Cefalù 

Travel & Getting Around

Starting in Rome, we flew from Roma Fiumicino to Aeroporto di Palermo. After arriving at the airport, we had to take two trains; one from the airport to Palermo's center and then from there to Cefalù. It was pretty convenient, and the cheapest option. In total, the trains took about 2 hours. 

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Once we arrived in Cefalù, we were able to walk to our Airbnb. Cefalù is a walkable city, so there was no need to rent a car or use any other form of transportation until we left. In some areas, the roads are made of cobblestone or uneven so stay attentive. 

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Where We Stayed

We only spent three nights in Cefalù and upon arrival we immediately regretted booking such a short stay. ​We stayed in an Airbnb in the center; we wanted access to a fridge/kitchen area to prepare lunches for the beach and keep some snacks, water and wine chilled. I'll link it HERE. It was a pretty seamless experience; easy to get to and access, great hosts, good size and the location is prime. I will say, the kitchen was very minimal and there was a steep and narrow staircase to get to the apartment, but we definitely enjoyed our experience. 

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Where & What We Ate

I am still dreaming of the food here. From brioches at breakfast to arancine* at lunch to tuna tartar at dinner, everything we ate was absolutely delicious. I definitely indulged during this trip, everything just looks and tastes so good! Some restaurants might be seasonal, so double check what will be open if you're going in the off-season. 

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Restaurants

Triscele-- this was by far our favorite meal, fresh and absolutely delicious fish 

Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau--we went for a tagliere (meats & cheeses), the wine and the view. They only have 3 tables out on their balcony, so be sure to make a reservation if you can. 

La Chat Noir

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Quick Bites

Sfrigola-- arancine! This place has a variety of types, and they're all delicious. Also, they have an option for baked instead of fried. 

Panificio Purpora-- we stopped here almost every morning for bread, pizza or little sandwiches to bring with us to the beach. 

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Breakfast (cafes) 

Bar Duomo-- right in front of Duomo di Cefalù, enjoy breakfast with a view. We had granita and a brioche for a typical Sicilian breakfast. 

Antica Porta Terra

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Aperitivo

Ittico Cucina & Co-we watched an incredible sunset while enjoying a negroni sbagliato and some snacks 

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*Arancino vs. arancina! Catania uses the masculine form of the word (1 arancino, 2+ arancini) while Palermo uses the feminine form of the word (1 arancina, 2+ arancine). Since Cefalù is in the region of Palermo, it's best to use arancina or arancine. 

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What We Did 

We were really here for la spiaggia (the beach), and so that is where we spent every day. There is some free public beach space, but during the peak summer (we went in July), it fills up quickly. I'd recommend getting there early and setting up your space, and be prepared for people to be close to you. We opted for a lido, basically a "beach club" where you can book and rent chairs and an umbrella for the day. At most lidos, there is a small restaurant where you can order coffee, food or drinks. 

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We decided on Lido Eolo, it is a little further down the lungomare (promenade near the sea, with restaurants and bars) but a little less crowded and the water is sparkling. At some of the other lidos they had water toys for children, so maybe a better option if you have kids. If you're looking to relax a bit more without having children running by and splashing you, I'd walk a few extra steps to get here. Remember, you won't have to bring chairs or umbrellas so there is really nothing to lug!

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Shopping 

Cefalù is filled with boutique style stores, ceramic and artisanal shops and little spots to taste local delicacies. Every afternoon, we would walk around popping into whatever caught our eyes. The city is small, so you can manage to find and see everything if you only have a few days. 

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Rocca di Cefalù

*this is something we did not do, but something we regret and so I want to mention it. 

As mentioned, large mountainous rocks set the backdrop for Cefalù and there is a hike to a point close to the top. We read mixed reviews on how long it takes, most people say around 45 minutes to an hour to get to the top, depending on your level of fitness. At the top, there are stunning views of the city and sea, and ruins to explore. 

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Duomo di Cefalù

Can't miss this even if you wanted to, right in the heart of Cefalù this cathedral is something spectacular. The building itself and then the background make this a unique setting. If you have time, sip on a coffee, have an aperitivo or eat a gelato at one of the beautifully painted cafe tables in the square. 

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Lavatoio (Medieval Laundry)

Dating back to Medieval times, built on a small river, this "wash room" was used by inhabitants to do laundry. There is a stone staircase which leads from street level down to it. While exploring the city, you'll likely walk by the staircase so might as well go and take a look. 

 

Churches 

Chiesa di Maria Santissima della Catena

Chiesa del Purgatorio

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