10 Awesome Things to Do in Cefalu for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Cefalu

1. Hike Parco della Rocca di Cefalù

One of the first things I highly recommend you do early in the morning in Cefalu is to go hike around Parco della Rocca di Cefalù, a beautiful park covering the entire La Rocca, a massive rocky hill towering behind the old town area of Cefalu with hiking trails and viewpoints.

It is one of my favorite places in Cefalu as the views offered here are probably the best views you will get in this city. The hike towards the viewpoint begins at the trailhead here which is easily accessible from the Old Town.

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you will have to buy a ticket to get into the park which should cost no more than 5 EUR per person. The hike will take you to the observation deck above the old town and you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Cefalu and its coastline from above.

The hike is quite steep and takes almost 20 minutes to reach the observation deck. In the summer, it can be extremely hot outside so please prepare enough water and wear sturdy shoes for the hike. At least 2 liters since there are more hikes to do after this and you won't find anywhere to buy water up here.

If you are not a fan of the Italian summer heat, don't sweat (literally 😂) as you should be able to avoid being in the sun if you wake up early and hike Parco della Rocca di Cefalù in the morning. The sun should be behind the hill and most of the hiking trail up this portion of the mountain should be under the shade.

Once you arrived at the top, you will encounter an intersection, one leading to an archeological site and two to Cefalu Castle. Go to the archeological site first and we will be doing the castle later.

At the archeological site, you can continue a little further towards the old walls and atop it, you will be rewarded with an unmatched panoramic views Cefalu and the coastline stretching out as far as the eyes can see.

The view from here alone is enough of a reason to visit Cefalu. Definitely one of the best things to do in Cefalu so do not miss it. The park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day and the entrance fee is 5 EUR per person. Since the park is not gated, you might be able to get away with paying the entrance fee outside of opening hours.

2. Check Out the Temple of Diana and Church of Saint Anne

While you are exploring Parco della Rocca di Cefalù, be sure to check out the Temple of Diana and Church of Saint Anne, the 2 historical ruins located along the hiking trails inside the park.

The Temple of Diana is a Roman temple believed to have been built in the 5th century or 4th Century BC and is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Roman temples in Sicily.

It was dedicated to the goddess Diana and it was built over an existing cistern that can be associated with the worship of water, although it is not exactly impressive nor has it been renovated so you just have to leave it to your imagination.

There are several ruins scattered across the top of La Rocca so be sure to spend some time here and explore the area. The trees around here can also offer a place for you to rest under the shade from the Italian heat so if you are looking for a rest spot, the ruins are a good place to be.

3. Hike to the Top of Castello di Cefalù

After you are done at the archeological site, you are only halfway to the grand finale of Parco della Rocca di Cefalù, to visit the Castello di Cefalù or Cefalu Castle, a Norman castle built in the 12th Century right at the top of La Rocca hill.

The castle was used for both military and residential purposes hence its strategic location and from its well-preserved walls, which is one of its best features, you can see the coastline of Cefalu in its entirety from both sides.

The path from the archeological site to Cefalu Castle is the toughest part of the hike as you will be ascending up a steep trail across the bald rocky mountain and you will be exposed to the sun for the rest of the hike until you arrive at the castle.

This part of the hike should take about 30 minutes without rest so in total, you will be hiking for around 1 hour to get from the old town all the way to the castle. This is why you should prepare accordingly before you start hiking.

Be sure to carry at least 2 liters of water for the hike, wear sturdy shoes, cover yourself with sunscreens, and bring snacks and a packed meal that you can reward yourself with once you arrive at the top.

Although the castle is pretty much a ruin with no effort to restore it back to its glory days, the castle is still worth a visit just for the view alone.

The panoramic view you get from up here is even better than the one from the viewpoints below, especially from the castle walls, as you will be able to see even further and from both sides of the coast.

It is quite a sight to behold and if you like hiking or you want to see Cefalu from a unique perspective, be sure to hike all the way to Castello di Cefalu. Including stops, you can expect to spend around 3 hours in total exploring the park as well as making it all the way up and down Cefalu Castle so be sure to spare enough time for it. Definitely one of the best things to do in Cefalu.

