Cefalù

Travel Guide

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

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

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

Old Town Cefalù
Hotel Al Pescatore

Hotel Al Pescatore

3 out of 5
Contrada Calura, 7, Cefalù, PA
The price is CA $194 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $194
CA $220 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our 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 Jul. 15, 2025

Hotel Al Pescatore
Hotel Kalura

Hotel Kalura

4 out of 5
Via V Cavallaro 13, Cefalù, PA
The price is CA $463 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
CA $463
CA $518 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (517 reviews)
"Our stay at the property was great! I would like to note that there was a bit of mold in our shower & the shower water leaked out onto the floor in the bathroom. It could’ve been just our room but would’ve been nice to not have that at all. The beach & pool area are great and very well maintained. ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 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 CA $428 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $428
CA $479 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (656 reviews)
"Very nice hotel, great location and warm welcoming from the staff. Staff was great especially at the front desk."

Reviewed on Aug. 7, 2025

Hotel Alberi del Paradiso
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.
Suite Bordonaro Apartments

Suite Bordonaro Apartments

Via Ortolani di Bordonaro 75, Cefalù, PA
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room soaking tubs, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Bastione ...
6.6/10 (9 reviews)
"Not clean at all, wall was dirty, bed not comfortable, the location is good but for the rest is a big 0."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2019

Suite Bordonaro Apartments
Case Vacanze Zio Pasquale

Case Vacanze Zio Pasquale

via Vanni 71, Cefalù, PA
Stay at this apartment in Cefalù. Enjoy free WiFi, bicycle rentals on site, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Osteria Magno are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (20 reviews)
"There is an iron and ironing board. 5 min to the beach and about 20 min to train station when walking slowly with heavy luggage. Un"

Reviewed on May 11, 2025

Case Vacanze Zio Pasquale
Cefalù - Old town apartment Casa Fiore second floor

Cefalù - Old town apartment Casa Fiore second floor

Cefalù
Stay at this apartment in Cefalù. Enjoy balconies, cable/satellite TV service, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cefalu Beach and Salita Saraceno Staircase ...
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Cefalu
"Fantastic location"

Reviewed on Jun. 7, 2025

Cefalù - Old town apartment Casa Fiore second floor
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.

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