Cefalu
Overview
Cefalu is the medieval town of a popular Sicilian holiday resort snuggled between an attractive stretch of sandy beach and an imposing limestone rock. Starting life as a tiny fishing village, a large part of the town’s appeal is that in the face of increased tourism it continues to maintain the tranquil air of its origins. There is plenty to do in Cefalu from exploring the cathedral and spiders web of lanes making up the historic centre to climbing to the summit of La Rocca for unbeatable views of the bay to ducking in and out of the boutique stalls and souvenir shops.
Most of Cefalu’s sights can be covered in a busy day or two of exploration leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beaches stretching west from the town centre. Aiding the enjoyment of the beach is the promenade which runs alongside it home to bars and cafés with sun soaked terraces. This is fast becoming Sicily’s favourite beach resort so in summertime it can be hard to find an empty space of sand, although the further from town you go the higher the chances become of finding some peace and quiet.
Cefalu is situated way down in the south of Italy but still well connected to major towns. Buses and trains both run to nearby Palermo and Messina, from where onward journeys are available to up to Naples and Rome. The only way to get around and get the most out of the town is on two able and willing feet.
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Cefalu
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Cefalu
Duomo di Cefalu - Grand Norman church dating back to 1131 when it was founded by Roger II that dominates the town centre. The imposing structure at times resembles more a fortress than cathedral, however the inside is an absolute joy peppered with a fascinating collection of Norman-Byzantine mosaics. Open daily 8am - 12pm & 3.30pm - 7pm.
La Rocca & Tempio di Diana - Separating the port from the old town is an enormous craggy rock whose summit is home to the remnants of some early settlements, one of which being the megalithic Tempio di Diana, a favoured retreat for the town’s young courting couples.
Salita Saraceno - Climb this towering staircase which twists its way through 3 tiers of the city wall to the top of La Rocca. The climb takes around 30-minutes, depending on fitness and eagerness, and is well worth it for the unspoilt views of the town and coast.
Museo Mandralisca - Interesting museum housing a picture gallery and exhibits on archaeology, malacology, antiques and a collection of stuffed animals. Open daily from 9am to 8pm. Entrance €5.
Scuba Diving in Cefalu - The warm waters and collection of Aeolian Islands off the coast of Cefalu are good spots for diving and snorkelling excursions. Ustica Diving and Sicilia Divers both offer competitive tours and the chance to take PADI courses.
Cefalu Nightlife - Cefalu is by no means a boisterous resort yet you will still find a good selection of restaurants and bars to keep you occupied once the sun has gone down. Popular bars are Sotto Zero for cocktails and kicking back at sunset, Murphy’s Pub on the waterfront attracting a young crowd and Carre Lounge a stylish yet rustic lounge bar overlooking the bay. Le Calette Disco Club and Club Malibu are the hottest discos in town. For diners, Al Porticciolo is a great pizzeria with huge waterfront terrace and Osteria del Duomo serves up delectable seafood dishes on its cathedral facing terrace.
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Cefalu
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Cefalu
Budget Hotels Cefalu
Happy Camp - Excellent camping grounds and resort facilities on the Tyrrhenian coast. Tel (39) 45 723 6800.
Midrange Hotels Cefalu
A Casa de Gaga - Large rooms with private bathrooms just off Piazza Duomo. Tel (39) 393 438 6658.
Villa Cerniglia - Good value rooms and self-catered apartments housed in an attractive villa. Tel (39) 320 306 4275.
Luxury Hotels Cefalu
Atelier Sul Mare - Luxury hotel and art museum rolled into one. Tel (39) 921 334295.
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Cefalu
Hotel Reviews
Cefalu
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Cefalu
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