Cefalù Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cefalu featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach
Cefalù
Cefalu showing a city and heritage architecture
Cefalu which includes heritage architecture, a small town or village and street scenes
Cefalu showing a coastal town, swimming and a beach

Visit some of Sicily’s most intriguing historical sites, admire religious mosaics and enjoy lazy days on the beach at this coastal town in the north of the island. 

With beaches, piazzas, medieval buildings and a magnificent cathedral, the coastal town of Cefalu has something for everyone. Relax on the sand, explore cobbled streets and discover ancient history all below a colossal rock crowned by the ruins of a fort.

If you are into history and architecture, a visit to Cefalu will not disappoint. Embark on a self-guided tour of the Duomo di Cefalu, one of the finest Arab-Norman structures on the island. The grand church was built by Roger II during the 12th century and its twin pyramid towers still stand high above the old town’s medieval buildings. Step inside to admire its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and then take a stroll through the cloister.

A short walk from here in the direction of the harbour will take you to the Museo Mandralisca. The collection includes archeological artifacts and works of art amassed by the 19th-century philanthropist and avid collector Baron Mandralisca. A highlight is the 15th-century Portrait of an Unknown Man, considered to be one of the most important artworks of the Renaissance. Mandralisca is said to have found the piece on the island of Lipari where it was being used as a makeshift cupboard door. 

The giant rock known as La Rocca dominates Cefalu’s skyline. Walk up the rocky crag to see an ancient Greek temple and the ruins of an old fort.

Once you come back down to the town, you will find the Spiaggia di Cefalu is the perfect place to cool off. The long stretch of white sand arches out in front of the town and is overlooked by several bars that rent out umbrellas and deck chairs. Soak up the hot sun and swim in the crystal clear water.

Cefalu is a 1-hour train ride from Palermo and the train station is right in the centre of town. Come for a day trip and visit the sights, or stay longer to fully explore its ancient and medieval history, culture and scenery.

Where to stay in Cefalù

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Old Town Cefalù

5/5(8 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town Cefalù include the historical sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cefalu Cathedral or Church of Purgatory while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Cefalù
Hotel Kalura

Hotel Kalura

4 out of 5
Via V Cavallaro 13, Cefalù, PA
The price is ₹29,295 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
₹29,295
₹32,724 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (512 reviews)
"This was a beautiful resort with a comfortable bed and amazing view of sea. Limited dining options other than on property unless you have transportation"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hotel Kalura
Hotel Alberi del Paradiso

Hotel Alberi del Paradiso

4 out of 5
Via Dei Mulini 18/20, Cefalù, PA
The price is ₹28,518 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹28,518
₹31,870 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (650 reviews)
Best stay while in Italy
"Beautiful experience from the moment we stepped foot on the property. Grounds were gorgeous and well kept. Pool area was beautiful. Staff was very accommodating and helpful. Our kids had the best time and it was overall very relaxing. Rooms were very large in comparison to other hotels in Italy. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hotel Alberi del Paradiso
Hotel Al Pescatore

Hotel Al Pescatore

3 out of 5
Contrada Calura, 7, Cefalù, PA
The price is ₹10,259 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹10,259
₹11,684 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (252 reviews)
"Hotel is still making improvements. Friendly staff. Easy to get to. Plenty parking."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Hotel Al Pescatore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Cefalù

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
17
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cefalu itself is a lovely resort with lots of nice restaurants, shops and bars, beach is a little overcrowded at times.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

You need to get up into the mountains and go east from the town and the rocks , the beaches are tightly packed with umbrellas no space and pretty horrible for that reason - sardines. The town is a tourist town hard to find good restaurants; there are

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely historic pedestrianised old town. Coffee and cake in the square is lovely. The ice cream is amazing but eat it quickly before it melts:) We didn't try the brioche and gelato which the locals rave about. Next time maybe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful city. The old town was our favourite. People friendly and welcoming. We walked up Cefalu Rock which was a challenge in the heat but with plenty of stops and water it was worth the effort.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Charming town with lots of history and beautiful beach. Must visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Hugh&Anne

Cefalù is a beautiful historic town in a great location.

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