The Ultimate Cefalu Travel Guide: The Best Of Sicily
The idyllic, medieval town of Cefalù (pronounced ‘Shef-a-loo’) sits on the North coast of Sicily, boasting beautiful waters, historical sites and fantastic food. Under an hour from the capital Palermo by train, this town should be on every Sicilian itinerary.
I would go so far as to say Cefalù is one of my favourite places in the world, and I have been each time I have been to Sicily in the past six years. I’ve stayed there twice and enjoyed day trips to this pretty town from Palermo on the other two trips.
It’s beautiful; hand painted ceramic flower pots teeming with petunias and hydrangeas line cobbled streets that lead to the main square, where Cefalù duomo sits in the sunshine. There are excellent restaurants, plenty of places to stop for a spritz and some very good shopping too.
And that’s before you’ve even touched the beaches: sandy shores with people jumping off of the molo (pier) into the azure waters, underneath the watch of the Cefalù rock. The town is popular with all crowds: friends, couples and young families, and it’s an absolute must visit whilst in Sicily.
Without further ado, read on for your Cefalù Travel Guide!
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Cefalù Travel Guide: Where To Eat And Drink
I love the food and drink so much in Cefalù that I’ve written a dedicated guide to the best bars and restaurants in Cefalù, which you can read here. This covers everything from my favourite spots for dinner and aperitivo, to the places to try Sicilian street food and of course – all the best gelaterias in town!
In a nutshell, Tinchite is easily my favourite restaurant in Cefalù, and the local speciality, pasta a taianu, is worth going for alone. My favourite spots for a spritz or a wine are Rossorubino (which also do the bets bruschetta I’ve had in Cefalù), and Gramòs, which sits on the beach overlooking the water.
For me, the best gelato is found at either Squagghio or L’Angolo delle Dolcezze, but I have never had a bad gelato in Sicily, and everywhere I’ve tried has very much delivered on the pistachio gelato.
Beaches In Cefalù
Cefalù has a couple of beaches where you can choose to spend your day.
Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio
My favourite beach in Cefalù is Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio, is the one by the molo. It’s much smaller, has more of a local vibe and the water is calm. There are sunbeds to hire for the day (€30 for 2 inc parasol), though I never do – the beach itself is fine by me. There’s also a great little bar up the steps that you can buy drinks from to enjoy on the beach.
Spiaggia di Cefalù
The main beach in Cefalù is long, sandy and has some waves coming into shore. There are lots of sunbeds and parasols to hire for the day along the stretch of the beach. If you choose that sand is fine for you, I recommend taking a parasol with you as it can get scorching.
Things To Do In Cefalù
Cefalù is a seaside town, so spending time on the lovely beaches and in the turquoise sea is obviously a must, but the town also dates back to the Romans, so there are some great historical sites to enjoy, too.
Cefalù Walking Tour
Embark on a walking tour around pretty Cefalù with a knowledgable local guide who can tell you all about the history of the town and share some hidden local secrets with you. The walking tour is complete with an aperitivo stop – in true Sicilian style!
Sicilian Cooking Class
This is the number thing I want to do next time I’m staying in Cefalù! A Sicilian cooking class set in a former 15th century monastery, complete with 4 courses of delicious food and wine? Sign me up!
Molo
To see the iconic view of the crystal blue sea in front of the medieval gate into Cefalù old town with the rock watching over it, head to the end of the molo (or pier/wharf). In the high summer this stretch is full of people sunbathing and jumping off into the sea to cool down.
Porta Giudecca
Cefalù used to be a walled city, and Porta Giudecca is the only remaining medieval gate. The gate opens onto the beach in front of the molo and is a very picturesque spot, with the gate framing the beach and sea beyond.
See Cefalù By Boat
Enjoy Cefalù’s stunning turquoise waters by boat on this 3 hour cruise that takes you to different caves and local swim spots. Enjoy Sicilian drinks and snacks on board – a great way to spend a few hours!
