Cefalu, on the north coast of Sicily 60 km from Palermo, is a splendid village declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2015. With strong Arab-Norman characters in its architecture and traditions, and known for its Norman cathedral, the Parco delle Madonie that surrounds it and the wonderful sea. During the summer season, the small town gets to triple its population, which fills the most important squares and streets of the town.
The atmosphere is truly suggestive, among ancient houses facing the sea, breathtaking sunsets and timeless architecture. Here is everything you need to know to enjoy a visit: from things to see to restaurants where to eat.
What to see in Cefalu
1 – Duomo
Photo by Vincenzo Nicastro. The Cathedral of the Transfiguration is a minor basilica located in the historic center whose architecture follows the model of the great Benedictine basilicas, with a Romanesque style linked to northern Europe and enriched by Arab influences. The construction began in 1131 and embellished over the years with Byzantine mosaics by masters brought directly from Constantinople by Roger II, who had it built after making a vow to escape a storm. It was consecrated only in 1267.
- How to get there: accessible on foot from Corso Ruggero, in the city center – Get directions
- Hours: Every day 10: 00-13: 00 and 15.00-19.00
- Ticket price: € 10.00 for the Red Itinerary (including a visit to the Towers, external walkway on the south side, overlooking the Mosaics, Treasure Room, Episcopio, Bishop’s Chapel and Canonical Cloister); € 7.00 for the Blue Itinerary (including a visit to the Towers, an external walkway on the south side and a view under the Mosaics); € 6.00 for the Green Itinerary (including the Treasury Room, Episcopio, Episcopal Chapel and Canonical Cloister).
2 – La Rocca
La Rocca rises up to 268 meters above sea level and at the base is the historic town of Cefalu. The lower western part, on the other hand, is characterized by the ruins of a series of mills. From here starts the path that leads up to the top of the fortress. On the other side, however, the western one of the walls, the door opens to which the access path arrives.
During the ascent, halfway up, there are the remains of the Temple of Diana , a construction dating back to the 9th century BC.In the northern part of the walls overlooking the precipice above the Cathedral, a metal cross was erected several meters high which at night lights up to dominate the landscape.
- How to get there: taking one of the characteristic alleys that open at the beginning of Corso Ruggero, such as Vicolo dei Saraceni, which leads to a path that goes up to the monumental entrance of the Rocca – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
3 – Museo Mandralisca
In Cefalu there is only one museum, the Museo Mandralisca, commissioned by Baron Enrico Pirajno of Mandralisca. Pirajno collected, during his life, numerous art objects, coins, books and archaeologists and, as a fervent supporter of the ideas of the Risorgimento as he was, he made them available to the city on his death through a will.
Among the various multidisciplinary works (archeology, numismatics, paintings, …), the most valuable piece is certainly the Portrait of the Unknown Sailor by Antonello da Messina , as well as other works of Flemish and other Caravaggesque attribution.
- How to get there: from the train station proceed towards via Ruggero and then take via Mandralisca. You will arrive in about 15 minutes. Get directions
- Hours: 9:00 – 19:00 every day, 9:00 – 24:00 in July and August
- Ticket price: full € 6.00 reduced € 4.00
4 – Medieval wash-house
In via Vittorio Emanuele there is the public wash – house known as the “Medieval wash-house”, in the Martino palace. In the summer of 1991 the restoration works were completed.
The washhouse has a lava stone staircase that leads to a floor smoothed by time and to a series of basins that are filled with the waters that flow from twenty-two cast iron mouths (fifteen of which are lion heads) arranged along the walls dominated by low times. Through a small cave, the water reaches the sea. In the tubs the supports that were used to rub the clothes are evident.
- How to get there: from Piazza del Duomo in 5 minutes on foot along via XXV Novembre up to Palazzo Martino – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
5 – Porta Pescara
Photo by Francesco Mapelli. The only survivor of the four doors that opened along the city walls, it is called Porta Pescara from the name of the viceroy who had it settled in 1570.
It is located in the old part of the city, near the beach and the ancient port , where it frames the spectacle of the sea ​​through its Gothic arch surmounted by the coat of arms of the kings of Sicily. Beautiful and of historical importance, and one of the favorite spots for tourists for suggestive photos and videos.
- How to get there: from Piazza del Duomo through via Mandralisca in 5 minutes on foot – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
6 – Osterio Magno
The Osteria Magno is an ancient palace in Cefalu which is located in the heart of the historic center.
