Cefalù-Sicily’s Best Summer Destination

Looking for a great place to spend your summer holiday?

Look no further!

The small town of Cefalù has just what you need to have a perfect getaway!

From the sandy beach with the crystal clear water, to a cliff side hike with stunning views, to all of the delicious restaurant options, Cefalù has it all!

Read on to learn more about why Cefalù is Sicily’s best summer destination!

What to see

The famous picturesque backdrop!

To capture this iconic shot of the gorgeous white washed waterfront buildings, all you need to do is walk along the Lungomare (sea side or sea wall) until you can’t go any further.

From there, every building will be in view.

There is also a small wall you can climb to get a higher vantage point and interesting sand stone arches on this side of the beach.

It’s definitely worth the walk to this side of the Lungomare!

Where to stay

There are many amazing resorts in Cefalù with private beach access, pools, and restaurants!

If you’re looking for a great place to stay during your time in Cefalù, read on!!

Hotel Kalura – Via Vincenzo Cavallaro, 13, 90015 Cefalù PA

Hotel Kalura is a family friendly resort located in Cefalù.

With a full service bar, restaurant, pool, and children’s playground; this place is great for families with small children!

It’s about a 30 minute walk to the city center, but a private shuttle can be arranged and the distance makes for stunning views of the ocean from up above.

Book your room through my search engine here!

Alberi del Paradiso – Via dei Mulini, 18/20, 90015 Cefalù PA

This garden oasis is one of the nicer resorts in Cefalù.

They offer a full service spa, private beach for hotel guests, pool, and gym. While more on the luxurious side, this hotel is also family friendly and offers child care services for an additional fee.

This resort is also a bit of a walk to the city center but they also provide a private shuttle to and from the town if needed.

Book your room through my search engine here!

Hotel Le Calette – Via Cavallaro, 12, 90015 Cefalù PA

The nicest, most luxurious hotel in Cefalù.

This 5-star hotel offers a stunning view of the sunset over the Mediterranean sea which can be viewed from their panoramic pool.

This hotel also has a variety of private beach options, a full service bar and restaurant on sight, as well as shuttle access to transport you to town if necessary.

Book your room through my search engine here!

Balcon Sul Mare – AirBnB

If you’re looking for something closer to the beach and town, I have the perfect spot for you!

This AirBnB is literally in the best central location. Located right at the end of the picturesque backdrop, this BnB is perfect for a short stay in Cefalù.

With a balcony that has the closest sea view I have ever experienced, to being literally in the town the second you walk out of the door; this BnB is in the perfect spot.

Disclaimer-There is no parking at this property so paid, overnight, public parking is the only option. We paid €9 for one night to park our car in a secure lot. This BnB is also located on the second floor and the stairs are quite steep!

If you book your room based on location – this is your spot!

What to do

Cefalù is a buzzing town regardless of the season, but it especially comes to life in the summer time.

Here is a list of seasonal and non-seasonal things you can do in Cefalù based on the time of year you choose to visit. Enjoy!

Have a beach day

If you are visiting multiple beach side cities in Sicily, you might notice that some of the beaches are rocky and have a rough terrain due to the lava rock.

Cefalù is one of the cities that has smooth, silky sand that leads to the water. There are some smooth rocks placed in the shallow part of the water, but for the most part the sea is easy to walk in and out of compared to other beaches in Sicily.

Also, look at that water! The light turquoise blue Mediterranean water is practically begging for you to take a dip on a hot summer day!

During the peak of summer, vendors will have chairs and umbrellas set up along the sand. Due to this, you don’t need to worry about bringing those yourself! However, they do cost a small fee. It’s typically €5 or €10 for 2 chairs and 1 umbrella based on the amenities offered at the lido.

Located directly behind the beach are a variety of bars and restaurants, so don’t worry about packing a lunch! Even some of the lidos will offer snacks and drinks.

Cefalù beach seriously has it all. Just show up, bring a towel and sunscreen, and you have all you need to have a fantastic day at the beach!

Visit the Cefalu Cathedral – Piazza del Duomo, 90015 Cefalù PA

Located in the most charming square in Cefalù, the Cathedral is free to enter during non-service hours. Just make sure your shoulders are covered!

Built between 1131 and 1240, this building was erected after Sicily conquered the Normans in 1091. It stands out amongst the skyline as you drive into Cefalù. And, if you hike La Rocca you can spot it from above!

Hike La Rocca

For the best views of Cefalù, embark on an easy trail that will lead you to several landmarks. Best of all, it will lead you to a gorgeous aerial view of Cefalù.

The starting point for the trail head is here: Rocca di Cefalù, 90015 Cefalù, Province of Palermo – follow the signs from the main streets for Rocca di Cefalu and they will lead you to the trail.

The trail is well marked and along the way you’ll see coastal views, city views and the ruins of an ancient Norman Castle.

While the terrain is easy, be sure you wear comfortable shoes (not sandals), bring water and of course – a camera to capture the enchanting view from the top!

Go shopping

Amongst the streets of Cefalù are some great shops!

Not just souvenir shops, but also ceramics, clothes, make up and footwear. If you are visiting in the off-season or just simply aren’t interested in beach activities, there are plenty of shops to keep you buys!

The shops are pretty much all around the town, but the main street for shopping is located at Corso Ruggero.

Get lost

There are so many adorably quaint streets in Cefalù!

I recommend simply going for a walk and getting lost amongst the shuttered windows, hanging laundry and cobblestones – you never know what you might find!

Go for a stroll without a destination in mind and take it all in. The smells, the light, the sounds.

Cefalù is a truly beautiful place to just slow down and enjoy the atmosphere with your loved ones or even solo!

What to eat

There are so many different restaurants to choose from in Cefalù, but not much variety.

Of course, they are all Italian/Mediterranean restaurants! That means a majority of your options will be pizza, pasta, or seafood dishes.

If that’s what you like, great! This is your place!

Enoteca Le Petit Tonneau – Via Vittorio Emanuele, 49, 90015 Cefalù PA

If you’re looking for a bottle of local, Sicilian wine and a handcrafted meat and cheese board while in Cefalu, this your spot!

Offering gorgeous views of the sea on their back patio and a delectable menu, sit back and enjoy the sunset here.

If you would rather sit on the beach for sunset, that’s cool too!

We chose to buy a bottle of wine from Le Petit, get a pizza to-go and sit on the beach to enjoy the sunset.

We had glasses in our AirBnB so we just grabbed those on the way down and enjoyed one of the most gorgeous sunsets I have ever seen!

What do you think? Will you add Cefalù to your summer bucket list?

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