A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Istanbul vs. Cefalu for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Istanbul or Cefalu?

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

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

Istanbul

Istanbul is a diverse, beautiful, and high-energy city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a charming, coastal, and historic fishing village. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Istanbul and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul. Although Istanbul and Cefalu are popular destinations, Istanbul has more sights and attractions for tourists. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Istanbul is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Istanbul different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Istanbul are world-renowned. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

Istanbul has a large number of nightlife venues. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is notable for its resorts. However, Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is not a resort destination.

Is Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is notable for its beaches. However, Istanbul is not a beach destination.

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.

Istanbul is not a beach destination.

Is Istanbul or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Istanbul is revered around the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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

Is Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Families?

Istanbul 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, Istanbul is very family-friendly. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for romance. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Istanbul makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

Is Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Istanbul is extremely popular for backpackers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu Better for Students?

Istanbul is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Many students visit Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Istanbul can get you around easily. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Cefalu both are great when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Istanbul. 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Istanbul 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Cefalu?

Istanbul is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Cefalu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Cefalu?

Istanbul has a larger population, and is about 810 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Istanbul 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 Istanbul 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 Istanbul or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Istanbul during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities 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, Istanbul is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Istanbul. In the summer, Istanbul often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Cefalu. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, 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, Istanbul is generally cooler than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Istanbul usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Cefalu. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Istanbul is much colder than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Istanbul often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the spring, Istanbul is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. Istanbul usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Istanbul