Things to do in Cefalù

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Last Updated on 30 January 2025

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this article I explain what to see in Cefalù. It is a small town in the province of Palermo. It was founded by the Greeks who called it Kephaloidion (from kefalè, meaning head) and then the Romans changed its name to Chephaloedium. The name comes from the promontory of the Rocca, which overlooks the town and has an unusual head shape. It is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily, a must-visit place.

Tip from Topsecretsicily: You can also book a guided walking tour of Cefalu.

The Rock

One of the most beautiful places in Cefalù is certainly the Rocca. Here, in fact, you will find the remains of the protohistoric temple of Diana probably built by the Sicans in the 9th century BC, with large megalithic blocks wedged together. It was dedicated to a water divinity, a sort of nymph, with the entrance leading to a huge cistern with a dolmen cover. The Greeks around the 5th century BC modified the temple by building another building on it. In this regard, you can see the original large irregular boulders below (Protohistoric Age) and higher up the much more regular boulders (Greek period). Subsequently the Byzantines further modified this place of worship, building a Byzantine church over it.

Nearby are also the church of Sant’Anna (10th century AD), the remains of ancient Byzantine fortifications and further up, the ruins of a medieval castle (XII century AD). If that weren’t enough, just look down to admire the sea, the hills and Cefalù seen from above, a fantastic panorama. If you go to Cefalù you cannot fail to go and see this little jewel of history and nature.

Of course I won’t hide from you that the walk is a bit strenuous, especially in summer and if you want to go all the way to the castle. However, I guarantee you that it is worth it, after about 45 minutes of climbing you will be rewarded.

The historical center and the Cathedral

The small town itself is really quite beautiful and my advice is to get lost in its small streets of the old town as I did. You can also book a guided walking tour if you wish.

Have you ever wondered how dirty clothes were washed so many centuries ago? Along Via Vittorio Emanuele you will find the medieval wash house (free entry) obtained directly from the rock to exploit a natural watercourse. Wandering around the country you will not be able to miss the Cefalù Cathedral , declared heritage of Unesco, built by the Norman king Roger II around 1100. Seen from the outside it is very charming and impressive, but the interior is also beautiful.

Finally, among the things to see in Cefalù, the Pescara gate, from where you can enjoy a wonderful glimpse of the marina, with the characteristic old houses overlooking the sea. Everything is made even more fascinating at sunset, not to be missed.

Cannolì Bar

Top Secret Tip: Walk on the cliffs at sunset

Towards the end of the village there is a beautiful illuminated path that passes over the cliff, a great place to relax and admire the sunset. At the end of the path, heading up the road, you´ll find yourself in front of the town´s lighthouse and can eat at the excellent restaurant la trinacria overlooking the sea.

The beach in the historic center

The most famous and probably even the most beautiful beach is the one next to the marina, just below the typical houses overlooking the sea. It is a fine golden crescent beach. This is certainly the most suggestive and panoramic and the water is calm and clear.

The picturesque beach of Kalura

Kalura beach - Cefalù — *Олег Белый via Google Maps*

About 20 minutes walk from the center of Cefalù, there is the small Kalura beach. It is located in a very characteristic small gulf, made up of pebbles and rocks, it looks like a small postcard. You get there after a panoramic path of about 100 steps, a bit tiring but worth it. Bring sea shoes and a mask with you, this is the ideal place to snorkel. The other main beaches listed below are quickly reachable by car.

Mazzoforno beach

If you want to snorkel you can go to the small sandy beach of Mazzoforno, which is located in a beautiful green bay.

The beach of Selinelle and Sant’Ambrogio

Salinelle beach Sicily — *Nino Arcoleo via Google Maps*

If you love windsurfing you can go to the wide sandy beach of Selinelle and finally, if you are looking for tranquility, the large pebbly beach of Sant’Ambrogio (foreshore and sandy bottoms) is for you.

Typical products and where to eat in Cefalù

Pasta in Taianu Cefalù — Pasta in Taianu – Taverna Tinchitè

The typical dishes in Cefalù are fish dishes, but the most traditional is pasta in Taianu. It is pasta with tomato sauce, lamb and beef, aubergines and pecorino, all cooked in an earthenware pan, the “taianu”.

Do you think that the origin of this recipe is very ancient. In fact, tianu derives from the Arabic taio and indicates the clay that was used to make the terracotta container used by the Arabs for cooking food.

In Cefalù you will find excellent restaurants, I recommend the ones I tried and really liked: La taverna Tinchitè, the Bastion & Costanza restaurant and the Trinacria restaurant.

Topsecretsicily tip: You also have the opportunity to have a dining experience at a local’s home.

Cefalù is part of the province of Palermo. Here you can find some tips on what to eat in Palermo and surroundings , here instead you find the typical Sicilian dishes.