Cefalù Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cefalu showing a beach and a coastal town
Cefalù
Cefalu featuring heritage architecture and a city
Cefalu showing a small town or village, heritage architecture and street scenes
Cefalu featuring a coastal town, a sunset 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 artefacts 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(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town Cefalù include the historical sites and seaside views. Make a stop by Cefalu Cathedral or Cefalu Beach 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 AU$327 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$327
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (538 reviews)
"Gorgeous view from our balcony. The private beach was the best part! Easy taxi ride to the center and the hotel calls for you. Nice staff!"

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Hotel Kalura
Hotel Tourist

Hotel Tourist

3 out of 5
Lungomare G Giardina, Cefalù, PA
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a private beach. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Lavatoio Medievale are ...
7.8/10 Good! (326 reviews)
"Room was clean, staff were friendly, good choice at breakfast, limited view from balcony. Hotel was about 15 mins walk to main area."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Hotel Tourist
Le Calette N°5

Le Calette N°5

5 out of 5
Via Vincenzo Cavallaro, 12, Cefalù, PA
The price is AU$529 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$529
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (200 reviews)
"The staff and our introduction to the resort was amazing."

Reviewed on 10 Sept 2025

Le Calette N°5
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.
Pater Meus Suites

Pater Meus Suites

Via della Gallizza 13, Cefalù, PA
Stay at this apartment in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Ceramiche Sireci are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Pater Meus was amazing. Very clean, had all necessities. I would recommend grabbing a pack of water and food from nearby supermarket for late/early snacks as we play at the table this place is remote and not easy walk for conveniences when everything is closed. Beautiful grounds, loved the donkey ..."

Reviewed on 25 Sept 2025

Pater Meus Suites
Emerald Boutique Hotel

Emerald Boutique Hotel

Via Cefalù, Cefalù, PA
Stay at this aparthotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Spiaggia di Santa Maria ...
6/10 (5 reviews)
"It would have been nice if there had been a swimming pool and somewhere to get a drink during the day."

Reviewed on 17 Sept 2024

Emerald Boutique Hotel
Nido del sole

Nido del sole

Via Pintorno - Cortile V, 7, Cefalù, PA
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Ceramiche ...
"The accommodations was nice, and located within walking distance to Cefalu's main attractions. The management was quick to respond to any issues we had with regards to problems. My wife needed wifi service which they provided, but the quality of their wifi was bad. Their staff promised to fix it, ..."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2018

Nido del sole
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

Activities

Reviews of Cefalù

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 83%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great relaxing place to visit. It’s been the pick of our trip to Sicily so far.

5/5 - Excellent

Chon

Highly recommend visiting. A little off the beaten track but that’s what made it so wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The roof top deck is the ideal place to have breakfast or to finish your day with a pre dinner drink.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A pleasurable place to visit in May when the number of tourists is reasonable.

Cities near Cefalù