4. Visit Cefalù Cathedral

One of the most-recognized landmarks in Cefalu is Cefalù Cathedral, a striking Roman Catholic located right at the heart of the Old Town featuring beautiful Norman architecture with the iconic sandy brown colored exterior Sicily is known for.

The cathedral was built in the 12th century during the Norman occupation of Sicily and it features a mix of Norman and Byzantine architectural styles built out of stone and bricks.

The interior of the cathedral also features a beautiful well-preserved wooden ceiling, stunning brick columns, and arches, as well as beautiful ornaments, frescoes, and mosaics in the altar area.

The church is open from 8 AM to 12:45 PM and again from 3:30 to 5:45 PM on weekdays while on weekends, it is open from 8 AM to 12:45 PM and again from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The church is free and you can get in via its side entrance and you can exit it from the front.

There are also several restaurants and cafes around here and so if you want to indulge yourself in local cuisine or looking for a place to rest with a gelato or a coffee, be sure to spend some time and explore the surrounding areas.

5. Check Out the View from Bastione di Capo Marchiafava

Bastione di Capo Marchiafava is a fortification located on the northern tip of Cefalu at offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding coastline and is a great place to visit as you explore Cefalu's Old Town.

The bastion was built in the 16th century to defend the town against pirate attacks back in the day but today, it has become one of the town's most important historical landmarks and a great place to visit and enjoy the sea breeze and the beautiful view of Cefalu's northern coastline.

From the bastion, you will also be able to get down to a stony footpath along the sea that will take you around the rocky beach where you can admire the beauty of the jagged rocks in the area. During the low tide, you can walk along these stone footpaths across from Porta Pescara all the way to Cafalu Lighthouse.

Just make sure you walk during the low tide. The place is also great for sunset and sunrise as you will be able to the sun from both directions. Sunrise will likely be better as you will have the entire place to yourself as you watch the magic happens, so be sure to drop by there early in the morning.

6. Jump into the Water at Porta Pescara (Porta Marina)

Porta Pescara, also known as Porta Marina is a 12th-century gate built during the Norman occupation of Sicily and it provides access to the sandy beaches of Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio and an old port where you can jump into the crystal clear water of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The gate is located on the western side of the Old Town and once you go through it, you will be right at the beach where you can spend some time, sunbathing and swimming. Be sure to get there early so you can score a nice spot for the day.

The beach is attached to a pier where you can stroll around and walk along its wall for an incredible view of Cefalu's old town and its striking coastline.

The pier is also a great place to jump into the water as it has enough elevation and depth for it while you can climb back up to the pier via one of the many installed ladders along the pier. If the beach is full, there should be plenty of space left along the pier so be sure to check it out.

7. Drop by the Medieval Laundry House

Not too far from Porta Pescara, you will find a medieval laundry house or Lavatoio Medievale Fiume Cefalino, a well-preserved example of medieval architecture and one of the town's most important historical landmarks you should definitely visit.

The washhouse was constructed in the 16th Century and it was used by the local community for washing clothes and other household items. Here, you will find complex waterways, the original stone wash basins, and cast-iron spouts which goes to show how much of a master builder they really were.

The place is open from 10 AM to 12 PM and again from 4 PM to 7 PM every day and there is no entrance fee for the laundry house. If you are interested in the history of Cefalu and want to get a glimpse of what life was like back in the day, be sure to drop by the medieval laundry house.

8. Check Out Osterio Magno

Osterio Magno is a historic fortified palace located in the old town of Cefalu, right along the main street and it is considered to be one of the town's most important historical landmarks.

It was constructed in the 12th century during the Norman occupation of Sicily on top of Hellenistic structures and served various functions over the centuries, including as a palace for King Roger II, an inn, and a market.

Nowadays, it is a museum showcasing its preserved interior that has been renovated and expanded throughout its existence from the Hellenistic time to the Romans, the Normans, and to today. The museum has just been opened for the first time in 2022 so be sure to check it out while you are here.

9. Get Lost in the Streets of Cefalu

The streets of Cefalu's Old Town are beautiful and there is no better way to explore them than to get lost in the crisscrossing cobblestone streets as you navigate your way around the picturesque surroundings.

