Cefalù: Perfect beaches and a stunning cathedral

Cefalù is an enchanting town whose cathedral stands so high on a rocky promontory that it has been a navigational landmark for ships for the last 1,000 years.

The extensive sandy beaches, overlooked by craggy cliffs, inspired the Norman conquerors of Sicily to found Cefalù as their capital city 1,000 years ago. Only later did they transfer command to the ancient capital, Palermo.

In Cefalù they left behind not only a magnificent cathedral, but an intriguing medieval town which remains unspoiled to this day. The rare combination of broad beaches and medieval streets has made Cefalù – like Taormina - one of the most popular holiday destinations in Sicily.

Cefalu is nowadays considered the capital of the mountainous Madonie region, one of the largest protected natural areas in the Mediterranean. Cefalù is therefore the perfect destination for a beach holiday and a holiday in the mountains, both at once.

Author

Britta Bohn

The information on this site comes from our Sicily expert Britta Bohn.

Britta has been dealing with daily life and life in Sicily for over 20 years.

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When you are here

Cefalu - Street Map
  • From the A20 motorway, access to Cefalu's beach car park.
  • From the beach car park to the motorway, access to the A20.
  • Path to Cefalu's landmark mountain, the Rocca.
  • The central street of the old town - Corso Ruggero - is a pedestrian area.
  • The shopping street Via Roma.
  1. Villa Caterina  -  Six holiday apartments in a villa set in a Mediterranean garden.
  1. Cefalù Railway Station
  1. Piazza Garibaldi - From here, you can reach the city centre, the beach and the Rocca. A popular meeting place for locals.
  2. Rocca - The foot of the steps which lead up to the Rocca.
  3. Rocca - Remains of a 13th century Norman castle. It offers stunning views over the sea to the north, and the Madonie Mountains to the south.
  4. Rocca - Remains of the Tempio di Diana. This megalithic building, from the 9th century BC, was a shrine to a local water deity and still contains a water storage cistern.
  5. Rocca - Stunning view over the roofs of the city looking down from an old defensive wall.
  6. Osterio Magno - This medieval Osterio (fortress) was - amongst others - inhabited by the family of the Norman Kings of Sicily.
  7. Chiesa del Purgatorio - the Church of Purgatory.
  8. Cathedral Square - The piazza in front of the cathedral is a meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The variety of mouthwatering places to eat makes it a paradise for food lovers.
  9. Cathedral - Like many other historical buildings in Cefalù, the cathedral is of Norman origin.
  1. Bastione di Capo Marchiafava - A part of the former city walls of Cefalù, which provides stunning views out over the sea.
  2. Porto vecchio - The old harbour, and a popular meeting point.
  3. Porta Pescara - The only surviving medieval city gate. It leads from the old harbour (brown marker 11) into the historic town centre.
  4. Lavatoio Medievale - Beautifully restored medieval laundry. The diverted river water still gushes through the channels and troughs, where women washed their laundry right up till the 1950's.
  5. Museo Mandralisca - This local heritage museum was founded in the 19th century by an enlightened aristocrat.
  1. Supermarket
  2. Bar
  3. Pizzeria
  4. Slow Food-Supermarket Food Sicily (new)
  5. Parking - Low-cost, large car park beside the beach of Cefalu.
  6. Language school Solemar Academy.
  7. Pharmacy
  8. Restaurant - The gastronomic offerings of Cefalù are endlessly varied. This restaurant is unique as it extends right out over the sea.
  9. Bar, restaurant - A charming venue for those who like to eat surrounded by modern art, photography and literature. A fascinating contrast to the medieval flair of the old town.
  10. Bar, restaurant - The special attraction of this restaurant is its beautiful location, adjoining the old town and the beach.

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Go to gallery 'Cefalu'

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