Built by Ruggero in the 12th century, it was enlarged and fortified by the powerful Ventimiglia family who handed it down from generation to generation until 1602. Of considerable historical and structural importance, it has a large Roman cistern, while the quadrangular walls of the tower date back to the period Norman.
Noteworthy are the windows, the large mullioned window and the two mullioned windows, clearly of Chiaramonte, which overlook the hall of the building.
- How to get there: reachable on foot in 10 minutes from the train station taking the direction Corso Ruggero. The building is located at number 63 – Get directions
- Hours: not open to visitors. Occasionally it hosts exhibitions, for prices and times, please contact the Cefalu tourism promotion agency on the website www.comune.cefalu.pa.it depending on the period.
- Ticket cost: free
7 – Cefalu promenade and beach Clear
waters and wide golden beach are the ideal choice for families, thanks to its gently sloping seabed and the countless services it offers to bathers, such as beaches, refreshment points or shops of trinkets that guarantee a holiday of comfort and relaxation. From sunset it becomes one of the destinations of Cefalu’s nightlife : bars, restaurants and discos stay open until late at night.
SEE ALSO : the most beautiful beaches in Sicily
- How to get there: Easy walk from downtown – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
8 – Other beaches: Mazzaforno, Settefrati, Capo Playa, Kalura
Photo by Vincenzo Nicastro. The promenade is not the only solution for a relaxing bath. In the area there are other more private beaches, some of pebbles, others in sand. Among these we point out Mazzaforno, Settefrati and above all Capo Playa, the latter particularly appreciated by lovers of surfing, sailing and kite , due to the constant winds that blow. The seabed of this part of the coast drops rapidly, which makes it unsuitable for families with children.
Finally, the Kalura beach (or Caldura) is located 20 minutes from the center, towards the east, and is characterized by gravel but above all by rock spurs in front of a turquoise sea,perhaps the clearest of all Cefalu . Here the rocks are quite jagged, certainly not comfortable, the beach is ideal for those looking for a place away from the crowd and suitable for diving and snorkeling. It is advisable to go in the morning, because the beach, surrounded by greenery, is shaded in the afternoon.
- How to get there: They are all just over 10 minutes by car from Cefalu
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free
9 – Sanctuary of Gibilmanna
The sanctuary of Gibilmanna is located in the homonymous hamlet of the village of Cefalu. The Church, of the century. XI, was rebuilt from 1619 to 1624, and the Chapel of the Madonna was completed in 1625 with the assembly of the spectacular altar machine in mixed marble from Pampillonia. Located at about 800 meters above sea level, this Benedictine monastery is a pilgrimage destination and a place of prayer; it preserves numerous works of art including the Statue of San Giovanni Battista , the Statue of Sant’Elena and the precious marble simulacrum of the Madonna di Gibilmanna .
- How to get there: the sanctuary is located close to Monte S. Angelo about ten km from Cefalu and can be reached by car along the panoramic road SP 136 or by bus from the train station – Get directions
- Hours: 10:30 – 19:30
- Ticket cost: free
10 – Parco delle Madonie
The Parco delle Madonie is a regional natural park that includes the Madonie massif, whose peaks reach 2,000 meters above sea level, behind the village of Cefalu.
The park hosts more than half of the Sicilian plant species, and in particular most of those present only in Sicily.
For the fauna there are more than half of the bird species and all the mammal species of the region. There are various trekking routes for all difficulties, adventure parks and it is also possible to try your hand at more extreme sports such as free climbing .
- How to get there: from the center of Cefalu take the SP 136 to Gibilmanna and then the SP 9 to the small town of Isnello – Get directions
- Hours: always accessible
- Ticket cost: free. To book or inquire about the activities of the park it is advisable to contact the responsible body on 0917487186 or through the official website www.parcodellemadonie.it
One day itinerary in Cefalu
In the morning, when the beaches are not yet crowded, the color of the sea and its quiet become a very strong attraction for those looking for the relaxation of a nice swim. Lido di Cefalu is the best way to start the day , and then maybe leave it early when the crowd of bathers starts to be too pressing.
From the beach you can then leave for the excursion to the Rocca , which takes about 2 hours between ascent and descent at a medium pace. You can rest at the Temple of Diana and enjoy the wonderful panorama from the summit. Getting off will be faster but you will not arrive in the historic center before lunch.