Catch the Sunset from Bastione di Capo
Cefalù gets some fantastic sunsets. One of my favourite spots to take the sunset in is from the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava. There’s plenty of space to sit on the walls overlooking the rocks into the ocean. A lovely, peaceful spot.
Climb Cefalù Rock
I’d bear in mind the temperature before embarking on this hike, but you can climb Cefalù Rock for sweeping views of the town below and sea beyond. It takes approx 1.5 hours to complete the return trip, and on the way up you can see the ancient Temple of Diana that dates back to the 4th-5th century BC, as well as other ancient ruins.
Cefalù Duomo
Cefalù’s duomo is Norman in design, dating back approximately 800 years and is one of Sicily’s protected UNESCO heritage sites. The two towers glow golden towards the end of the day as the setting sun lights them up, making the piazza that surrounds the duomo a picturesque spot for an aperitivo.
You can visit the main part of the duomo for free, but I recommend buying a ticket for the towers and rooftop to get a better perspective.
Lavatoio Medievale
There is a medieval washhouse that remains in Cefalù – NOT a lavatory, though I think that every time I see the word Lavatoio (Duolingo’s going well, thanks).
It’s where the residents of Cefalù used to wash their clothes in a communal space; it’s small but very interesting and well worth visiting. Free to enter.
Wine Tasting
If you fancy wine tasting but don’t have enough time to spare to venture further afield to a local winery, this experience at a Cefalù wine bar is a great option. You’ll get to try 3 local wines, learn about wine production in Sicily and try some local aperitivo snacks to go with the tasting.
Shopping
There are some beautiful boutiques in Cefalù; you could easily spend a few hours shopping for beautiful floaty dresses, Sicilian foodie favourites and gorgeous handprinted ceramics.
Day Trips From Cefalù
Mount Etna and Taormina Day Trip
If you’re not heading to the East of Sicily but still want to see Mount Etna and have some time wandering the picturesque streets of Taormina, this day trip allows you to see both in one day from Cefalù.
A comfortable coach will take you to the most active volcano in Europe first, where you’ll have time to climb up Etna, before driving over to Taormina for a couple of hours exploring.
Wine Tasting in Castelbuono
How does driving up into the Sicilian hills for an afternoon of wine tasting sound? Just 30 minutes from Cefalù sits Castelbuono, a small but pretty town with an award winning winery that will take you through guided tastings complete with charcuterie to snack on.
Where To Stay In Cefalù
Cefalù Hotels
Le Calette Bay
If you’re looking for a bit of a luxury – a Little Treat, if you will – look no further than Le Calette Bay. The hotel is a bit further out of town, up the hill past Da Sasa and Al Faro, and whilst the location isn’t prime for exploring Cefalù, the hotel more than makes up for it. You can walk into town in around 30 minutes or take a taxi, so it’s the perfect place if you want guaranteed peace around you unless you opt to head into town.
There’s a big pool with plenty of sunbeds, sea views a plenty and rooms are beautifully designed. There is also a beach club at Le Calette, so even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth checking out the beach club for a long lazy lunch and sunset drinks one day.
Hotel Kalura
A further 5 minute walk away from town than Le Calette is Hotel Kalura, another excellent hotel on the outskirts of Cefalù. Hotel Kalura has panoramic views of the ocean, a big swimming pool and an amazing terrace where you can enjoy a well crafted cocktail. There is bike hire available and the hotel has direct access to a private, pebbly beach into clear water.
Meravigghia Suites Cefalù
Set in one of cobbled streets of the old town, Meravigghia Suites is a wonderful option to stay if you’re keen on being close to Spaggia del Porto Vecchio and great restaurants but also want an apartment style stay where you can utilise a kitchen to make breakfast and packed lunches for the beach.
Each apartment has a kitchenette, air con and either a courtyard view or the ultimate in Italian holiday dreams: a balcony overlooking the medieval streets below.
