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.