Day trip to Cefalù, Sicily 🇮🇹
Italians love Cefalù. If you tell someone you’re headed to Sicily, they’re probably going to mention Cefalù as one of the best little beach towns!
Like much of the island, CefalĂą has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Normans, and more, and you see the mix of cultural influences in the architecture, food, and more. The city has its own local pastries and traditions, so you can easily spend a few days relaxing here without getting bored!
We opted for a day trip, which is easily doable from Palermo – less than an hour by train. We went with this option because of how much of Sicily we were trying to see in one trip. But it’s a great destination if you want a few days to relax by the sea if you want more time!
What to See in CefalĂą
The CefalĂą Cathedral is an absolute must! It's one of my favorite cathedrals in Sicily, and I loved it way more than the Palermo Cathedral.
Like many of the bigger churches in Italy, you pay to enter. But it's so worth it! You get a gorgeous rooftop view of the city and sea - especially good if you don't choose to hike later.
It does require covered shoulders, so pack a scarf.
Another great option is climbing the rocky outcropping that rises above the city. At the top, there’s the Castle of Cefalù along with the ruins of a temple to Diana and several fortress walls. There’s a small fee to explore around, but the views from the top are incredible.
CefalĂą Beaches
CefalĂą features a massive beach, one of the few sand beaches in Italy! Because of the bay, the water is calm even by Mediterranean standards.
Like most Italian beaches, most of it is organized into beach clubs where you pay to use the space. Chairs and umbrellas are provided, and there’s typically a bar and/or restaurant, so you don’t have to go far for lunch. It’s also yours for the day, so it’s a nice way to really embrace the beach bum mentality!
In general, the beach clubs more to the east (towards the Cathedral and mountain) are a bit cheaper, but that’s also because the beach itself transitions into pebbles instead of sand. The local kids hang out on the pier at the far end, so the people-watching is pretty good over there.
Walk down the pier for an iconic CefalĂą view looking back of the city with the mountain rising above.
Cefalu Restaurants
Here are a few great options for lunch or dinner! Cefalu is well positioned on the island for a sunset meal along the shoreline, giving a day in Cefalu a truly gorgeous finish.
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