It is famous all over the world for its majestic Arab-Norman Cathedral, for the Portrait of the unknown by Antonello da Messina, kept at the Mandralisca Museum, for the majestic Rocca, for the golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. But Cefalù is much more. It is a treasure trove of surprises in the open air, history, culture and nature all to be discovered, at any time of the year. Especially in autumn and spring when the temperature is mild and the village, without the summer rush, expresses all its charm.
The town is part of the Madonie Park and is included in the club of The most beautiful villages of Italy. It stands at the foot of a rocky promontory, about 60 km from Palermo, and has developed around the Cathedral designed by the Norman king Ruggero II. Apparently small and collected, Cefalù holds an infinity of artistic treasures, historians and naturalists that must be discovered gradually and slowly. To calmly admire the traces of all the cultures that have settled there over the centuries. And to taste the slow pace of the seaside village and the call of the past, engraved in the winding of its narrow streets, in the presence of houses and walls sewn together and in the breeze of that sea that has forged it and that still makes it one of the most beautiful pearls in the Italian artistic and landscape. Here is a series of itineraries, to be faced in seven days, to enjoy all the beauty of Cefalù and surroundings.
Day one: a walk in the historic center
The origin of Cefalù dates back to the 6th-5th century BC, when the Greek settlers of nearby Himera made it the fortified center of control of their territory towards the east. Frequently in dispute with the Carthaginians, it was then ruled by the Romans and later by the Byzantines, conquered by the Arabs and finally by the Normans. The village preserves in its historic center the various traces of the cultures that have crossed it. It’s just a simple walk in the old town to realize this.
Roman Road
On Corso Ruggero, for example, there is an interesting archaeological evidence: the Roman Road. It is a 6-meter long cobblestone of the Hellenistic-Roman city (1st century B.C.) Visitable on request or when the municipal architectural complex of the Court of the Stars, in which it is located, is open. This complex, by the way, is classified as one of the most representative buildings of the 20th century.
Osterio Magno
It is located a few steps from the Roman road: it is a fortified palace of the 12th century, belonged to the nobles Ventimiglia. Probably, as some historical sources testify, it is a portion of the so-called Domus Regia of King Roger the Norman. Contains archaeological evidence of the 1st and 2nd century B.C.
Open every day
9 a.m – 2 p.m.
3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Edicole votive
Walking through the alleys is often to come across votive building features, small architectural structures, expression of popular devotion. They are set up and adorned especially on the occasion of the Feast of SS. Salvatore. Notable those of Via Botta and Via Spinuzza.
Municipal Theatre
Named after the musician from Cefalù, Salvatore Cicero, it is a small jewel of Italian theatre architecture, built in 1818 and decorated in pre-current Liberty style by the local genius artist Rosario Spagnolo. Set of the film Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (Giuseppe Tornatore, 1988).
Open from Thuesday to Sunday
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
(currently under renovation)
Medieval wash-house
It is a fascinating structure of probable Arab-Norman origin, restored in the 16th century: it has 22 cast iron mouths (some leonine) from which gush the icy waters of the small river Cefalino, flowing between the limestone stones “a lumachella”. The waters are pure because of karst origin. Or, as the legend goes, because you spring from the tears of a desperate nymph after killing her beloved who is found guilty of treason.
Open every day
8 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Day two: architectural and artistic tresaures
Every corner of Cefalù is rich in traces of the history that has forged it. But two places, in particular, should be visited to know well the salient features of the various eras.
The Cathedral
It is commonly called the Cathedral but it is exactly a Cathedral Basilica dedicated to the Transfiguration, founded in 1131 by the Norman king Ruggero II.
Famous for its towers that, in the background of the Rock, give the plant a truly majestic character. But especially for its mosaics inside Byzantine art. Above all, in the center, stands out the mosaic of Christ Pantocrator. To see: the Capitolare Cloister, the oldest in Sicily, with double columns with a double capital. Since 2015 it is a UNESCO Heritage Site in “Arab-Norman Palermo and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale.
Open every day
8 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.
3.30 p.m.- 5:45 p.m.
(weeekend to 7:30 p.m.)
Mandralisca Museum
It is located in the palace that belonged to the patron and intellectual Enrico Pirajno di Mandralisca and has considerable collections. For example the archaeological one, with the famous Crater of the seller of tuna, of the 4th sec. b.C., that numismatica and that malacological one which is among the richest in Europe. The library is very rich and the picture gallery excellent: here the place of honour belongs to the famous Portrait of the unknown by Antonello da Messina, the most famous and enigmatic smile in the world after that of Mona Lisa.
Open every day
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
August 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Day Three: steps on the sea and in history
Cefalù is also and above all known for its sea, the village is in fact taken by storm by tourists during the summer because the beaches are only wide and comfortable, the crystal clear waters and breathtaking views. Yet, it is in the other seasons that the sea of Cefalù expresses its charm at best.
Porta Pescara, Piazza Marina and the Old pier
The tour to discover the sea side of Cefalù, starts from a symbolic place, Porta Pescara, the only survivor of the four gates of medieval times, in continuity with those of ancient times, characterized by a majestic gothic arch. From here there is a sea front with a long pier from which to observe the town beach, starting from the old town, with the fishermen’s houses and the ogival arches used as shelters for boats. This area was the set of the film Nuovo Cinema Paradiso by Giuseppe Tornatore (1988).
