A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Cefalu for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a stunning, cultural, and historic island. 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 coastal, historic, and touristy fishing village. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu are popular destinations, Palma de Mallorca has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palma de Mallorca is very popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also well known for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Cefalu specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu offer a number of great restaurants to choose from.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palma de Mallorca. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca while you're in town. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Cefalu is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, great resorts can be found in both Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu.

Palma de Mallorca is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

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.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

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

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu are both places where visitors can find nice hiking trails.

Palma de Mallorca has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cefalu has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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

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

Palma de Mallorca has some public transit options. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Cefalu Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cefalu than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Even though Cefalu is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Palma de Mallorca 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 is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Palma de Mallorca. This island 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.

Cefalu is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in July average around 24°C (76°F), and Cefalu averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during summer. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palma de Mallorca usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Palma de Mallorca during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cefalu for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 19°C (66°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the autumn, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Cefalu. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Palma de Mallorca usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during winter. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Cefalu. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the spring, Palma de Mallorca is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Cefalu averages at about 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca this time of the year. In the spring, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets more rain in April than Cefalu. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Palma de Mallorca