From Beaches to Castles: The Ultimate Guide to Things to Do in Cefalu

Cefalu is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Sicily. In this guide to things to do in Cefalu, I'll take you on a journey to this town. Its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant local culture.

Cefalu is a seaside town on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy. 

From sun-drenched beaches to ancient castles, Cefalu has something for everyone. History, food, outdoor activities, you name it.

So grab your sunscreen and your walking shoes, and get ready to discover the best of Cefalu!

Before Things to do in Cefalu... Some Things to Know About It

There is enough to see for a day or two in Cefalu. But there's no need to stress about the sights. You'll see them anyway if you spend a few days there.

Cefalu is beautiful and pleasant. A good alternative to Taormina, with the difference that Cefalu is not quite so crowded in the summer.

The population of Cefalu is 14,000. So the town doesn't empty even after the holiday season is over.

The town center is Piazza Duomo. In it, is the city's main attraction: the Cathedral of Cefalu.

Norman king Roger II built it in the 1100s, planning to make Cefalu the capital of his kingdom.

Unfortunately for him, he died before his plan came to fruition. And so, Palermo was able to keep its status as the capital of the island.

Piazza Duomo is also the starting point of the city's main street, Corso Ruggero.

The old town with its small alleys spreads around it. The beach is only a short walk away.

Although Cefalu is a popular holiday destination, it has retained its local character. Both Sicilians and foreign tourists enjoy themselves here.

Best Beaches in Cefalu

One of the main things to do in Cefalu is to spend time on its beaches.

Cefalu has some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. The long stretches of golden sand attract sun worshippers from all over the world. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming.

Not to mention the beautiful scenery around the bay.

The sand is fine, and the water is shallow enough for children.

One of the most popular beaches in Cefalu is Lungomare Beach. It stretches for more than 1.5 kilometers along the town's coast.

Another good beach in Cefalu is Caldura Beach, a short distance from the town center. Rocky cliffs surround this beach. There's also a stunning view of the town's medieval castle.

For a more secluded place, head to Mazzaforno Beach. It lies about 4 kilometers west of Cefalu. This beach, too, is known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand.

The pier (Il Molo) is also worth a visit. It's where people gather in the evenings to watch the sunset.

In the old times, all the fish came into the town through this place.

Another place to admire the sunset is Piazza Marina, near the old harbor.

Or somewhere else. There are plenty of beautiful places in Cefalu to do that. It's one of the main things to do in Cefalu.

The beach season runs in Cefalu from early summer to October. The busiest time is in August.

During the busiest times, arrive at the beach early to get a good spot. 

Visit the Cathedral Basilica of Cefalu

The Cathedral Basilica of Cefalu is one of the most important landmarks in Sicily. This magnificent cathedral was built in the 12th century. It is an incredible masterpiece of Norman architecture.

The cathedral's interior is decorated with stunning mosaics and frescoes. Its bell tower offers a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding sea.

As for the mosaics, the most remarkable is the Christ mosaic on the dome. It is unique of its kind in the world.

Focus your gaze on the eyes of Christ. Notice how it invites you to come closer to Him.

In his hand, Christ holds the Bible open to the passage that says: "I am the light of the world."

Below it, the Virgin Mary and 12 apostles greet the viewer. Virgin's clothes resemble those of Byzantine officials of Norman times.

The building of the cathedral started in 1131 and ended in 1140. The legendary Norman King Roger II was the one who started it.

The story goes that Roger escaped the storm to the shore of Cefalu. To thank God for this, he promised to build a cathedral there.

According to another story, it was a matter of power politics.

Knowing Roger's character, the latter explanation seems more correct. He was a very skilled politician.

Despite his Viking roots, Roger had an oriental temperament. He has gone to history books for his patience and strategic vision.

He was particularly skillful in getting different groups to cooperate with each other. To this end, each of them was given tasks that they were good at.

This shows also in the cathedrals that Roger built. The different cultural elements blend effortlessly together.

From the outside, Cefalu Cathedral is in the traditional Norman style. In the cloister the columns are Roman but the arches are Arabic.

The mosaic of Christ is Byzantine. The texts are in Greek and Latin.

So, for things to do in Cefalu, head for the cathedral. It is easy to get to, as it stands on the edge of the main square.

In fact, you can't miss it.

Hike to La Rocca di Cefalu

What are the things to do in Cefalu after you have lounged at the beach and feel a bit of exercise would do good? Head to La Rocca.

