Day 1 in Cefalù
Welcome to the Cefalù! Upon arrival,
you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your
destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag!
There is so much for you to see and do.
Begin your afternoon in the charming historic center, a nice place to take a stroll with a
beautiful network of lively and atmospheric streets. The main street in town is
full of shops, cafes and restaurants. Grab some lunch and take in
the ambiance of the town.
Cefalù
town is small, yet pretty with the Cathedral in Piazza
Duomo, the town`s centerpiece. It dates back to the early 1100`s and
is characterized by two towers and a round-headed Normal portal. Once you get
in, the figure of the Pantocrator gracing
the apse will astonish you. These mosaics
are a remarkable example of Byzantine art.
Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering around,
check out the little alleys and enjoy discovering some hidden corners. Make
sure not to miss the Bastione
Cao Marchiafava, the bastion is shaped like a polygon with an
extremity pointing to the sea. From this place you can see the lighthouse, the cliff and
coast of Cefalù.
Enjoy
some time at the Medieval Washhouse, the
Lavatoio Medievale.
This historical landmark in the heart of the old city is where women used to
wash and rinse their family`s clothing during ancient times. It`s a refreshing (and
picturesque) spot!
End
your day at the Old Port to take in the fishing boats, fishermen, and
astonishing views. Giuseppe Tornatore chose this spot to film some scenes of `Cenama
Paradiso`, and you will see why. This is a spectacular place to
catch a Sicilian sunset!
Head back into town to enjoy a
relaxing dinner before heading back to your hotel for a restful night sleep.
Day 2 in Cefalù
Wake up early
today to and make your way to the
beautiful rocky crag of La Rocca and the
Temple of Diana. It is a
megalithic monument from the 4th-century BC located on the summit of
the rock. In the past it had a pagan sacral function, but during the Byzantine
age, it was rebuilt and turned into a Christian church. This area is very peculiar
and for several years, the Temple of Diana has been used for Satanic rituals.
To get to the top you have to undergo a
long hike. The beginning of the trail is an extensive series of steps that wind
through the fortified ancient entrance to the town. It is interesting to know that the town actually used to be
located on the rock. It is thought that people lived on top of the rock as long
ago as the 10th century BC. The town was settled here as a defensive
advantage in order to avoid invasions.
The second portion of the
hike is a curved and (a bit) slippery path. Along the way, you will see the
ancient Temple of Diana, also, you will come across a signature cross that
lights up at night.
Once you arrive at the top,
you will be able to see breathtaking views of the Sicilian landscape, the
Mediterranean, as well as a bird`s eye view of Cefalù. Also at the top are the ruins of a castle, a great place to stop for a
picnic in the shade.
The hike back down the rock
is much easier than the climb up. After the hike, allow yourself a
well-deserved gelato to cool off.
Spend the rest of your day enjoying the beaches
of Cefalù.
The beautiful coast here features many stunning beaches to
relax on the warm golden sand while enjoying a perfect sunny afternoon.
Additional Days in Cefalù
Should you be able to spend additional days in Cefalù we recommend the Natural Park of Madonie with many historic towns and villages to explore, such as Castelbuono, with its impressive castle. Gibilmanna also offers panoramic views, but many Italians come here in pilgrimage to pray at the Baroque Santuario di Gibilmanna, where the Virgin is said to have performed miraculous deeds.
Your Last Day In Cefalù
Depart your hotel for the train station or airport where you will head home or make your way to more Sicilian adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the Sicily region.