Cefalù Travel Guide

It is a special atmosphere that surrounds the visitor who decides out of curiosity to come to Cefalù. The sensation in this place is one where the good taste of nature has been married almost perfectly with the good taste of man. Cefalù offers such delightful, artistic street views and a remarkable historic center, from which you can discover the history of this place.

The Greeks called Cefalù by the name Kefaloidion, from the Greek for Kefa or kefalé, which means “cape,” because of the calcareous promontory located above the city. With its artistic and natural heritage and delicate tastes of fresh fish and good wine, this small city by the sea will hold, without a doubt, an exceptional place in your memory.

What to see and do
Arab-Norman Duomo
Mandralisca Museum
Sanctuary of Gibilmanna
Trekking to the top of Pizzo Carbonara
Dinner featuring fresh fish in one of the many restaurants along the seafront
Lavatoio medievale (Public fountain used for washing clothes in the Middle Ages)
Castle Ortolani Di Bordonaro
S. Ambrogio Beach
Walk among the small streets of the historic center enjoying a typical almond dessert
Osterio Magno (Noble Palace)

Events at Cefalù
June
In the first half of June, for those who are moved by a religious spirit or simply out of an anthropological interest, one can watch a grand procession dedicated to one of the sacraments, the Celebration of the Corpus Domini. Also of great interest is what occurs the day preceding the procession, or to be more precise, the parade of the “Fruottula.” The streets of the city welcome many allegorical floats displaying elegant flower compositions. This event is inspired by a tradition with origins in the old artisanal guilds, when typical workers, such as fishers and builders and others, would make a parade of floats with flowers in the streets of Cefalù, moving to the rhythm of the tambourine and distributing the typical local biscuits called cucciddati to the children.
August
The most important festival of Cefalù is dedicated to SS. Salvatore, who is consecrated in the duomo. Although the patron saint of Cefalù is the Virgin Mary, the inhabitants have always considered SS. Salvatore as their patron. The festival begins on the 2nd of August and lasts until the 6th. On the final day you can watch the traditional race called ntinna a mare (antenna at the sea): fisherman of all ages try to reach a colored flag placed at the end of a tree trunk placed horizontally on the pier over the sea. The race is made more difficult because the trunk is completely covered with soap.

Cefalu's typical Food & Drink
Alici della duchessa (Anchovies of the duchess)
One of the pearls among many of the cefaludese cooking is, without a doubt, the great variety of dishes made with fish. One specialty is a mixture of anchovies, sliced bread, garlic, onion, parsley, oil and vinegar. It is spread on a slice of bread and enriched by adding a little butter.
Local Wine
Like many of the areas in Sicily, ancient land of the vineyards, Cefalù also features a high quality of local wines with which you can accompany your relaxing dinners. The wines are best when served with fresh fish and while enjoying the views of the sunset over the sea.

Spotlight on Doing Laundry in the Middle Ages
The public laundry fountains of Cefalù, better known as Lavatoio medioevale, are an unforgettable image of the past. Observing them today, it seems as if one can hear the chatter of the women, coming to wash their dirty clothes in the communal area with the other housewives of the time. Going down the stone steps formed by lava, they reached the pools that were filled with water from 22 cast iron mouths, several of which are shaped as lion’s heads. The water, coming from a source long since exhausted in the mountains behind the Gratteri, exits to the sea through a small cavern.

How to arrive
Cefalù is located on the northern coastline of the island of Sicily, and is easily reached from nearby Palermo, as well as from the other two principal Sicilian cities of Catania and Messina.
By Plane: The most convenient airport to Cefalù is Palermo. The Falcone Borsellino airport is about 75 minutes from Cefalù.
By Car: Cefalù is located on the A19 and A20 freeways.
Freeway A20:
From Palermo toward Messina. After about 35 minutes, take the Cefalù exit for SS 113. Follow SS 113 until you reach the center of Cefalù.
From Messina toward Palermo. After about 90 minutes, take the Cefalù exit for SS 113. Follow SS 113 until you reach the center of Cefalù.
Freeway A19:
From Catania toward Palermo. After about 110 minutes, Freeway A19 meets Freeway A20 heading toward Messina. Take the Cefalù exit for SS 113. Follow SS 113 until you reach the center of Cefalù.
By Boat: Boat connections for Cefalù depart daily to and from Palermo and the Aeolian Islands from the 1st of June to the 16th of September.
Other: Cefalù has a train station reachable every day as an intermediary stop on the connections to and from Palermo and the other provinces of the island.
Cefalù can be reached by intercity buses. Pay attention, however, as some companies provide this service only during the summer.