Cefalù is a fishing village and popular beach resort on the north coast of Sicily, Italy.
Getting there
By train
Frequent trains run to and from Palermo, Milazzo and Messina. From Messina, many continue on to Naples and Rome. The train from Palermo costs €4.60 and takes one hour running right along the coast.
By bus
Several buses a day run to Castelbuono and Palermo from outside Cefalù's train station. As with the train, the journey from Palermo is about 1 hour.
By boat
During the summer, a few hydrofoils run to Palermo and the Aeolian Islands.
Traveling around
Cefalù is small enough to get around on foot.
See
The attractive Cathedral (Duomo) dominates the centre of town. It is the site of Byzantine mosaics different from the Norman/Arab ones at Monreale.
Wander around the atmospheric old town streets.
Visit the harbour - Piazza Marina.
Relax on the beach - one of the best in Sicily. Keep in mind that the beach is divided into different sections, some with umbrellas and beach chairs set up that you can rent. The price, from about 8 to 15 euros, decreases the further you walk along the beach.
Things to do
Climb The Rock (La Rocca) for great views of the red-roofed town and beautiful bay area as well as a visit to Diana's Temple (Tempio di Diana). Follow the brown signs to Tempio di Diana from the town's main street. You can get some great views from just half way up, but to reach the top and the ruins of the 4th century Tempio di Diana itself you will probably have to pay €3 at the entrance to the archaeological site. From there, the enormous Salita Sareceno staircase climbs up to the top, passing several other ruins marking the town's former hilltop position before the Norman conquest in 1063.
Walk 15 minutes East around the headland to the bustling tourist port, full of fishing boats and islets.
Eat
There are plenty of local restaurants around the old town.
Sleep
There are several hotels dotted around town. A room can be found as cheap as 20 euros for two people in the old town. A tourist map may have its location, but the friendly locals may also be able to point you in the right direction. A four star waterfront hotel is also available on the main street that runs along the beach.
We used http://www.cefalu.net/ to rent an apartment in town overlooking the water. This is a great way to stay as you are right in the old section of town amidst all the scenery and bustle. One caveat, you must park outside the old section of town, but that is only a 5 minute walk. Cefalu is a great place to base yourself for Sicily.
Hotel Al Pescatore (Hotel Al Pescatore) , Contrada Calura, 7, 1km away from the centre of Cefalù, recently restructured, the hotel offers 28 rooms equipped with the best comforts: private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, colour TV, direct telephone and air conditioning.
Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare (Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare) , +39 0921 334295, Via Cesare Battisti 4 - Castel di Tusa (Cefalù), Original design hotel located on the sea. All the rooms are designed and realized by different artists.
Casa Vacanze Cicerone, 0921 921593, Via Bagni di Cicerone 21
Cefalù is a fishing village and popular beach resort on the north coast of Sicily, Italy.
Getting there
By train
Frequent trains run to and from Palermo, Milazzo and Messina. From Messina, many continue on to Naples and Rome. The train from Palermo costs €4.60 and takes one hour running right along the coast.
By bus
Several buses a day run to Castelbuono and Palermo from outside Cefalù's train station. As with the train, the journey from Palermo is about 1 hour.
By boat
During the summer, a few hydrofoils run to Palermo and the Aeolian Islands.
Traveling around
Cefalù is small enough to get around on foot.
See
The attractive Cathedral (Duomo) dominates the centre of town. It is the site of Byzantine mosaics different from the Norman/Arab ones at Monreale.
Wander around the atmospheric old town streets.
Visit the harbour - Piazza Marina.
Relax on the beach - one of the best in Sicily. Keep in mind that the beach is divided into different sections, some with umbrellas and beach chairs set up that you can rent. The price, from about 8 to 15 euros, decreases the further you walk along the beach.
Things to do
Climb The Rock (La Rocca) for great views of the red-roofed town and beautiful bay area as well as a visit to Diana's Temple (Tempio di Diana). Follow the brown signs to Tempio di Diana from the town's main street. You can get some great views from just half way up, but to reach the top and the ruins of the 4th century Tempio di Diana itself you will probably have to pay €3 at the entrance to the archaeological site. From there, the enormous Salita Sareceno staircase climbs up to the top, passing several other ruins marking the town's former hilltop position before the Norman conquest in 1063.
Walk 15 minutes East around the headland to the bustling tourist port, full of fishing boats and islets.
Eat
There are plenty of local restaurants around the old town.
Sleep
There are several hotels dotted around town. A room can be found as cheap as 20 euros for two people in the old town. A tourist map may have its location, but the friendly locals may also be able to point you in the right direction. A four star waterfront hotel is also available on the main street that runs along the beach.
We used http://www.cefalu.net/ to rent an apartment in town overlooking the water. This is a great way to stay as you are right in the old section of town amidst all the scenery and bustle. One caveat, you must park outside the old section of town, but that is only a 5 minute walk. Cefalu is a great place to base yourself for Sicily.
Hotel Al Pescatore (Hotel Al Pescatore) , Contrada Calura, 7, 1km away from the centre of Cefalù, recently restructured, the hotel offers 28 rooms equipped with the best comforts: private bathroom with shower, hairdryer, colour TV, direct telephone and air conditioning.
Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare (Art Hotel Atelier sul Mare) , +39 0921 334295, Via Cesare Battisti 4 - Castel di Tusa (Cefalù), Original design hotel located on the sea. All the rooms are designed and realized by different artists.
Casa Vacanze Cicerone , 0921 921593, Via Bagni di Cicerone 21
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