120
  • Small Group Pamukkale Day Tour from Selcuk or Kusadası : $93
  • "Ephesus Tours" Port Kusadasi lunch guide bus shopping Caravanserai artemis : $58
  • "No Better Way to Explore History - Affordable Ephesus Tour": $30

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $272
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ephesus $15
    Cefalu $11
Typical Alcohol Prices in Ephesus

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:


  • Beer
    $0.12

Sample the Local Flavors in Ephesus

Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Skip-the-line Ephesus & Wine Tasting Tour From Kusadasi Port: $53
  • Ephesus port tours and Wine Tasting Tours : $70
  • Ephesus&Sirince Village with Wine Tasting Shore Ex: $100
  • Ephesus and Sirince with Wine tasting Private Half Day Shore Excursion: $100
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Wine Tasting in the village and visit to Mother's Mary House: $130
  • Private Ephesus Tour with Wine Tasting: $134
  • Virgin Mary Bread and Wine Tour included Lunch: $300

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Ephesus or Cefalu?

Ephesus has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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 Ephesus or Cefalu?

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 Ephesus or Cefalu in the Summer?

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

Ephesus is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ephesus 27°C (81°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Cefalu. 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.

In the autumn, Ephesus is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ephesus in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ephesus this time of the year. In the autumn, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ephesus 19°C (66°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 10°C (50°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Ephesus usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Ephesus gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ephesus. In January, Ephesus usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ephesus 10°C (50°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ephesus or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Ephesus during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

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

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ephesus. In the spring, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Ephesus usually gets less rain in April than Cefalu. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ephesus 15°C (59°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Ephesus

Ephesus Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)