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

Should you visit Izmir or Cefalu?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Izmir and Cefalu. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Izmir or Cefalu?

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

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 Turkey, The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Izmir?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Izmir is $105, 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 Izmir and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Izmir $60
    Cefalu $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Izmir $120
    Cefalu $186
Compare Hotels in Izmir and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Izmir 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 Izmir


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: Izmir Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Izmir $30
    Cefalu $4.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • izmir kusadasi transfer: $82
  • Vip Airport Transfer: $98
  • VIP Private Transfer | Izmir Airport to Kusadasi or Selcuk: $46
  • Transfer İzmir Airport to/from Kusadasi City Center Area: $75
  • Transfer to Kusadasi from Izmir Airport: $75
  • Transfer from Izmir to Fethiye: $153
  • Transfer From izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Selcuk Ephesus: $82
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Apt to/from Gümüldür, Seferihisar: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfers İzmir City or Adnan Menderes Airport to/from Manisa City: $131
  • Private Transfer: Izmir to Izmir Airport (ADB) : $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Izmir or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Izmir 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
    Izmir $24
    Cefalu $30

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.
    Izmir $21
    Cefalu $6.12

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Highlights of Ephesus Tour from Izmir Port : $131
  • Small Group Ephesus Tour From Izmir Hotels: $100
  • Small Group Pamukkale Tour from Izmir Hotels: $126
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • 1 Day Ephesus And Pamukkale Tour From Izmir By A Local Expert: $300
  • 2-Day Small-Group Tour Highlights of Ephesus from Izmir: $169
  • 5 Days Seven Churches Tour Turkey: $1,068
  • Ancient Pergamon Tour From Izmir: $282
  • Aphrodisias&Pamukkale Tour from Izmir: $280
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70
  • Biblical Ephesus, Mother Mary House, St John Basilica and Temple of Artemis Tour from Izmir with Private Guide: $272
  • Cesme-Alacati Tour from Izmir: $174

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Izmir $8.86
    Cefalu $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152

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

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


Which is Bigger, Izmir or Cefalu?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Izmir 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 Izmir 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 Izmir or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Izmir as well as Cefalu. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the summer, Izmir is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Izmir in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Izmir this time of the year. In the summer, Izmir often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Izmir gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Izmir usually gets less rain in July than Cefalu. Izmir gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Izmir 28°C (82°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Izmir are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Izmir is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Izmir average around 19°C (67°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Izmir gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Izmir usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Izmir gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Izmir or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Izmir during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Izmir is cooler than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Izmir averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Izmir often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Izmir gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Izmir. Izmir usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Izmir gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Izmir 9°C (48°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Izmir or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Izmir and Cefalu. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Izmir is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Izmir in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. Izmir usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Izmir gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Izmir usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Izmir gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Izmir 16°C (61°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Izmir

Izmir Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)