Victoria Palace Cefalù
Just a 10 minute walk along the seafront and main beach to the old town sits Victoria Palace Hotel. A great option with its own area on the beach and outdoor pool, there is also a rooftop terrace which enjoys views out onto the sea.
Villa Dei Melograni Boutique Hotel
A more luxurious option set away from the bustle of the town and the day trippers, yet still only a 10 minute walk from the beach and great restaurants, Villa Dei Melograni Boutique Hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with views over Cefalù and the ocean. Stylish rooms with free standing baths, both an indoor and outdoor pool plus a generous free breakfast: this is a fantastic choice for a romantic getaway or if you’re simply looking to treat yourself.
Palazzo Botta Suites
Another great choice to stay in the old town, Palazzo Botta Suites are in an excellent location just. short walk from the sea, plenty of restaurants and the Duomo. Stylish rooms in a restored historic building and room options with a kitchenette should you wish you make your own food at times during your holiday.
Air BnBs
There weren’t as many hotel options in the first couple of years I stayed in Cefalù, and as a solo traveller Air BnBs are often more economical. There are some excellent options in the old town, but bear in mind they are usually up a few flights of stairs without access to a lift.
I highly recommend the one I stayed in for my first trip; beautifully designed and with a balcony that looked down into the medieval streets below. The hosts were amazing, and even left me some snacks, beer and a bottle of Sicilian wine to enjoy during my stay, as well as a parasol to borrow for the beach – key in the height of August!
How To Get To Cefalù From Palermo
Getting to Cefalù is super easy on the train from Palermo Centrale, with regular trains taking between 45 minutes to an hour to the seaside town. At peak times or on a sunny weekend I would recommend booking a train online with Trainline to avoid disappointment – trains on Sundays are less frequent and you don’t want to miss out!
How To Get To Cefalù From Palermo Airport
If you’re heading straight to Cefalù from Palermo airport, get the train from the airport to Palermo Centrale, then change onto the next train to Cefalù. Super easy, I promise!
Be warned that if you fly in or out on a Sunday, the trains are less frequent. There is a coach option from the airport to Palermo city, but you will still need to time your journey out to Cefalù with one of the trains that are running. Book in advance online at Trainline to avoid disappointment.
When you arrive in Cefalù it’s a quick 10 minute walk into the town, and everywhere is easy to get to by foot, but it is a bit hilly in certain areas – certainly nothing too strenuous though.
The Best Time To Go To Cefalù, Sicily
Cefalù thrives as a summer destination, and if you want to dedicate your days to lying on the beach July – September will be best. August will be extra busy as the locals holiday that month.
The shoulder season can bring sunny days with warm temperatures which make it perfect for wandering around the medieval streets, but weather can be rainy and windy at times.
How Long To Spend In Cefalù
Anywhere between 3 and 7 nights works well for a holiday in Cefalù. Three nights is a little on the short side, but I only say this as I’ve done this length and desperately wish I had been able to stay longer as I loved it so much! If you love the beach, you’ll find 7 days a relaxing length of time to really chill out, as well as try plenty of the great food on offer.
Another great way to spend a week to 10 days is to split that time between Cefalù and Palermo for a great combination of beach and city. You can check out my guide for Palermo here.
Final Thoughts on Cefalù, Sicily
I’ll keep returning to Sicily as long as I live, and especially Cefalù – it’s my favourite place not only in Sicily and Italy, but in the world (so far!)
If you like quaint towns steeped in history with good food, chilled vibes and the kind of water that wouldn’t be remiss in the Caribbean, Cefalù is a must for your Sicily itinerary. Even if you don’t have time to stay there (though I highly recommend you do), it’s an excellent day trip from Palermo and well worth the train journey. I hope you love it as much as I do!
If you do plan to visit, don’t forget to check out my full food and drink guide to the best bars and restaurants in Cefalù here.
And for more inspiration for destinations in Sicily, click here for my page of all my Italy travel guides, full of recommendations on where to go, what to eat and what to do across my favourite country.
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