
Before we left the northern coast of Sicily and headed east, there was one more town we wanted to visit… Because of its proximity to Palermo, its genuine charm and the beautiful beaches around it, the once small fishing village of Cefalu has become a lively summer resort!
Where is located and how to get there
Situated between a 278 m high cliff and the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, Cefalu is only 70 km from the island’s capital, Palermo. By car, the distance is covered in about 1 hour, the same time it takes the direct train between them. You can see schedules, prices and purchase a ticket for it from Trainline. Catania is significantly further away, 200 km or about 2 hours and 50 minutes drive. There is no direct train connection, and you will most likely have to connect in Messina and travel for at least 4 hours.
See car rental options in Sicily
The most convenient option for exploring the island is a rental car. Landing in Catania, we were able to do a complete tour of Sicily, renting a car through our partners at Autoeurope. As a popular beach destination, Cefalu has relatively many parking options out of season. We chose to park by the train station (HERE), as a convenient option close to the center and perhaps the most affordable (1 euro per hour).
See places to stay in Cefalu
Booking.comMore about Cefalu
Likening the dominant rock surrounding the settlement to a “head”, the ancient Greeks gave it the name Kephaloidion as early as the 4th century BC. The Romans then used the Latin name Cephaloedium, and after them the Arabs called it Gafludi. After the arrival of the Byzantines, the city moved to higher ground due to the danger of invasions from the sea. In the 11th century it was conquered by the Normans, and in the 12th century Roger II survived a terrible sea storm off the coast of Cefalu and, as a sign of gratitude, began the construction of the local cathedral, which has become the symbol of the city today!
Around Piazza Garibaldi
The old town of Cefalu is a maze of narrow streets and small squares! I’m sure summer will be a great experience just getting lost in them… We pass through Piazza Garibaldi, where the numerous bars haven’t yet taken their tables outside, and all the seats on the benches are occupied by local pensioners. The hiking trail to La Rocca, the large rock above the city, starts nearby. If you have more time and want to enjoy wonderful views from above, the climb to the top takes about 20 minutes.
The central square – Piazza del Duomo
Having already seen the cathedral in Monreale, we are fully aware that hardly any of the other Norman temples in Sicily can impress us to such an extent… But we were still pleasantly surprised by the charming cathedral square – Piazza del Duomo! The handful of tourists who, like us, dared to visit Cefalu outside the tourist season, were seated at tables in its center, and around them towered numerous palm trees, adding a perfect exotic touch. Stone steps lead to the entrance of the duomo, and behind it the outlines of the rock overhanging it, giving the appearance of a guardian of the city, creep in.
The Norman Cathedral – Duomo di Cefalu
Built in the 12th-13th centuries, the facade of the cathedral in Cefalu is a soft amber color, and because of its tall towers, it could easily be mistaken for a medieval fortress. The Norman ruler planned for this to be the most important religious building in Sicily, where he and his successors would be buried, but this didn’t come to fruition.
Inside, numerous elements influenced by Arab art can be noticed, and the mosaic cycle dates back to 1148 and is considered the oldest in Sicily! Made by the most skilled Byzantine artists of the time, it served as a model for all the others on the island, including those in Palermo and Monreale. Many experts even define this image of Christ as the most beautiful in all of Christian art!
Around the coast
In fact, our main goal for stopping in Cefalu was to experience its authentic coastal setting, which has preserved its former Sicilian charm. The old port, with its pier into the sea and stone arches, provides the best opportunity for this! In the summer, this small strip of sand in front of the old town is littered with numerous iconic blue and white umbrellas and filled with crowds of tourists daily. One of the most romantic views in Sicily, which unleashes a flood of emotions and makes photographers snap shot after shot…
For a final
We spent about two hours walking around Cefalu, and you could definitely spend more time exploring it. The old “laundry” Lavatoio Medievale and the Mandralisca Museum can be added to the list of places to visit. It is also an ideal base for summer holidays on the island, especially because of its great beaches nearby!