3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

My final destination was Cefalù. Cefalù is a charming coastal town located on the northern coast of Sicily. It’s a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and stunning natural landscapes. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and my best tips for visiting Cefalù.

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

Getting There

Cefalù is easily accessible from Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, by car or train. The drive takes about an hour, while the train journey takes about 1.5 hours. Chiara brought me to Cefalù by car. On the way back, I took the train, which was easy, fast and convenient.

Exploring Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

Upon arriving in Cefalù, I was immediately struck by the town’s picturesque streets and stunning architecture. The town is dominated by the Cathedral of Cefalù, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 12th century. The cathedral is one of the best examples of Arab-Norman architecture in Sicily, and its impressive mosaics are a must-see.

I spent the first day with Chiara, exploring the narrow streets of the old town, taking pictures of the colorful buildings and charming squares. The town is filled with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies, so I made sure to take a few breaks to sample some of the delicious Sicilian cuisine. 

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Hitting the Beach in Cefalù

Cefalù is famous for its beautiful beaches, and I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is located just a short walk from the town center and is easily accessible. I spent the days lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, and taking pictures of the stunning scenery.

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Climbing La Rocca in Cefalù

La Rocca is a towering cliff that overlooks the town of Cefalù. I read on the internet that the trail is well-marked and takes about 45 minutes to reach the top. The climb is steep and challenging, but the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. From the summit, I guess, you will be able to see the entire town of Cefalù, the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the surrounding mountains.

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Remember to wear athletic shoes, because there is a strict rule that says that you will be denied entrance if you wear flip flops. It’s a popular hiking destination, and I was excited to tackle the climb.

Unfortunately this “lovely lady” named Chiara at the entrance didn’t allow me to enter because according to her, my shoes were inappropriate…her attitude was quite unpleasant, unfriendly and arrogant.

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The outdoor scene in “Cinema Paradiso” was actually filmed at the old port in Cefalù, which is located on the northern coast of Sicily. The film, directed by Giuseppe Tornatore and released in 1988, tells the story of a young boy named Salvatore who grows up in a small Sicilian village and develops a love for movies through his friendship with the local projectionist.

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The old port of Cefalù, with its charming fishing boats and colorful houses, provides a picturesque backdrop for the movie, and showcases the natural beauty of Sicily’s coastal towns. The movie also highlights the importance of cinema as a form of entertainment and cultural expression, which has played an important role in shaping Sicilian identity and culture over the years.

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

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HIGHLIGHT OF MY SICILY TRIP

The discovery of Pasta alla Norma

When planning my trip to Sicily, I had no idea what culinary delights I would discover. As a lover of Italian food, I was excited to try all the local specialties. However, the highlight of my trip was the discovery of Pasta alla Norma, a traditional Sicilian dish that quickly became my favourite.

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I first encountered Pasta alla Norma at a small family-run restaurant in Catania. The dish arrived at my table steaming hot, with rigatoni pasta, rich tomato sauce, and crispy fried eggplant on top. I took my first bite, and I was immediately hooked.

The combination of flavors was incredible – the sweetness of the tomato sauce, the saltiness of the ricotta salata cheese, and the texture of the crispy eggplant. It was a perfect balance.

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3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

After that first taste, I was determined to try Pasta alla Norma at as many restaurants as possible. I quickly realised that every restaurant had its own version of the dish, and each one was just as delicious as the last.

Some added a hint of chili pepper to give it a spicy kick, while others used fresh cherry tomatoes instead of canned. Regardless of the variations, the dish always remained true to its Sicilian roots.

I even attempted to make Pasta alla Norma at home, using a recipe I found online. While it wasn’t quite as good as the restaurant versions, it was still delicious and satisfied my craving for this amazing dish.

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

As I traveled throughout Sicily, I discovered that Pasta alla Norma was not just a dish, but a symbol of Sicilian cuisine. It represents the flavours and ingredients of the island – fresh vegetables, rich tomato sauce, and salty cheese. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple dinner with friends.

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The highlight of my trip to Sicily was the discovery of Pasta alla Norma. This delicious dish introduced me to the flavours and traditions of Sicilian cuisine, and it quickly became my favourite. I would highly recommend trying this dish if you ever find yourself in Sicily – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

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Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a photographer’s paradise. From the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to the ancient ruins and charming villages, this Italian island offers endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking images.

