Cefalu is a small and charming seaside town on the north coast of Sicily near Palermo. With its stunning Norman-era cathedral and beautiful stretch of coastline, it offers visitors the perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Here’s what to see and do in Cefalu, Sicily, featuring the town’s best sights and activities! For more info, also check out how to get to Cefalu from Palermo and how long to spend in Cefalu.
What to See
Inland
The Duomo di Cefalù is the town’s crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 12th century by King Roger II, the cathedral is one of the finest examples of the fruitful coexistence and collaboration of Norman, Islamic, and Byzantine peoples that characterized the Norman kingdom of Sicily. Given its significance, you may want to do a guided tour of the cathedral and Cefalu’s historic sights. Other noteworthy buildings nearby include the Chiesa del Purgatorio (Purgatory Church), with its Baroque façade (notice the skulls at the entrance) and twin staircases leading up from the street, and the Osterio Magno, a medieval residence with two-toned arched windows. Also wander into Farmacia Cirincione, in business since 1820, with its beautifully painted and carved antique cabinets still in use.
By the sea
Closer to the sea, the Lavatoio Medievale is a serene 16th-century public washhouse built over the River Cefalino, with stone wash basins and cast-iron spouts under a vaulted roof. A plaque at the entrance reads: “Here flows Cefalino, healthier than any other river, purer than silver, colder than snow.” Near the water’s edge, Porta Pescara is a medieval gate between the sea and town. It frames a beautiful view of the old harbor. From there, the Molo di Cefalù, a stone pier, stretches into the Tyrrhenian Sea and offers views of the coastline. Above, the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, built in the 1600s as a coastal defense post, now serves as a viewpoint overlooking the sea with remnants of the town’s fortified walls.
What to Do
On your own
Cefalù’s stretch of coastline is beautiful. During the summer, the beach is the center of life in Cefalù and the place to be day or night. I love watching the sunset from there. You can sit in the section with umbrellas and lounge chairs or in the public section (my preference, with the locals!). When you’re not at the beach, check out Museo Mandralisca to see the 15th-century painting Portrait of an Unknown Man (Ritratto di un uomo ignoto), a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance by Antonello da Messina. You can also hike La Rocca, a 30-45-minute trek up the 270m-high rocky mountain that towers behind Cefalù. At the top are panoramic views and the remains of a temple and castle. I also recommend a day trip to medieval Castelbuono in the picturesque Madonie Mountains if you have an extra day in Cefalù. Here’s how to get there and the top things to see, do, and eat in Castelbuono.
On a tour
Don’t miss a boat tour on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The water around Cefalù is gorgeous, and this part of Sicily is all about the sea. Other popular activities are Sicilian cooking classes and paragliding!
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