This hill is as easy to find as anything in here. It's there, right behind the old town.

Climb it. It takes a bit of effort but is worth it.

The entrance fee is a few euros.

The hike up to the summit is quite challenging but also rewarding. 

From the top of La Rocca opens a panoramic view of the town, the sea, and the surrounding countryside.

Discover the Ruins of the Temple of Diana

Halfway up La Rocca are ruins of Diana's temple. The view is nice enough here, too.

The temple dates back to around 300 BC. It's high not only because of the views but because this way, the site was easier to defend.

Today, only the ruins remain, but they are enough to give one a glimpse into the town's rich past.

There was also once an Arab fortress on La Rocca. The ruins of the Norman castle that followed it still stand at the top.

The top can be reached from the junction where the path to Diana's temple turns. Just take a turn in the other direction. The sign there says "Castello".

From there on, the path is steeper.

Explore the Historic Center of Cefalu

Cefalu's historic center is a maze of narrow streets, alleys, and squares. They are perfect for exploring on foot.

The historic center follows the square pattern favored by the Arabs. The wind blows from the sea into the streets. This gives them nice ventilation.

The town's medieval architecture and colorful buildings are a feast for the eyes.

In the streets of the old town, you find many small shops and restaurants.

The heart of the city is Piazza Duomo. It's a good place to start the tour. It's right in front of the cathedral.

There are several cafés. If you don't want to go to the cafés, you can just hang around at the edge of the square. That's what many people do, especially in the evenings.

Visit Mandralisca Museum

What to do in Cefalu if it rains or if you need a cool place outside the sun? Or are just interested in the history of the place? In these cases, you could head to the Mandralisca Museum.

The main attraction of this museum is a painting from 1465, named "Portrait of an Unkown Man". A rare Renaissance-style painting from Sicily.

In Sicily, the Renaissance went mostly unnoticed. In its place was the Spanish Inquisition.

The name of the museum comes from the local patron, Baron Mandralisca (1809-1861). He collected the artifacts on display.

The Renaissance painting he rescued from the island of Lipari. There it served as a self-made cupboard door.

The museum is privately owned. Its objects relate to the local history of the area.

The museum is in a well-restored 18th-century building. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Sicilian culture.

Enjoy the Nightlife in Cefalu

Nightlife is lively in Cefalu, especially in summer.

You can start your night out in Piazza Duomo. Or take a walk along the Lungo Mare, the seafront boulevard. From there you can go to the restaurants in the old town.

There are many restaurants near the beaches.

Nighttime Cefalu offers everything from cozy bars to trendy nightclubs.

In summer the action continues late into the night on and around the beaches.

Day Trips from Cefalu - Castelbuono and Madonie Regional Park

There are plenty of day trip destinations near Cefalu. So, if you want some change, you can explore the surrounding area.

One popular destination is the nearby town of Castelbuono. It is located about 20 kilometers south of Cefalu.

This town is known for its medieval architecture and its delicious pastries.

Another good day trip destination from Cefalu is the Madonie Regional Park, about 30 kilometers south of the town.

This park is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Sicily. There you'll find mountains, forests, and waterfalls.

Definitely worth a visit, especially if you have a car. Or you can hire one with a driver.

With a car, you can see more towns in a day. Or even spend a day or two exploring the area.

You can also go hiking on the many trails of the nature reserve.

Where to Stay in Cefalu

Cefalu has a wide selection of accommodation options. Prices range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels.

For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the town's historic buildings. Many of them have been converted into charming bed and breakfasts.

There are also many hotels near the town center.

Getting to Cefalu

Cefalu is located on the northern coast of Sicily and is easily accessible by car or train.

If you're flying into Sicily, the nearest airport is Palermo Airport. It is about 90 kilometers west of Cefalu.

When traveling by train, you find Cefalu on the Palermo-Messina railway line. Cefalu has regular service to both cities.

Things to Do in Cefalu: Conclusion

Cefalu is a beautiful town that offers visitors the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

From its stunning beaches to its ancient castles, there's something for everyone in this charming Sicilian town.

History, culture, or outdoor activities - Cefalu has it all.

Definitely worth a visit!

Related Pages:

Cefalu Beaches

Best Beaches in Sicily

Weather in Sicily

Main Cities and Areas of Sicily

(Page last edited: October 31, 2023.)

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