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Cefalu is a dreamy Sicilian beach town that we fell in love with instantly, thanks to the picture-perfect views around every corner. So if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful town, well, I’m pretty jealous!
We’ve rounded up our top 10 things to do here along with all of the need-to-know info about each activity to help you make the most of your trip. It’s a good mix of relaxing, eating amazing food, and a few outdoor adventures – the perfect combo in my mind!
1. Relax at the beach
There are a handful of pretty beaches within easy reach of Cefalu. The main one is called Lungomare, and it’s a big sandy beach that’s over 5 kilometers (3 miles) long. Here, you can choose to relax for free in the public sections or pay for sunbeds and umbrellas in the private section.
We did both, but we definitely preferred the lounge chairs. We paid €20 for two loungers, a small table, and an umbrella, and we were allowed to keep them for the entire day. We could have even ordered food to our loungers, which sounded nice but the quality was not great, so we preferred to go elsewhere.
There’s also the pebbled Kalura Beach, which is a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk from town. It’s quieter than the main beach and very picturesque, but you’ve still got the option to rent sunbeds to lounge in comfort.
Meanwhile, Mazzaforno Beach is a gorgeous, sandy cove that’s perfect for escaping the crowds. It’s a 15-minute drive from Cefalu, but it’s worth it for those looking for a quieter spot to enjoy a beach day. As with the other beaches, there are loungers available to rent, as well as a beach cafe where you can grab drinks and a bite to eat.
2. Go paragliding
We love paragliding, and so of course we jumped at the chance to go while we were in Cefalu!
We booked this tandem paragliding flight, and it was honestly one of the best experiences we had in Sicily. We were picked up from our hotel and driven out to the takeoff area where we met our pilots, who were super friendly and put us right at ease.
The views as we flew over Cefalu were incredible. We could see the town, the beaches, the mountains, and of course that vivid blue sea. It was so beautiful, but what really blew us away about this flight was how long it lasted. I wasn’t timing it, but it definitely lasted for 30 to 40 minutes!
Sometimes, paragliding flights are over in the blink of an eye. The first time I ever went, I only got 5 minutes in the air! But in Cefalu, we had so much time to take in the views and enjoy the feeling of flying. There really is nothing else like it!
And to top it all off, we got epic photos of the experience too, as you can see! The photos and videos were transferred to us from the GoPro as soon as we landed and were included in the price of the tour. Again, this impressed us, because usually it costs extra.
Speaking of pricing, this tour costs €150 per person. Given how long the flight lasts and the fact that footage is included, we feel like this is really good value for money!
Book the same paragliding flight we loved right here!
3. Go on a boat tour
Another of our favorite experiences in Cefalu was this boat tour along the coast. We got a 3-hour ride along Cefalu’s gorgeous coastline and got to enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters with no one else around.
It’s also a small group tour with a max of 12 passengers on board, so it was super relaxing! It’s also really popular with hundreds of 5-star reviews you can read here. And it lived up to those reviews in our eyes!
We loved swimming on this tour and our captain took us to three different beautiful spots, including a cave, which was a fantastic surprise. Other than that, we were very happy chilling on board and enjoying the complimentary prosecco and snacks.
This boat ride is also an awesome way to beat the heat in Cefalu. We chose the 3 pm tour, so we got to spend the afternoon out on the water, but you can go at 10 am if you prefer a morning tour. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
This boat tour tends to sell out, so grab your spot here!
4. Go for aperitif at sunset with views of the water
An aperitif before dinner is a proud Italian tradition, and who are we to argue with that? So when the sun gets low in the sky, we suggest heading to one of Cefalu’s fantastic seafront bars to enjoy a cocktail and a beautiful sunset.
Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of places to do this in Cefalu, but we found two spots that we particularly loved. The first was Bordomari Sea Lounge Bar, which had the most amazing cocktails, and epic views.
The best seats in the house are on the deck, which extends right out to the water, but you will need to book these in advance as they are super popular. They don’t have a website but you can message them on Instagram or stop by in person – the bar is roughly a 15-minute walk from the main beach.
Cocktails at Bordomari are priced between €12-€16, so they are a little steep. Our drinks came with free small snacks, like nuts and olives, but they don’t serve any food here.
So if you want to order a meal along with your aperitif, or are just looking for a spot that’s a bit cheaper, we also loved Liberty Restaurant Bistro Wine Bar, which was right next door. The tapas here were amazing, but this spot is also known for its seafood. The service was super friendly, and the drinks were much more affordable!
5. Hike up La Rocca di Cefalu
La Rocca di Cefalu is the huge cliff that overlooks the town, and it’s an awesome place for a short hike. We loved the views from up here, and what’s great about this hike is that there are multiple levels – each offering stunning views. Plus, there’s a castle up here that you can visit!
