Cefalù, Sicily – Steal My List of Favorite Things To See
Steal my list of things to do in this Sicilian town on the northern coast, about an hour from Palermo.
⛪️Visit the stunning Norman cathedral that dates back to the 12th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its impressive architecture and beautiful mosaics.
⛱️Enjoy the sun and sea on the sandy beach in Cefalù, one of the most popular beaches in Sicily.
🥾Hike up to the top of La Rocca, the rocky promontory overlooking Cefalù, for panoramic views of the town and the sea. Out and back is 2 miles (3.2k), elevation gain 650 ft (200m). €4 entrance fee.
🧼Explore the Medieval Wash-House: Visit the Lavatoio Medievale, an ancient wash-house fed by natural spring water, where women used to do their laundry. Free.
🛍️Stroll through the narrow streets of Cefalù’s historic center, lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants.
🖼️Discover the collection of art and artifacts at the Museo Mandralisca, including the famous Portrait of an Unknown Man by Antonello da Messina. Entrance fee €6-8.
🍝Take a cooking class: Learn how to cook Sicilian dishes like pasta alla norma or arancini at a local cooking class. Villa Palamara 1868 offers cooking lessons in a beautiful villa. You can even stay in the villa.
🍽️🐙Indulge in delicious Sicilian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Cefalù, known for its fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and cannoli. My favorite was Vecchia Marina overlooking the beach.
🍷Taste local Sicilian wines at a wine bar or visit a nearby winery for a wine tasting experience. I enjoyed Le Petit Tonneau, again, overlooking the water.
🎎If you’re lucky to visit during a festival, such as the Feast of Saint Salvatore in August, experience traditional Sicilian celebrations and events.
🏛️Explore the ruins of the ancient Temple of Diana, an archaeological site located just outside Cefalù. Free.
🚙Use Cefalù as a base to explore other nearby attractions, such as the picturesque town of Castelbuono, the Madonie Regional Natural Park, or the city of Palermo.