How to Explore Cefalù, a Medieval Town with a Stunning Cathedral
Hey guys, it’s Summer, and I am traveling and exploring again. Today I want to share with you one of the most amazing places I have visited this past weekend: Cefalú. This small town on the north coast of Sicily is the place to experience a picturesque and relaxing destination that has everything you need for a perfect getaway: stunning beaches, nature, historical monuments, delicious food and a friendly atmosphere.
So I grabbed my partner and visited Cefalù this summer and we fell in love with this place. We stayed for a weekend in a cozy apartment near the beach and enjoyed every moment of our stay. Here are some of the things we did and saw in Cefalù that made our trip unforgettable.
Things To Do In Cefalu
Start your day by wandering the narrow streets of the old town, admiring the colorful houses, the quaint shops and friendly locals. You will soon reach the main attraction of Cefalu
Cefalu Cathedral
The most impressive landmark of Cefalù is the cathedral, a majestic Norman building that dominates the main square of the town. It was built in the 12th century by King Roger II, who according to legend vowed to erect a church here after surviving a storm at sea.
The cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture and art, combining different styles and influences from Byzantine, Arab and Romanesque cultures. The interior is decorated with splendid mosaics on a gold background, depicting scenes from the Bible and the life of Christ. The most striking image is the one of Christ Pantocrator, or Almighty, in the central apse, with his benevolent gaze and his hand raised in blessing.
I recommend you take the tour offered. We experienced the complete Red Itinerary and it was worth it. Click here for info.
Cefalu’s Medieval Wash House
Continuing to explore the streets we encountered a spiral staircase, which took us back in time, to when the women used to go there to wash the clothes all together – in each station there is in fact the support that was used to rub the clothes.
Inside, the washhouse is made up of several basins into which the waters of the Cefalino River flow, this water is incredibly pure and cold all year round, as the sign affixed to the entrance tells us.
There is an interesting legend that circulates around this place: it was said that the purity of the river waters should be attributed to the tears of a grieving nymph, poured into the river after killing her lover for a betrayal.
Have A Drink In Piazza Garibaldi
This square is away from the crowds that gravitate towards the cathedral and the beach. The charming Piazza Garibaldi, is edged by numerous bars & restaurants, and is highly recommended place to catch a little shade during your daytime wanderings.
If you have a sweet tooth, you can stop by and get gelato at Antica Porta Terra, or indulge in a cornetto, brioche con gelato, or simply just grab yourself a drink.
This square also marks the quickest starting point for the Rocca entrance. You can find the entrance here on Google Maps.
Rocca di Cefalu
Another distinctive feature of Cefalù is its rock, or Rocca di Cefalù, a steep hill that rises above the town. The rock has been inhabited since ancient times and has played an important role in the history and defense of Cefalù.
You can climb up to the top of the rock by following a path that starts from the old town. The hike is not too difficult but it requires some stamina and good shoes. Along the way, you can see some interesting sights, such as the remains of an ancient wall, a medieval castle and a cistern.
The highlight of the hike is the Temple of Diana, a megalithic structure dating back to the 9th century BC. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of hunting and nature and is connected to the cult of water. It has a rectangular shape with four large pillars at the corners.
From the top of the rock, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Cefalù and its surroundings. You can see the whole town with its colorful houses, the cathedral with its twin towers, the beach with its turquoise water and the horizon with its blue sky. It’s definitely worth the effort!
Porta Pescara Cefalu
Cefalú, like many strongholds overlooking the sea, was at one point in history completely surrounded by walls that gave protection from pirate attacks during the Middle Ages. To guarantee the safety of its people, each of the defense walls had only one door, for a total of four doors, that allowed access to the city center with strict control.
Porta Pescara is the only survivor of the four access doors that opened along the fortified walls of Cefalù. Its construction dates back to the period when Cefalù was ruled by the Ventimiglia family, between 1200 and 1300. In the passage area it is still possible to see the remains of columns dating back to that period and give you access to the old harbour and a beach.
The Beach
One of the main attractions of Cefalù is its long sandy beach, which stretches for about 2 km along the coast. The beach is clean and well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and bars. The water is clear and calm, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach is also very scenic, as it offers a wonderful view of the town and its rocky promontory. You can walk along the shore and enjoy the breeze and the sound of the waves. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the nearby coves and caves.
The beach is very popular among locals and tourists alike, so it can get crowded in peak season. If you prefer a quieter spot, you can head to Sant’Ambrogio, a small village about 5 km away from Cefalù, where you can find a smaller but equally charming beach.
The Food
No trip to Sicily would be complete without tasting its delicious food. Cefalù offers plenty of options for every taste and budget. You can find traditional restaurants serving typical Sicilian dishes, such as pasta alla norma (with tomato sauce, eggplant and ricotta cheese), arancini (fried rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese), caponata (a vegetable stew with eggplant, tomatoes, olives and capers) and cannoli (crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream).
You can also find seafood restaurants offering fresh fish and shellfish from the local catch. Some of the specialties are spaghetti alle vongole (with clams), fritto misto (fried mixed seafood), sarde a beccafico (sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, raisins and pine nuts) and swordfish alla siciliana (with tomato sauce, olives and capers).
If you are looking for a quick snack, you can try the street food stalls selling pizza, panini, focaccia and other baked goods. You can also find ice cream parlors and pastry shops offering a variety of sweets, such as cassata (a sponge cake with ricotta, candied fruits and marzipan), granita (a frozen dessert made with fruit juice or coffee) and brioche (a sweet bread roll).
Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed by the quality and the flavor of the food in Cefalù. It’s a feast for the senses!
The Atmosphere
The last but not least reason why I loved Cefalù is its atmosphere. The town has a relaxed and friendly vibe that makes you feel welcome and at ease. The people are warm and hospitable, always ready to help you or chat with you. The pace of life is slow and pleasant, with no stress or rush.
You can stroll around the narrow streets of the old town, admiring the quaint houses and shops, the colorful flowers and the artistic details. You can sit in one of the many cafés and bars, sipping a drink and watching the world go by. You can join the locals in their evening passeggiata (walk), greeting each other and exchanging news.
You can also enjoy the cultural events and festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Carnival in February, the Holy Week in April, the Jazz Festival in July and the Patron Saint’s Day in December. You can experience the traditions and the customs of this ancient and lively community.
Conclusion
Cefalù is a town that has a lot to offer to its visitors. It’s a place where you can relax, have fun, learn and discover. It’s a place where you can feel at home.
You will never get bored or run out of things to see and do in Cefalu.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about Cefalu. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@lifebeyondthewire), for more travel tips and inspiration.
Until next time,
Jessie