How to get around Sicily

This was a solo trip for me to Sicily. I do not drive anymore. So the only option for me was the bus. 

Exploring Sicily by bus was a fantastic way for me to visit 4 different parts of the island: From Catania to Syracuse, from Syracuse to Palermo, and from Palermo to Cefalù.

Interbus connects many of the island’s major towns and cities. With a well-connected network of bus routes, it’s easy to navigate your way around the island.

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One of the biggest advantages of traveling by bus in Sicily is the cost. Bus travel is generally much cheaper than renting a car or taking a taxi, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. In addition, many of the bus routes are operated by comfortable, air-conditioned coaches, making for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

When traveling by bus in Sicily, it’s important to plan ahead and book your tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. This will help to ensure that you get a seat on your preferred route, and avoid any unnecessary stress or delays.

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Exploring Sicily by bus is an excellent way to see the island’s many attractions, without breaking the bank. With a well-connected network of bus routes and comfortable, air-conditioned coaches, traveling around Sicily by bus is a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

HOW TO GET FROM PALERMO TO CEFALÙ

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

There are a few different transportation options for getting from Palermo to Cefalù :

By Train: The easiest and most convenient way to get to Cefalù from Palermo is by train. There are regular trains that run from Palermo to Cefalù, and the journey takes around one hour. You can catch a train from Palermo’s main train station, Palermo Centrale, and the train will take you directly to Cefalù’s train station, which is located in the centre of town.

By Bus: There are also buses that run from Palermo to Cefalù. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and the bus station is located near Palermo Centrale train station. However, the frequency of buses may be lower than trains and it may not be as convenient.

By Car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Palermo and drive to Cefalù. The journey takes around one hour. However, driving in Italy can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with the roads and the driving culture.

Overall, taking the train from Palermo to Cefalù is the most recommended option for its convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Where to stay in Cefalu in Sicily

Cefalù is a beautiful coastal town in Sicily with plenty of options for accommodation. Here are some areas to consider staying in and some reasons to avoid Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs).

Cefalù Old Town

Staying in the Old Town is a great choice if you want to be close to the main attractions, such as the Cathedral, the beach, and the restaurants. The streets are narrow, and the buildings are old and charming. However, this area can be crowded and noisy during peak season.

During my research, I noticed that almost all the accommodation options in the Old Town weren’t renovated, so be careful about that. I personally wouldn’t like to stay in a place that is not well-maintained. Unfortunately I got the impression that they do not wish to invest money in home renovation, so why should I opt for them?

Beachfront: If you want to be right on the beach, you can stay in the beachfront area. The beach in Cefalù is beautiful, and staying here will give you easy access to the sea.

During my research, I noticed that the beachfront hotels were much better than the accommodation options in the Old Town.

Rural areas: If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet atmosphere, you can stay in the rural areas around Cefalù. There are many agriturismos (farm stays) in the countryside that offer a peaceful setting, beautiful views, and local cuisine. However, these accommodations can be further from the main attractions, and you will need a car to get around.

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

Regarding B&Bs, it’s important to note that they can be inconsistent in terms of quality and service. Some may be well-maintained and run by friendly hosts, while others may be poorly maintained, noisy, or lacking in amenities and privacy. It’s always a good idea to read reviews and check the ratings before booking any accommodation, including B&Bs. Do your research before you book.

I personally haven’t had a positive experience. My room wasn’t cleaned for four consecutive days and there was always Japanese music playing exactly outside of the door of my room. The B&B I chose to stay wasn’t cheap, and yet, it was lacking privacy, quietness and relaxation.

3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

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3 days in Cefalù: what to see, do and eat

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WHERE TO NEXT? Discover more of my Sicily guides!

3 days in Ortigia, Sicily

One week in Palermo

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Disclaimers:

Photos of Cefalù are taken and edited by me. Photos of me are taken by Mrs. Chiara Fantauzzi with my own camera. They are selected and edited by me.

This blog post is NOT sponsored. It contains affiliate links. I get a commission if you make a purchase through the links which comes at no cost to you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for using my links.