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

Should you visit Gran Canaria or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Cefalu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Gran Canaria or Cefalu?

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.

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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Gran Canaria?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, 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 Gran Canaria and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gran Canaria 63
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gran Canaria 126
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria


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: Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gran Canaria 46
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria

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

  • Private Transfer: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) : $53
  • Private Transfer: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: $53
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to San Bartolomé de Tirajana: $89
  • Private Transfer from Gran Canaria Port to Gran Canaria Airport: $33
  • Playa del Ingles to Gran Canaria Airport(LPA)- Departure Transfer: $33
  • Playa Del Ingles: Discover Scuba Diving - Free Transfers: $91
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Vecindario to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Valsequillo to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tejeda to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $98
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Tauro to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72
  • Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Taurito to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $72

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 Gran Canaria or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Gran Canaria 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
    Gran Canaria 34
    Cefalu 28

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.
    Gran Canaria 20
    Cefalu 5.71

Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria

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

  • Firgas, Tejeda, Guayadeque - VIP Tour Gran Canaria: $52
  • Guided Tour With Electric Moped: $71
  • Tour in a real VW 70's Buggy in Gran Canaria 4 People. : $153
  • 1 Day Vespa | Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Afternoon Snorkeling Experience in Gran Canaria by Boat: $49
  • 2-Hours Sunset Segway experience near by Sand Dunes: $85
  • 3-Hour Hiking Experience in Roque Nublo: $70
  • 4 Hour Boat Tour with Snorkeling from Puerto Rico and Mogan: $82
  • 40-minute Submarine Tour in Mogán: $38
  • Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
  • Agaete: Gran Canaria Coasteering Tour with Snorkeling: $70
  • Airsoft Park Ticket: $36

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
    Gran Canaria 7.14
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:

  • Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
  • Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
  • Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102

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 Gran Canaria and Cefalu, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Cefalu?

Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Cefalu. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gran Canaria is generally cooler than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Cefalu in the Autumn?

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

Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Gran Canaria are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Gran Canaria is much warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gran Canaria in January average around 18°C (64°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Gran Canaria gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Gran Canaria or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Gran Canaria during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 19°C (66°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 Gran Canaria. In the spring, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in April than Cefalu. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 18°C (64°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 0 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 22 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 19°C (66°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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