A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toledo vs. Cefalu for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Toledo or Cefalu?

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

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

Toledo

Toledo is a medieval, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Toledo and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Toledo or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cefalu. Although Toledo and Cefalu are popular destinations, Cefalu has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cefalu is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Toledo attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Toledo is more touristy than Cefalu and is known for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. It is also well known for the beaches.

How is Toledo different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo 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 Toledo. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

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 Toledo or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toledo
Cefalu

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Toledo and Cefalu can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Toledo. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

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 Toledo or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toledo. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

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 Toledo or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Toledo
Cefalu

Cefalu is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Toledo is not a resort destination.

Cefalu is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Toledo is not a resort destination.


Is Toledo or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Toledo
Cefalu

Cefalu is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toledo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cefalu. 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.

Toledo is not a beach destination.

Is Toledo or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Toledo is revered around the world. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

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

Is Toledo or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Toledo
Cefalu

Cefalu is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Toledo is not a hiking destination.

Cefalu has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Toledo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Toledo or Cefalu?

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo 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 Toledo. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

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 Toledo or Cefalu Better for Families?

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo and Cefalu are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Toledo is a family-friendly city. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.

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 Toledo or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Toledo
Cefalu

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for romance. Also, Toledo 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.

Toledo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.


Is Toledo or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toledo
Cefalu

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Toledo. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

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 Toledo or Cefalu Better for Students?

Toledo
Cefalu

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

Many students visit Toledo. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

Toledo
Cefalu

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

Toledo has some public transit options. There is a good bus system through 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 Toledo or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Toledo
Cefalu

Toledo and Cefalu are great when it comes to walkability.

Toledo is very walkable. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Toledo?

How long in Toledo or Cefalu?

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

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


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

One day in Toledo or Cefalu?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toledo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Cefalu might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Toledo or Cefalu?

Toledo 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 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.


Five days in Toledo or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toledo. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cefalu. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Toledo or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the ancient destination of Toledo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cefalu is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Cefalu or Toledo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Toledo is €123, 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 Toledo and Cefalu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toledo 66
    Cefalu 87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toledo 132
    Cefalu 174
Compare Hotels in Toledo and Cefalu

Looking for a hotel in Toledo 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 Toledo


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: Toledo Hotel Prices and Cefalu Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toledo 20
    Cefalu 4.29

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toledo

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

  • Balloon Ride with Transfer Option from Madrid: $262
  • Private Transfer from Toledo or Avila to MAD Airport by MiniVan: $176
  • Madrid: Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer & Optional Ticket: $36
  • Madrid: Private Airport Transfer to Toledo: $180
  • Hot Air Balloon over Toledo with optional transfers from Madrid : $234
  • From Puy du Fou Round-Trip Transfer: $24

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: $174
  • Private transfer from Palermo airport to Cefalù or vice versa: $104
  • Le Calette, Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Hotel Kalura, Cefalù for Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Departure Private Transfer Cefalù to Palermo Airport PMO by Business Car or Van: $156
  • Costa Verde HOTEL Cefalù, for Palermo airport, Private Transfer: $87
  • Club Med Cefalù to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $109
  • Alberi del Paradiso, Cefalù for APT Palermo or vice versa, Private Transfer: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Toledo or Cefalu?

Prices for flights to both Cefalu and Toledo 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
    Toledo 39
    Cefalu 28
Typical Food Prices in Toledo

For Toledo, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    11

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.
    Toledo 30
    Cefalu 5.71

Tours and Activities in Toledo

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

  • Toledo Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $263
  • Auidio Tour - Toledo - Monuments of the 3 cultures: $6.41
  • Boat cruise with guide on board + Historical City Adventure Gift: $11
  • City Sightseeing Toledo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • English Tour - Toledo Complete + Visit Casa Palacio: $8.56
  • Essence of Private Tour with a Local Archaeologist: $191
  • Essential Toledo with monuments and optional Legends tour: $27
  • From Madrid: Avila, Segovia & Toledo Private Tour: $812
  • From Madrid: Toledo Cathedral & Jewish Quarter Half-Day Tour: $56
  • Full-Day Private Toledo Tour from Madrid With Driver & Guide: $727
  • Guided tour of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez: $13
  • Guided tour of the Toledo Cathedral (Input included): $24

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: $272
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Madonie wild adventure: $224

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toledo 19
    Cefalu 11

Sample the Local Flavors in Toledo

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Toledo:

  • From Madrid: Toledo Tour with Wine Tasting and 7 Monuments: $58

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 Toledo and Cefalu, we can see that Toledo 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 Toledo Expensive? and Is Cefalu Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toledo or Cefalu?

Toledo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Toledo 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.