In the afternoon, after having eaten in one of the many fish restaurants in the center, you can visit the Cathedral with its Romanesque style and its mosaics, then head towards the Osterio
Magno and visit the Mandralisca Museum . From here continue to admire the medieval wash house , the ancient port and Porta Pescara . This part of the village is the most suggestive, because you can still breathe the air of work, fishermen’s fatigue and past history and it is advisable to walk along its alleys and streets in relaxation, without thinking too much about where to go, letting yourself be carried away by the heat afternoon wind.
In the late afternoon you can opt for an excursion to the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, which can be reached in just 15 minutes by car, for the last farewell to a full but relaxing day, where time is never running out and where the smells blend with the incredible colors of a breathtaking panorama.
One day itinerary at a glance
- Lido di Cefalu, always accessible – ticket price: free
- La Rocca, always accessible – ticket price: free
- Lunch at Triscele restaurant, via Umberto I, 34
- Duomo, 8:30 am – 6:30 pm – ticket price: € 3.00
- Mandralisca Museum, 9:00 – 19:00 – full price € 6.00 reduced € 4.00
- Sanctuary of Gibilmanna, 10:30 – 19:30 – ticket price: free
Where to eat in Cefalu
- Triscele : restaurant in the historic center with fish specialties. Small and intimate environment where you can taste traditional local dishes. Usually crowded.
Average price per person: € 35.00
Address and contacts: via Umberto I, 34 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0921921571 - Sutt’a Ravia : young restaurant on the seafront with excellent value for money. Ideal for a seafood lunch without spending a fortune.
Average price per person: € 20.00
Address and contacts: Piazza Cristoforo Colombo, 11 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0921820253 - Bastione & Costanza :
restaurant / pizzeria ideal for couples, it is advisable to book on the terrace overlooking the sea. Excellent quality especially as regards the pizzas, made with ancient grains and exclusively local products.
Average price per person: € 45.00 (€ 18.00 for pizza + dessert)
Address and contacts: Piazza Francesco Crispi, 13 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0921571222 - Al Capone : beautiful panoramic terrace on the outskirts of Cefalu, on the road to Gibilmanna. Fish specialties in an elegant and high-quality setting.
Average price per person: € 45.00
Address and contacts: via Dei Mulini, 20 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0921423900 - L’Angolo delle Dolcezze : Sicilian pastry and ice cream parlor that offers regional specialties using high-quality raw materials. The cannoli and cassata are excellent. It is worth the visit.
Average price per person: € 5.00
Address and contacts: via Pietro Novelli, 2 (Get directions) / tel: (+39) 0921923047
What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and the best clubs
Cefalu offers many opportunities for recreation and, of course, almost all on the seashore. The nightlife usually starts around 18:00 when the bars on the beaches start serving aperitifs and people in bathing suits mingle with those just out for the evening. Pubs, clubs, DJ sets and discos follow one another along the coast and among the streets of the village.
- Kalapinta : brewery, with small kitchen, which also offers a selection of craft breweries
Address: via Carrettieri, 3 (Get directions) / Facebook page - Calette Disco Club : Cefalu’s historic open-air disco famous for its theme nights and parties that go on until late at night. Always crowded and with the possibility of booking tables
. Address: Porto Presidiana (Get directions) / Facebook page - Maljk : bathhouse that from late afternoon turns into a DJ set with cocktails, aperitifs and live music. From after dinner the music accompanies customers until late at night
. Address: Lungomare Giardina (Get directions) / Facebook page - Petit Tonneau : characteristic wine bar where you can enjoy a romantic aperitif on a small terrace overlooking the sea (just two tables). Recommended at sunset.
Address: Via Vittorio Emanuele, 49 (Get directions) / Facebook page
Plan your stay in Cefalu: info and useful tips
- How to get there: by bus with Flixbus that connects the city of Palermo with Naples, Rome and Milan every day at very competitive prices. The closest airport is that of Palermo, well connected to the major Italian cities also through low cost airlines. The train route Messina – Palermo costs € 9.90 and takes about 1 hour in Regionale Veloce – Compare flights to Palermo – from € 36.00
- How to get around : the village can be visited on foot easily, for the surroundings the car is the ideal vehicle and it is possible to rent on site even at some affiliated hotels
- Where to park : all hotels have parking spaces. Near the seafront there are many paid parking lots, also covered, with which to stipulate daily and weekly passes. On busy days, you can find a seat near the train station.
- Where to sleep: Hotel and b & b starting from € 46.00 per room – see the offers
- What to see in the surrounding area : Palermo (60 km), Bagheria (55 km), Castelbuono (20 km), Capo d’Orlando (78 km)
