A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Cefalu for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Messina or Cefalu?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Cefalu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Messina and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Cefalu are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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 Messina or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cefalu makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

In Cefalu, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Cefalu attract visitors from all over. 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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Cefalu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cefalu. 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.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Cefalu?

Messina 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 Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

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 Messina or Cefalu Better for Families?

Messina 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, Messina is very family-friendly. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

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 Messina or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Cefalu is a great fishing village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Cefalu Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Messina has some public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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 Messina or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Messina and Cefalu both are very good when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Messina?

How long in Messina or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Cefalu. In our opinion, Messina has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Messina than Cefalu. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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

One day in Messina or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Cefalu is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This fishing village offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Cefalu?

Messina 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cefalu has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. 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.

Cefalu is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Since Cefalu is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Cefalu?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Cefalu. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°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 Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Messina gets 115 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 Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Cefalu. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Cefalu. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Messina is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°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 Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Messina