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

Should you visit Ericeira or Cefalu?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Ericeira and Cefalu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Ericeira or Cefalu?

Ericeira

Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.

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 G Adventures Tours to Portugal, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ericeira or Cefalu?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Ericeira 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 Ericeira 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 Ericeira or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ericeira and Cefalu. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ericeira is generally cooler than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 23°C (73°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ericeira usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Ericeira gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Ericeira gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ericeira or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ericeira as well as Cefalu. Additionally, 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.

Ericeira is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ericeira averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In the autumn, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Ericeira gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cefalu. Ericeira gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ericeira or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Ericeira are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the winter, Ericeira is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ericeira in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Ericeira usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during winter. Ericeira gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Ericeira. In January, Ericeira usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Ericeira gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ericeira or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Ericeira during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Ericeira is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Ericeira average around 16°C (60°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ericeira. In the spring, Ericeira often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Ericeira gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Ericeira usually gets more rain in April than Cefalu. Ericeira gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Ericeira