Ultimate Travel Guide to Cefalù, Sicily
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links; more info here.
The medieval beach village of Cefalù was a last-minute addition to our Sicily itinerary – and it ended up being my favorite destination on the island!
Why? Golden beaches, crystal-clear sea, boat rides, scenic hikes, and sunset aperitivi come to mind…
Along with morning espressos al fresco. Charming piazzas and laundry-draped alleyways. Arancine stands, artisanal delis (ciao, seaside picnics), and the freshest seafood dinners.
If you’re on the fence about visiting Cefalù, here’s my advice: Don’t miss it.
Just an hour by train from colorful, chaotic Palermo, this coastal village delivers the slow, sun-drenched Sicily you’ve been dreaming of. Cefalù is an easy day trip, but a worthy place to slow down, unpack, and stay a few days.
In mid-October, my husband and I spent five effortlessly perfect days in Cefalù before hopping on the train to Taormina. And I’m still not over it.
So, I put together this quick, comprehensive Cefalù travel guide, just for you. Between the best things to do in Cefalù, can’t-miss restaurants, sea-view hotels, and must-know tips, I’ve detailed everything you need for the perfect stay.
Cefalù Travel Guide: A Quick Summary
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of my Cefalù guide! Pair it with my Puglia itinerary and Amalfi Coast itinerary for the ultimate Southern Italian vacation!
Best Things to Do in Cefalù:
- Hike up to La Rocca – ideally, first in the morning!
- Go on a private boat tour or a small-group tour to snorkel and swim in crystal-clear water
- Visit the Duomo di Cefalù and climb up the towers
- Go on a street food tour of Cefalù to taste local specialties like arancine and cannoli
- Enjoy sunset aperitivi at Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau and ancient Sicilian recipes at Tinchite
- Go paragliding over Cefalù and the spectacular Northern Sicilian coastline
Best Cefalù Hotels:
- Abelia Sea Suites ($$)
- Villa Totò Resort ($$$) – my top pick!
- Hotel Le Calette ($$$$)
Must-Know Travel Tips:
- WHEN TO VISIT: Visit in May, June, September, and October for fewer crowds and perfect beach weather. Our mid-October visit was quiet, warm, and budget-friendly! July and August are the busiest, hottest, and most expensive months to visit. Avoid them, if possible!
- TAKING THE TRAIN: You can take the regional train to Cefalù from Palermo (45 minutes), Messina (2 hours), Taormina (3 hours), and beyond. Book via Trenitalia.
- DAY-TRIPPING: You can easily day trip from Palermo by train, or book this full-day trip to Cefalù and Castelbuono from Palermo.
- TAP WATER: Locals advised us not to drink the tap water in Cefalù due to the old pipes. We relied on bottled water.
- WIFI: Wifi connections at hotels in Cefalù can be spotty. Get an eSIM on your phone if you need a stable connection!
8 Best Things to Do in Cefalù
Beach, swim, spritz, repeat. That pretty much covers the best things to do in Cefalù. But if you want all the details, I’ve got you covered!
1. Hike up La Rocca
The short, steep hike up La Rocca features ruins of Middle-Age castle and incredible views of the town, the surrounding mountains, and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to the top of the castle!
Entry costs €5/person (cash or credit card). La Rocca is open from 8 AM to 6 PM, but the last entry is around 3:30 PM.
MADDY’S TIPS: I recommend starting right at 8 AM to beat the heat – and the crowds. Wear a sunhat and natural sunscreen, and bring water. Sandals are not allowed! I wore my favorite hiking boots, though any closed-toe shoes will work.
2. Go on a Boat Tour
Set out from Cefalù by boat to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear bays, sip aperitifs, and soak in the views of the gorgeous coastline. This is the best thing to do in Cefalù, without a doubt!
You can book this private Cefalù boat tour (perfect if you have a group!) or choose this Cefalù small-group boat tour.
3. Visit the Duomo di Cefalù
I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by a little beach town’s cathedral, but I totally was.
The 12th-century Roman-Catholic Duomo di Cefalù is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and two towers (which were completed in 1240!).
Entry is free, but there’s more to discover for a fee… I recommend booking the officially guided “Red Itinerary.” It’s 55 minutes long, costs €13, and includes exclusive access to the towers for panoramic views, a treasure-filled museum, the Episcopal Chapel, and the Canons’ Cloister. Online booking is required; this is the only way to access the towers.
Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter this stunning cathedral!
4. Swim & Picnic at Cefalù’s Sandy Beaches
Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio is the small, iconic beach that backs up onto the old town, while Spiaggia di Cefalù is a long stretch of sandy beach, lined with a boardwalk and cafés.
You can hike also east along the coastline (or grab a taxi) to find quieter swimming bays, beach clubs, and sandy beaches, including Spiaggia Kalura and Spiaggia Torre Conca.
MADDY’S TIP: Seaside picnic? Order customizable panini (filled with local Sicilian cold cuts, cheeses, sundries, and more!) from a local deli called La Cefalù Nostrana! The owner is super sweet, and the sandwiches are truly epic!
5. Wander Cefalù’s Medieval Town
You’ll find quiet alleyways, charming boutiques, coffee bars, cannoli stands, gelaterias, wine bars, trattorias, and the Lavatoio Medievale (the old community wash-house that dates back to 1514).
MADDY’S TIP: Want to learn about Cefalù’s medieval history and legends with a local guide? You’ll explore the streets and visit panoramic viewpoints on foot (with a gelato in hand). Book your guided walking tour of Cefalù.
