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

Should you visit Valencia or Cefalu?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Valencia and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Cefalu?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valencia than Cefalu, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cefalu is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Cefalu is well known for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Valencia different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Cefalu? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Valencia just to party. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is well known for its resorts. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Is Valencia or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is well known for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Valencia or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

Valencia 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 Valencia is revered around the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

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

Is Valencia or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Valencia and Cefalu are both places where visitors can find notable hiking trails.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

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 Valencia or Cefalu?

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

Valencia is well-known for its shopping. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Cefalu Better for Families?

Valencia 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, Valencia is very family-friendly. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Cefalu Better for Couples?

Cefalu is an amazing fishing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Valencia or Cefalu Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Cefalu Better for Students?

Valencia is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cefalu is not popular with students.

Valencia is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Cefalu is not popular with students.

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

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

Valencia has some public transit options. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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 Valencia or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Valencia and Cefalu both are great when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Cefalu?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Cefalu. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Cefalu. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cefalu.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Cefalu?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Valencia or Cefalu?

Valencia 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 Valencia or Cefalu?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. 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.

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 Valencia or Cefalu?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural big city of Valencia. This coastal 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 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Cefalu?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cefalu. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia or Cefalu?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Valencia or Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Cefalu. Many travelers come to Valencia for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Cefalu in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Cefalu fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Valencia in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Valencia is around the same temperature as Cefalu. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Cefalu averages at about 19°C (67°F).

Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Valencia for the museums, 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.

In January, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Cefalu. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Cefalu fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Cefalu. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Cefalu in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Cefalu. The spring months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the activities around the city, 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.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Cefalu in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Cefalu fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives more rain than Cefalu. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Valencia