Cefalù is the gateway to the Madonie, to be discovered in many different ways, to dive into forests of oaks, holm oaks and olive trees, always with the blue of the sea in the background. But the town centre also has corners that allow you to immerse yourself in authentic Sicilian vegetation, such as the famous Rocca, the perfect place for a picnic, a sports walk or a few hours of relaxation. Ready to discover the true nature of Cefalù?
La Rocca di Cefalù
Cefalù owes its current name to Kephaloidion, from the Greek word kephalé, that’s mean 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 go back to the origin of this place but also for lovers of green and trekking.
The effort of the climb (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 beds through 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; 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.
Serra Guarneri, integral natural reserve
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. One of these magical places is Serra Guarneri, a wood of evergreen oaks, mixed with holm oaks and other valuable flora.
Serra Guarneri is a natural reserve and hosts an environmental education center. It dominates the hamlet of Sant’Ambrogio and allows you to admire a panorama that ranges from the Rocca di Cefalù to the Aeolian islands, up to various peaks of the Madonie as Pizzo Carbonara. This forest is the favorite place for Cefalu people in search of greenery and relaxation and is a welcoming place, with marked trails, good air to breathe and lots of flora to discover.
The paths in the madonie park
Cefalù has a significant part of its territory in the Madonie Park: kilometers of trails available for trekking in the middle of a true open-air botanical atlas, with the possibility of birdwatching and sightings of deer, foxes, porcupines and other valuable wildlife.
In the Madonie area of Cefalù you can experience full immersion in unspoiled nature: walk among enchanting landscapes, on the paths of ancient shepherds and shy hermits. You can cross the woods on a quad and arrive from the inside in the charming village of S. Ambrogio to watch a magical sunset; or, again, climb up to the Sanctuary of Maria SS. of Gibilmanna, an oasis of meditation and beauty, where you can feel the mystical spirituality at 800 meters high, immersed in dense forests, often silent, admiring the surrounding wooded mountains and a very long stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast (from here the gaze spreads to the Aeolian islands).
You can of course go further, do birdwatching or spring snowshoeing at Monte Mufara (about 40 km from Cefalù, 1865 meters above sea level). You can explore the woods of Piano Cervi to spot deer and other valuable fauna or ride on horseback on trails used in the past for transhumance.