Path on the rocks
AccesAccessible from the stairs in the dock area, this path leads to Porta Giudecca, the characteristic entrance door of the historic Jewish quarter, which represents “a village in the village”. The route is made on the rocks close to the sea, to make easy the walk along the megalithic walls in a unique landscape.
Megalithic walls and Postierla
Built probably in the 5th century BC, perhaps on remote pre-existences, they are called megalithic because composed of huge blocks. Several times renovated and integrated, until at least the sixteenth century, you can see the different “seams” going down on the rocks from Postierla, a spectacular opening in the walls.
Bastion of Capo Marchiafava and Digital museum
Powerful defensive stronghold of the 17th century, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view, it houses a digital museum: augmented reality visors allow an immersive experience between the monumental assets of the UNESCO site “Palermo Arabo-Normanna and the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale”.
Open every day
11:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Day 4: the nature and the past trace
Cefalù owes its current name to Kephaloidion, from the Greek word kephalé, for head, with reference to the Fortress that dominates it. It is located just behind the famous Norman cathedral and its profile makes Cefalù immediately recognizable on the coast. The spectacular rock, 268 meters high, is a must-see not only for those who want to trace back to the origin of this place but also for lovers of green and trekking.
La Rocca
The effort of climbing (you get from the stairs that start from Piazza Garibaldi) is amply rewarded by the view. Proceeding along the staircase you can see all Cefalù unveiling little by little: at sunset it dresses in a special light.From the top of this spectacular fortress, you can see what the alleys hide, such as the perimeter of the fortified walls and the sea bed against the clear water. Here you can spend the whole day because at the top there is an area equipped for picnic and relaxation. To see: the megalithic building called Temple of Diana, from the protohistoric era that contains a “dolmen” cistern; then the structures of the small medieval settlement, the panoramic point with the iron cross overlooking the Cathedral, the crenellated walls and, on top, the ruins of a castle of Norman origin but with Federician structure.
Open eveeryday
8 a.m. – 7 p.m. last entry at 5.30 p.m. (october-april)
Day 5: the surroundings of Cefalù
The surroundings of Cefalù offer much to do and see: paths in the green, hidden destinations and little explored by tourists and traditions that reveal the most authentic soul of this place.
Gibilmanna Sanctuary
Placed at 800 m. s.l.m. and surrounded by the woods of Pizzo Sant’Angelo, the Sanctuary of Gibilmanna is a famous destination for pilgrimages to Mary Most Holy, patroness of the Diocese of Cefalù, whose splendid marble effigy, with Jesus Child, attributed to Antonello Gagini (16th century). The convent and the original church were founded, according to tradition, in the 6th century by Pope Gregory the Great. It is 15 km from Cefalù and the square of the Sanctuary, the view stretches along a wide stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast.
Serra Guarneri
It is the favorite place for cefaludesi looking for greenery and relaxation. A forest of evergreen oaks, mixed with oaks and other valuable flora, protected as an integral nature reserve. It dominates Sant’Ambrogio, a hamlet of Cefalù, and allows you to admire a panorama that ranges from the Rocca di Cefalù to the Aeolian islands, to various peaks of the Madonie as Pizzo Carbonara. Located about 3 km from the SS 113, it is a destination for environmental education routes especially for children and young people.
Sant’Ambrogio
Hamlet of Cefalù, 6 km to the east, with about 300 inhabitants, is a charming terrace on the Tyrrhenian Sea, with its typically intertwined houses and streets. It was probably born as a village of farmers, between the ‘600 and the ‘700, perhaps in part of Lombard origins (witness the cult of S. Ambrogio and the nearby contrada Linate). Characteristic the feast of Maria SS. della Salute.
Day six and seven: Madonie
Cefalù is part of the Madonie Park, an open-air botanical atlas with recognition of UNESCO Geopark. Here are many destinations and activities, but also the villages that you can visit by stopping in Cefalù ( is easily connected to nearby centers and is therefore the ideal place to stay to discover the Madonie).
Trails, woods and adventures
Among the possible activities, at the Madonie Park, there are trekking through oak woods, holm oaks and olive trees, birdwatching, spring snowshoeing at Monte Mufara (about 40 km from Cefalù, 1865 meters above sea level), the exploration of the woods of Piano Cervi to spot deer and other valuable fauna, horseback riding on trails used in the past for transhumance and even those in quads choosing between a short route within the borders of Cefalù (Cefalù – Sant’Ambrogio) and one long on the paths of the “ancient shepherds” (Cefalù – Castelbuono). For the most daring there are the Adventure Park, the Zipline madonita, the only in Italy at 1000 meters high, and paragliding.
Gal Hassin Isnello Astronomical Park
Run by the Italian Space Agency, it is the ideal destination for science and astronomy lovers. It brings together the research station (the highest astronomical observatory in Italy) and an educational pole with the Space and Time Park, the museum on astronautics meteorites and lunar missions, An observation terrace and a large open planetarium that allows a 360 degree immersion in the world of astronomy. Here the light pollution is very low and, thanks to the precious equipment, you can admire all the beauty of the stars on Cefalù. It is about 20 km away and can be visited by booking online.
Gole di Tiberio
It is a canyon about 350 meters long, the result of the millenary action of the waters of the river Pollina. The smooth limestone walls and overhanging the valley form a unique landscape and natural interest and are the ideal habitat for many plant and animal species. Wild and inhospitable until some time ago, today you can visit and travel in rubber dinghies. Since 2001 the gorges are one of the UNESCO-recognized Geopark sites. They are about 27 km from Cefalù.
