A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Taormina vs. Cefalu for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Taormina 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 Taormina 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a touristy, charming, and coastal fishing village. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Taormina and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Taormina or Cefalu?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cefalu. Although Taormina and Cefalu are both popular with visitors, Cefalu has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cefalu is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Taormina is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Cefalu is popular for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also home to the beaches.

How is Taormina different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Taormina
Cefalu

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

Taormina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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 Taormina or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina
Cefalu

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

Taormina has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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.

Is Taormina or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Taormina
Cefalu

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

Taormina has a large number of nightlife venues. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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 Taormina or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Taormina
Cefalu

If luxury resorts are your style, both Taormina and Cefalu have very good options.

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

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.


Is Taormina or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Taormina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great fishing village for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Taormina or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Taormina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a great fishing village for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Taormina or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Taormina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for hiking. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Cefalu?

Taormina
Cefalu

Taormina 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 Taormina. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

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 Taormina or Cefalu Better for Families?

Taormina
Cefalu

Cefalu is a fishing village with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Cefalu offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Taormina or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Taormina
Cefalu

Cefalu is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.


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

Taormina
Cefalu

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

Taormina has some public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the 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 Taormina or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Taormina
Cefalu

Taormina and Cefalu are very good when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Cefalu. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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


  • How many days in Taormina or Cefalu? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taormina 2-4 
    Cefalu 1-3

One day in Taormina or Cefalu?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful fishing village of Cefalu offers food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Taormina or Cefalu?

Taormina 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 is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this fishing village makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cefalu, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Cefalu?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cefalu is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This fishing village offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Taormina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Taormina is €108, while the average daily cost in Cefalu is €119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Taormina and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taormina 70
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taormina 140
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Taormina and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Taormina or Cefalu? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Taormina


Hotels in Cefalu


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Taormina Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taormina 4.29
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taormina

Also for Taormina, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Transfer from Messina: $40
  • Sicily Catania Airport: Bus Transfer to and from Taormina: $7.46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cefalu

Also for Cefalu, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer Palermo Airport - Cefalù and vice versa: $175
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $103
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87

Is it cheaper to fly into Taormina or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Taormina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Taormina 33
    Cefalu 28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in a Sicilian countryhouse: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taormina 11
    Cefalu 5.71

Tours and Activities in Taormina

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Taormina.

  • 5 Hours Private Tour of Taormina from Messina: $604
  • From Catania or Agrigento and Piazza Armerina Tour: $741
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Mount Etna and Taormina: $95
  • From Catania: Guided Tour of Taormina and Castelmola: $105
  • Sicily: Best of Taormina and Castelmola Private Tour: $212
  • Small Group Sicily Food & Wine Lovers Tour: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Small Group Tour of Sicily Highlights: 8 Days: $2,659
  • Taormina & Castelmola: Shore tour from Messina cruise port: $426
  • Taormina Walking Tour & Ancient theather Private or shared: $586
  • Taormina private tour: $160
  • Taormina. Highlights Tour with Isolabella and Castelmola: $266
  • Tour Messina Taormina Castelmola: $149

Tours and Activities in Cefalu

For Cefalu, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $273
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taormina 8.57
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Taormina

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Taormina:

  • Mt Etna Private guided walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
  • Catania: Mt. Etna Private Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $298

Sample the Local Flavors in Cefalu

Also in Cefalu, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Castelbuono Tour and Wine Tasting in a Medieval Abbey: $49


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


Which is Bigger, Taormina or Cefalu?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Cefalu. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina 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, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during summer. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Taormina usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Taormina 27°C (80°F) 
    Cefalu 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cefalu in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Taormina is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Taormina usually gets more rain in October than Cefalu. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Taormina 21°C (69°F) 
    Cefalu 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Taormina 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, Taormina is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cefalu averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Taormina usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Taormina 13°C (55°F) 
    Cefalu 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Taormina or Cefalu in the Spring?

Both Cefalu and Taormina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally around the same temperature as Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Cefalu, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Taormina. In the spring, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Cefalu. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Taormina 16°C (60°F) 
    Cefalu 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Taormina

Taormina Cefalu
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 18 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 128 mm (5 in) 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)


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