A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thessaloniki vs. Cefalu for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cefalu? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

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. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Thessaloniki and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thessaloniki than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thessaloniki is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Thessaloniki different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Cefalu both to be superb destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki has a large number of nightlife venues. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

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.

Thessaloniki is not a resort destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

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

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Cefalu is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

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.

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

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

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Cefalu.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers 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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu Better for Students?

Thessaloniki is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Many students visit Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Thessaloniki has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Cefalu is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this fishing village.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

Thessaloniki 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. 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 small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cefalu is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Cefalu?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Cefalu in the Summer?

Both Cefalu and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Cefalu. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during summer. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Thessaloniki during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is cooler than Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In the autumn, Thessaloniki often gets less sunshine than Cefalu. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in October than Cefalu. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cefalu in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Cefalu. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thessaloniki is generally much colder than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives less sunshine than Cefalu during winter. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Cefalu in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. In the spring, Thessaloniki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Thessaloniki