The town is a maze of narrow, winding alleyways lined with pastel-colored buildings, cute cafes, and bustling street markets. No matter in which direction you look, I guarantee you, you will find some things to take photos of.

Strolling through the streets of Cefalù is a truly magical experience and is sure to leave you feeling captivated by the town's beauty and character. If you have time to spare, be sure to go around Cefalu and explore its charming streets.

10. Relax at Cefalu Beach

If you are looking to spend hours at the beach in Cefalu and find Porta Pescara to be crowded, you should check out Cefalu Beach, a beautiful stretch of sandy beach that stretches across the western coastline for over 1.5 km.

The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. Here, you can find sun loungers and parasols, showers, restrooms, and other facilities to enable you to spend as long as you like at the beach.

There are also plenty of beachfront hotels near Cefaly beach and so if you are looking for the ultimate place to stay here where you can easily access the beach, be sure to browse through here.

What to Eat and Drink in Cefalu?

1. Eat Pasta at Pasta e Pasti

If you are looking for a nice local place for lunch in Cefalu, I highly recommend you check out Pasta e Pasti, a nice local restaurant serving fresh homemade pasta, the best pasta you will ever try here, as well as other traditional foods you can indulge yourself in.

Unlike other restaurants in Cefalu, this is not a tourist trap and you will be paying a local price for local food which is not so easy to find nowadays.

From seafood pasta that you can customize to your heart's content, to fresh seafood ala carte you can order, this place is truly one of the best restaurants you have to try in Sicily.

The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except on Mondays and the price of the food range between 7 EUR to 10 EUR which is extremely cheap considering what you are getting which is fresh homemade pasta with seafood, etc. I can't recommend this place enough!

How to Get to Cefalu?

To get to Cefalu, you will first have to fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) and from there, you can catch one of the many daily trains from Palermo Central Train Station that runs between 5 AM to 9:30 PM every day and visits the city as a day trip. The train ticket should cost around 8 EUR and takes about 40 minutes to reach Cefalu. You can book the train ticket here.

Further Reading for Sicily

I hope you found this Italy travel guide useful. If you want to read more about Italy, here is a selection of articles you might like:

• Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary for Sicily? Check out: One Week Backpacking Sicily Itinerary
• First time visiting Italy? Here are the 15 Best Places to Visit in Italy.
• Want to see the highlights of Italy in 2 weeks? Be sure to check out our 2 Weeks Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• Want to travel around Italy for one month, from the Dolomites in the north to Sicily in the south? You are going to love this backpacking itinerary packed with information: One Month Backpacking Italy Itinerary.
• The capital city of Sicily, Palermo, is a diverse city steeped in rich and unique history, cultures, and traditions, and it is the best place to begin your journey in Sicily. Planning a trip to Palermo? Be sure to check out the 17 Best Things to Do in Palermo.
• One of the highlights of visiting Sicily is walking among the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples. Here is a complete travel guide to the Valley of the Temples, Sicily.
• Wondering what other things to do in Agrigento other than the Valley of the Temples? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Agrigento.
• Syracuse is a great base to explore eastern Sicily. If you are planning to visit the city, be sure to check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Syracuse.
• Planning to visit Noto and its famous flower festival in Sicily? Check out the 8 Best Things to Do in Noto.
• If you are looking for a great base to explore Puglia and Southern Italy, Bari is the best place to be. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Bari.
• Known for its unique cave dwellings and rock-cut architecture, Matera is one of the upcoming places for travelers to visit in Southern Italy. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Matera.
• For a complete 7-day backpacking itinerary in Central Italy that will take you from Rome to Pompeii to the Amalfi Coast, be sure to check out: 7 Days Backpacking Central Italy Itinerary.
• Rome needs no introduction from me. From well-trodden attractions like the Colosseum to hidden gem spots like the Appian Way, here are the 20 Best Things to Do in Rome you shouldn't miss!
• Wondering what you can do in Rome in 3 days? Check out our 3-day Backpacking Rome Itinerary.
• Looking for a complete itinerary for Northern Italy? Check out: 2-Weeks Backpacking Northern Italy Itinerary.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• To see all the articles about Italy, visit the Italy Travel Guide page.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Southern Europe Travel Guide, Western Europe Travel Guide, or Central Europe Travel Guide pages.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.