Cefalu, approximately 50 minutes drive to the east of Palermo is a lively mix of history, culture, entertainment, busy sandy beaches, heavenly blue sky and clear waters. This picturesque town, born in 1131 and lying at the foot of the La Rocca Mountain (270m) is exceptional for its surroundings and for the richness of its art treasures,There are many of them! At the top of La Rocca, the remains of a prehistoric sanctuary the Temple of Diana, are perched. To get up there you have to take steps starting from Piazza Garibaldi, but be aware that it is a rather tiring climb, but if you make the effort you will be rewarded with great views.

Things to do and see in Cefalu

Cefalu welcomes you warmly and is characterised by its narrow cobbled alleyways lined with small, historic houses and flowers adorning every corner. The jewel in the crown is the Duomo. The Duomo is a Norman Cathedral, commissioned by William II and surrounded by palms and set in the pretty Piazza Duomo, with its two dominating towers at the front. The rounded portal is enhanced by the rather resplendent bronze door, by which we enter the Catherdral. This golden coloured masterpiece is full of atmosphere, revealing magnificent mosaic with biblical motives. The most famous and also the most impressive is that of Christ the Pantocrater pictured on the end wall in the apse. It is quite simply magnificent. Other mosaics include, The Virgin Enthroned with Saints, Apostles and Angels, and Noah’s Ark. Try to get there quite early in the morning though as the cathedral attracts a lot of visitors, especially groups, and can get very busy at times. The Cathedral is for free, but is closed between 1- 4pm.

There are many more things worth seeing, such as Lavatoio Mediavale, a medieval laundry house built by the Arabs, the Mandralisca museum with its ‘collection of antique craft and art, and a number of charming churches rich in history, such as the Chiesa Del Monte, with its baroque style and Church of San Castrense, also baroque and boasting a Novelli painting. Small and interesting, colourful shops will reveal lots of handcrafted objects such as jewellery, ceramics and beautiful paintings of Cefalu. The other main attraction is the Cloister in the nearby Benedictine Abbey with its elegant twin rows of columns, Arab arches and mosaics carved by Byzantine and Arabs.

When you have finished the site seeing you will want to freshen up with a swim in the sea or go for lunch. The well maintained beaches in Cefalu stretch along the town’s promenade and you’ll find by wandering along there, that Cefalu’s restaurants and cafés offer a great variety of quick snacks, light lunches, pizza’s, seafood specialities and refreshing ice cream.

Cefalu’s nightlife is great! Music drifting from bars, people chatting and gesticulating vividly and an inviting scent of delicious food in the air flowing from restaurants serving local specialities, this is Cefalu after dark!

Wherever one walks in Cefalu, there’s a buzz. The traffic is chaotic and to find a parking space is not always easy, so you could consider going by train, or how about by ferry from Palermo? (cca 70km) for a different experience!

Cefalu is one not to be missed!

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