The 13 things to do in Cefalù

Visit Sicily and its most beautiful sites: here is our selection of the 12 essential things to do by visiting Cefalù!

Located in the province of Palermo on the Tyrrhenian coast in Sicily (Italy), Cefalù is one of the most famous Sicilian resorts. Built at the foot of a huge cliff, this small Sicilian fishing port is a must-see for travelers. The city extends along the Gulf and bays of Aranciotto and Settefrati on an area of 65 km2, where there are 14,310 inhabitants (2017). Founded in the 5th century BC by the Greeks, occupied by the Roman Empire from -254, by the Arabs in the 9th century and by the Normans in the 11th century, Cefalù has a very ancient historical and cultural heritage. The city is world famous for its Norman cathedral, built in 1131, for its beaches, gastronomy, medieval city and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

What are you looking for in Cefalù? We have prepared this mini-guide of essential things to do and to see to visit Cefalù!

1. The Cathedral of Cefalù

Unmissable attraction of the city, the Cathedral of Cefalù was erected by the Normans in 1131, at the instigation of King Normand Roger II of Sicily, whose legend tells that he would have escaped a storm on the beach of Cefalù.

Perched at the top of the medieval city, the cathedral-fortress attests to the power of the Normans, descendants of the Vikings at the 11th and 12th centuries. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments list since 2015, the cathedral contains the figure of Christ Pantocrator, Byzantine mosaics and funeral monuments.

2. Le Rocher de Cefalù

Present on all pictures of Sicily or almost, the rock of Cefalù is the place where the city was originally built. It thus bears the ruins of the various eras that followed: the pre-hellonic temple of Diane – built between the 5th and 4th centuries before J-C – and the ruins of the Château de Cefalù. The rock peaks at 228 meters above the city, and offers a splendid view of Cefalù and Capo d’Orlando Far away.

Be careful if you come to visit Cefalù in summer: the temperature can climb up to 40°C here, protect yourself well from the sun because there is little shade in Sicily.

3. The Château de Cefalù

What to do in Cefalù? Climb on the heights! 270 meters above the sea, remains of the castle stand on a limestone relief. By climbing the rock on the round path – the slopes are steep -, walk in humant the Opuntia, the Aloès and their yellow flower amps (in the summer), and lead to the crenate walls of the castle. We recommend you visit the castle early in the morning: first, because the heat is not yet suffocating, and especially because the hordes of tourists have not yet surveyed the hill in the morning hours.

4. The Corso Ruggero

Corso Ruggeo , it is the main artery of the historic district. If you don't know what to do in Cefalù. The old quarter surrounded the city in medieval times. Today, it is a street beaten by thousands of tourists who came to admire the baroque palaces and churches and shopping to bring their memories back to the country.

5. The Pescara Gate

In the Middle Ages and until the Renaissance, four doors allowed to enter the walls of the city. Today there is only one entrance left: the door Pescara , by the name of the one who made her erect in 1570. Located in the old town, the door is known for its frame, a gothic arc in which we observe the sparkling blue of the sea licking the docks of the old-port and the beach: come in the evening or in the morning because in high season, the parasols and tourists grilling in the sun may spoil your view...

6. La Torre Caldura

Cap on the east of Cefalù, where you can both take the height to contemplate the great blue licking the shredded coast of the region, and you swim in the warm waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The cliff of the Torre Caldura , at the end of the Via Presidiana, is one of the best sites of Cefalù: it is a building whose remains date from the 16th century.

7. Mandralisca Museum

The museum museum , located in the middle of the city, houses collections legued to the city by baron E. di Mandralisca, a rich collector of the 19th century. The visitor can see a vast collection of archaeological remains, including a crater from the 4th century BC, more than 20,000 pieces of majolics, numismatic pieces and many paintings, including the Ritratto d’Ignoto Antonello da Messina.

8. Lungomare di Cefalù

Lungomare , as its name almost indicates, means “sea front”. If you are by car or by bike, walk along the seafront to have unique views of the Rocca di Cefalù: there are several access to the beaches and coves to swim below. 90% of the beaches are made of fine sand, with the possibility of renting a transat and parasol, which turns out to be salvator when the sun plumes and turns the beach to plancha (except that it is you fish...).

9. The beach of Cefalù

Be careful if you come in the summer: Cefalù Beach is a must if you come to visit Cefalù, but it promises to be stormed all day and you will be towel on towel. As a continuation of the old town, dip in this sea similar to a lagoon of crystalline waters, with in decor the old medieval buildings is exquisite.

10. A boat ride

You have made the tour of the beach mentioned above and you would like to discover Cefalù otherwise? No worries, another must await you: the boat ride!

Indeed, going to the discovery of Cefalù by boat is a step that you should not miss under any pretext... Rent a boat in this beautiful region promises a day full of softness and sublime views!

Thus, with or without a permit, with the help of a skipper or not, you will undoubtedly spend one of the most soothing afternoons of your stay!

11. The sanctuary of Gibilmanna

Visiting Cefalù and Sicily is not just making beaches. Especially if it’s too hot, it’s an opportunity to take a little of the heights and venture into the interior of the land. Direction south, towards the Parc des Madonie and Gibilmanna . The SP54-bis route leads you to the sanctuary, 800 metres above sea level. It’s an opportunity to put on his hiking shoes and walk a little while taking the mountains and the coastline in photo.

12. Pineta Di Grotta Grattara

It would be a shame to visit Cefalù and to miss this jewel of nature: Pineta di Grotta Grattara is a hiking spot (facile) a few kilometers south of Cefalù – the roads to access are very boring – where you can observe superb rock formations, with the village of Gratteri down, built in terraces.

13. The Regional Natural Park of Madonia

Located between Palermo and Cefalù, this natural park is a member of the European network of geoparcs and the UNESCO global network of geoparcs, it was created in 1989. It spreads over 39,941 hectares and offers beautiful hikes in the mountainous Madonies , six of which peak at more than 1,500 metres above sea level. By joining Isnello, try the ascent of the highest point, the Pizzo Carbonara, which is 1,979 metres.

How to get to Cefalù?

The nearest airport is Palermo Falcone-Borsellino, 32 kilometres west of Palermo, where direct flights from France land. Toulouse, Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux... With or without stopovers, many French cities provide flights to Palermo. Attention, however, prices tend to double or quadruplerate depending on the starting period, especially if you choose week or weekend: so think about booking your tickets in advance if your trip is scheduled in high or medium season (to get the cheapest rates, go to our partner’s website Ulysses ).

Once on site, the easiest way to get to Cefalù from Palermo is to rent a car (attention, we have had salted misadventures with the Sicily by Car): the Sicilian motorway network, in the north, is very well done. Otherwise, you can choose the train which is also very appreciated by the travellers as it runs along the sea, and the beautiful surrounding landscapes, for less than 5€ the journey. Finally, if you stay in Palermo, know that there are many guided tours that combine the discovery of Cefalù with the time of a day.

To park in Cefalu, simply avoid the blue areas reserved for local residents. The fine is 42€ if you get hanged.

Where to stay in Cefalù?

To visit Cefalù, we recommend the old town if you like frequented and tourist areas. Otherwise, along the seafront – lungomare – There are many hotels where sleeping, including the best rates on this site. Compare hotels . For a more typical stay, why not sleep at home or choose a charming Airbnb ? The time of a night or a stay, in any case, for everyone.