A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Cefalu for Nightlife, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Tenerife or Cefalu?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a volcanic, scenic, and vibrant island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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.

Tenerife and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Cefalu are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Tenerife is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Tenerife different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cefalu is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Tenerife just to party. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

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

Tenerife is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

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 Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Cefalu have great beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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.

Is Tenerife or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Tenerife is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. 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 Tenerife or Cefalu?

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

Tenerife is well-known for its shopping. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Families?

Tenerife is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Tenerife is very family-friendly. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife 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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

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

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

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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 Tenerife or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tenerife and Cefalu. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Cefalu. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Cefalu is a small town where visitors enjoy the 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 Tenerife or Cefalu?

Tenerife 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 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 Tenerife or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Tenerife or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Tenerife. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Cefalu, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, 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, Tenerife is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°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 Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during summer. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tenerife or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Tenerife during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, 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, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the autumn, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Cefalu in the Winter?

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

Tenerife is much warmer than Cefalu in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Tenerife usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tenerife or Cefalu in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Cefalu. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°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 Tenerife this time of the year. In the spring, Tenerife often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in April than Cefalu. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Tenerife