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

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a welcoming, historic, and beautiful port city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Malaga and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Malaga than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Malaga is better known for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cefalu is more popular for its museums, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Malaga is well known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. Also, Malaga is famous for The Alcazaba. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Malaga different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cefalu is a moderate fishing village for its sights and museums. However, Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Malaga and Cefalu offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Malaga. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

Cefalu has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Malaga or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

People head to Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Cefalu Better for Music?

Malaga is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Cefalu is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Malaga while you're in town. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cefalu to choose from. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga 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 Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Many people visit Cefalu for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Malaga is a good option for a beach vacation. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Malaga and Cefalu.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

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

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Cefalu?

Malaga 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 Malaga. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

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 Malaga or Cefalu Better for Families?

Both Malaga and Cefalu are notable family-friendly destinations.

Malaga is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Cefalu is a family-friendly port city. 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 Malaga or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

Cefalu is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Malaga is a good port city for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Malaga or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Malaga 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, Malaga is extremely popular for backpackers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly 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 Malaga or Cefalu Better for Students?

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

Many students visit Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Malaga has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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 Malaga or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Malaga and Cefalu both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Cefalu?

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

Families should spend more time in Cefalu than Malaga. 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 Malaga. 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 Malaga 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 Malaga.

One day in Malaga or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Malaga. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Malaga or Cefalu?

Malaga is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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 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.

Five days in Malaga or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Malaga. This port 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Malaga and Cefalu, we can see that Malaga is more expensive. And not only is Cefalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cefalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cefalu 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga than you might in Cefalu.

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

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Cefalu?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Malaga during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the summer, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Malaga or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Cefalu. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. 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 the autumn, Malaga is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Malaga in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Malaga usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Malaga or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Malaga is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 12°C (54°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Malaga usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Malaga