A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mykonos vs. Cefalu for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Old Town

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a party-oriented, ritzy, and opulent Greek island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Mykonos and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Mykonos than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Mykonos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Cefalu is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Mykonos is more touristy than Cefalu and is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Also, Mykonos is famous for the traditional windmills near Chora. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Mykonos different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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 Mykonos or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Mykonos just to party. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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 Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Is Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Mykonos and Cefalu both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Mykonos or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos is revered around the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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

Is Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its hiking trails.

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.

While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Cefalu?

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Mykonos draws large crowds to its stores. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Families?

Cefalu is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

Cefalu is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Mykonos and Cefalu both terrific destinations for a couple.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

Cefalu makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

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

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

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

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 Mykonos or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Mykonos. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mykonos and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mykonos than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mykonos than Cefalu. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mykonos 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 Mykonos.

One day in Mykonos or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Mykonos. 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 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 Mykonos or Cefalu?

Mykonos 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 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 Mykonos or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. 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 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 Mykonos or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the opulent destination of Mykonos. This Greek island 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.

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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Cefalu, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Cefalu?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.