6. Go on a Street Food Tour
Want to try local street food – like sfincione (Sicilian pizza), arancina, and cannolo – with a local foodie?
On this Cefalù street food tour, you’ll explore the medieval streets, learn about Northern Sicilian history and culture, and stop by various food stalls to try beloved local street food snacks! Book your Cefalù food tour here.
7. Enjoy a Passeggiata
A pre-dinner stroll is an Italian rite of passage! At golden hour, meander up the lively, bar-lined Via Carlo Ortolani di Bordonaro and along the main shopping street, Corso Ruggero. So lovely!
8. Go Paragliding over Northern Sicily
Feeling extra adventurous? See Cefalù and the gorgeous Northern Sicilian coastline from the sky. This is an experience you’ll never forget. Book your Sicilian paragliding adventure here.
Best Places to Eat & Drink in Cefalù
Now, for the important part! Let’s talk about the best places to grab a cannolo or an arancina; where to find the best handmade pasta; my pick for a fresh seafood dinner; and more!
Go on a street food tour with a local, and follow my recommendations below!
Cafés & Delis in Cefalù
- La Cefalù Nostrana: This is the best spot to order customizable sandwiches for beach picnicking. You’re welcome!
- Sfrigola Cefalù: A great arancine shop featuring classic and creative flavor combos.
- Cannolí: The name says it all. This is my go-to for a mid-afternoon cannolo and an espresso.
- Bar Duomo: My favorite spot for a morning pastry and espresso in the piazza!
Wine & Cocktail Bars in Cefalù
- Enoteca Rossorubino di Valenziano Alessandro: This cute little wine bar serves up fantastic wines alongside a selection of bruschette and other tapas. Sit outside and people-watch along Via Carlo Ortolani.
- Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau: This is the ultimate aperitivo spot! Sitting on the intimate seaside balcony at sunset, over a tagliere and cocktails, was a highlight of our trip. Make a reservation if you want to do the same; there are only three tables!
- Tentazioni Mediterranee: This little wine bar offers all the Mediterranean goods – negronis, Aperol spritzes, Sicilian-style spritzes (pistacchio spritz?), Etna gin cocktails, piadine, bruschette, and much more! Grab a table al fresco and enjoy.
Lunch & Dinner in Cefalù
- Locanda del Marinaio: This is my pick for the best seafood dinner in town! Our fresh busiate pasta with sea bass and fish of the day were both superb.
- Badia Bistrot: Beautiful fresh pasta dishes and local wine in a quiet alleyway near the Duomo di Cefalù. Need I say more?
- Tinchite Taverna e Putia: The charming, vine-covered façade drew us over, but we stayed for Tinchite’s menu of Sicilian classics, ancient recipes, and nonna-style cooking. Order the pasta a tainu (pasta in the pan), layered with pasta, stewed meat, fried eggplant, pecorino, and fresh basil.
- Dining Experience at a Local’s Home: Experience a private, authentic 4-course lunch or dinner, local wine, a cooking demo, and warm Sicilian hospitality in a local’s home. Book your local dining experience here.
How to Get to Cefalù
- Traveling by train? You can take the regional train from other destinations like Palermo (45 minutes, direct), Messina (2 hours, direct), and Taormina (3 hours, 1 change). This is my favorite option; it’s easy and scenic! Book your tickets through Trenitalia.
- Driving to Cefalù by rental car? Once you arrive in Cefalù, you can explore on foot. Make a parking plan before you arrive; search “parcheggio” on Google Maps to find the best parking lots. Spots fill fast in the peak season (June through September), so arrive early! Find great deals on rental cars in Sicily here. Plus, read my tips for driving in Italy.
- Day-tripping from Palermo? Take the train on your own, or book this full-day trip to Cefalù and Castelbuono from Palermo.
- Flying into Palermo? Catch a train via Trenitalia from Palermo Aeroporto to Cefalù (2 hours, 1 change), or book a private transfer to/from Cefalù (ideal if you have a large group).
Where to Stay in Cefalù, Sicily
Choose between staying in the historic town, along the boardwalk (Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina), or even around the headland near Spiaggia Kalura. If Cefalù is your base for exploring by rental car, stay up in the hills so overnight parking is easy!
Best Hotels in Cefalù
Here are my top picks for Cefalù’s best B&Bs, hotels, and resorts!
- Cortile Umberto I ($$): This stylish B&B in the historic center with modern rooms, great hosts, and a generous breakfast. Snag a room with a balcony!
- Abelia Sea Suites ($$): The chic seaside suites with balconies, hot tubs, and epic views here are perfect for couples. Just steps from Spiaggia di Cefalú and the Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina (boardwalk).
- Villa Totò Resort ($$$): This intimate resort, perched in the hills, features the best of both worlds! Peaceful nature, an infinity pool, garden, endless sea views, and free tuk-tuk shuttles to/from the old town.
- Hotel Le Calette ($$$$): When only the best will do, stay at 5-star La Calette. This luxe cliffside resort boasts a beach club, spa, beautiful rooms, panoramic sea views, and shuttles to town.
MADDY’S TIPS: Our trip to Cefalù was super last-minute, so all the best hotels were sold out. We stayed in a vacation rental in the historic center and, let’s just say, it wasn’t great. If you’re visiting in May, June, September, or October, book 1-3 months in advance. And for July and August stays, booking 3-6 months ahead is wise!
