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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Palermo and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is known for its resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cefalu is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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 Palermo or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Cefalu offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cefalu. 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 Palermo or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo 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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Both Palermo and Cefalu are considered to be very good beach destinations.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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.

Is Palermo or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Cefalu?

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

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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 Palermo or Cefalu Better for Families?

Palermo 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, Palermo is very family-friendly. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Palermo or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo or Cefalu Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Palermo. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Palermo is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

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 Palermo or Cefalu a more walkable city?

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

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Cefalu?

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Palermo or Cefalu?

Palermo 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 Palermo or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Palermo or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Cefalu?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cefalu for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cefalu. Palermo 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 Palermo or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Cefalu. Many travelers come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. 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.

Palermo is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Cefalu. Many visitors come to Palermo 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.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cefalu. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), 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 Palermo. Palermo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cefalu. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Palermo