A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Cefalu for Resorts, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Faro or Cefalu?

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

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

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

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. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Faro and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Faro or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cefalu. Although Faro and Cefalu are popular destinations, Cefalu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cefalu is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Faro attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also well known for the beaches.

How is Faro different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is adequate for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Cefalu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Faro or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cefalu. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Cefalu

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

Faro has a large number of nightlife venues. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Faro
Cefalu

Faro is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.


Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Cefalu

Faro 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 Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cefalu. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Faro or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Cefalu to see the historical old town. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.


Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Faro is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Faro is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Cefalu?

Faro
Cefalu

Faro 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 Faro. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

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 Faro or Cefalu Better for Families?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Cefalu offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.


Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Cefalu

Faro is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

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

Faro
Cefalu

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

Faro has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

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 Faro or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Faro
Cefalu

Cefalu is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Faro?

How long in Faro or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Cefalu. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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


  • How many days in Faro or Cefalu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Cefalu 1-3

One day in Faro or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Cefalu?

Faro 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.

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Faro or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cefalu is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Because Cefalu is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is €119. 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 Faro and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Faro and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Faro HTL-APT (FAO): $36
  • Transfers taxi tours golf wedding: $55
  • Transfers airport Faro X Albufeira: $91
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Muthu Club Praia da Oura: $71
  • Transfers From Faro Airport to Hotel Paraiso Albufeira: $70
  • Transfers Algarve: Airport Faro - Albufeira, 4 or 8 PAX: $61
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Ponta Grande Resort: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel Vila Recife: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Hotel São Rafael Atlântico: $42
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $30
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Algoz: $50
  • Transfer from Faro Airport to Balaia Plaza Hotel: $42

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 Faro or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Cefalu 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $162

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.
    Faro 9.41
    Cefalu 5.71

Tours and Activities in Faro

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

  • Faro to Benagil Hiking Tour and Marinha beach: $60
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • 2:30 Hours Tour: $273
  • 3 Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $33
  • 3-Hour Boat Tour in Ria Formosa on Olhão Algarve: $33
  • 5 hours tour in Ria Formosa: $49
  • 5-hour island hopping tour: $60
  • 6 hour boat tour navegating through the Islands of Ria Formosa National Park : $65
  • A Timeless Private Walking Tour Experience in Tavira: $202
  • Algarve Buggy Tours: $202
  • Algarve Dolphin Watching & Marine Life Eco Tour: $55

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
    Faro 3.13
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48

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 Faro and Cefalu, we can see that Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Faro or Cefalu?

Faro has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Cefalu in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Faro is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Faro usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Faro 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
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Faro or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Faro as well as Cefalu. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, 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 October, Faro is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the autumn, Faro often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Faro or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for 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.

Faro is a little warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Faro usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during winter. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Faro usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Faro or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Faro during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the spring, Faro often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cefalu. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Faro

Faro Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)