Now, I should tell you that the entrance to this hike is monitored. You’ll need to pay €5 at the gate to enter, and you can do so with cash or card. However, the staff is known for turning away tourists in flip-flops, so make sure to wear shoes that are suitable for hiking!
Rocca di Cefalu is open from 8 am until 7 pm during summer or from 9 am until 4 pm in winter. The last admission is 1.5 hours before the gate closes, but we strongly recommend going early.
Cefalu is super hot during the summer, so we got to the gate at 8 am to beat the heat, and we are so glad that we did, as it was warm even at that time of the morning.
It took us about 20 minutes to walk to the first level. There’s an ancient archaeological site here, and some picnic tables in case you want to sit down and take a breather. Then, it was another 10-minute hike up to the castle. The views from both levels were magnificent, so we think it’s totally worth the effort to hike up here.
6. Jeep sunset tour with barbecue dinner
Those looking to get off the beaten track will absolutely love this private sunset Jeep tour! Forget touristy spots, because this tour will pick you up in Cefalu and whisk you off into the Madonie mountains where you’ll watch an epic sunset with no one else around, followed by an authentic Sicilian barbecue.
We think that this tour is such an exciting way to spend an evening in Cefalu. It’s a private experience, so it could be quite romantic, or a blast for families and groups of friends!
Riding through the mountains in a Jeep is a pretty thrilling experience, and the sunsets from here are truly incredible. But for us, the best part is that you get to have dinner at a local chalet in the woods and enjoy a barbecue, Sicilian-style. As well as traditional barbecue food, such as fish and fennel sausage, there is plenty of wine involved, and even some limoncello!
This tour costs €99 and Emmanuel is an incredible host who makes everyone feel welcome, and he’s passionate about sharing his culture. I think this tour is ideal for anyone looking to connect with traditional Sicilian culture away from the crowds and enjoy some incredible scenery while you’re at it.
See an amazing sunset by booking this private Jeep tour!
7. Watch the sunset from Bastione di Capo Marchiafava
We caught a lot of stunning sunsets during our trip to Cefalu, but Bastione di Capo Marchiafava was definitely one of our favorite spots. It’s a 17th-century fort on the water’s edge, and it offers panoramic ocean views, so it’s the ideal place to watch the sun go down.
In fact, lots of people come here to take their wedding photos, so you might just see some newly married couples!
This spot is free to visit. Lots of people come here to enjoy the sunset, but it doesn’t get overcrowded. Instead, there’s just a really great atmosphere, and buskers often come here to play music in the evenings, too.
Bastione di Capo Marchiafava is right in town, so it’s easy to walk here. Honestly, this spot is too good to miss while you’re in town!
8. Have a drink in Piazza Duomo
Piazza Duomo is the most beautiful square in the city, and it’s located at the base of Cattedrale di Cefalù. This cathedral is hailed as a masterpiece, and it’s said to be a perfect example of Arab-Norman architecture.
So in Piazza Duomo, grab a drink or a meal at one of the many restaurants around, and enjoy the views and atmosphere.
The bars and restaurants around here are very lively! Bar Duomo is one of the best options. It’s on the corner and it has a great view of the cathedral. Osteria del Duoma also offers a great coffee and pastry deal, and their cornetti (Italian croissants) are huge, so this is a good option if you’re hungry.
9. Winetasting and medieval villages
There’s a ton of history in this part of Italy along with amazing wine! The best way to experience them both from Cefalu is on this private tour with stops at a castle, church, and vineyard.
After pickup from wherever you’re staying in Cefalu, it’s off to the quaint village of Pollina. You’ll have a walking tour along the cobblestone streets and time to admire the views over the sea.
Then it’s off to one of the highlights for me – Castello dei Ventimiglia. Exploring with our guide, Elizabeth, she told us all about this massive castle built in 1316. You’ll hear the local ghost stories and the legend behind the skull of a saint that is supposedly housed here.
We stayed in Castelbuono a bit longer to walk from the castle along the main street to Piazza Margherita. There are a lot of cute shops here and we had time to pop into a couple before it was time for lunch.
Lunch is local, tasty food paired with some of the best wines in the area. Plus, the setting is an abbey from the 12th century! We got to pick lunch from whatever was on the day’s menu, so it was super fresh. And the wine tasting was only €25 extra and included four different wines.
This tour explores some of the nearby medieval villages and gives you a taste of the history and wine. Our guide, Elizabeth, and our driver, Marco, were both fantastic and I think it’s a great way to see a different side of Sicily. The tour is €520 for up to four people.
Book this VIP private tour here and you can pay later!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
10. Eat Sicilian Food
Sicily is world-famous for its incredible food, so eating your way through Cefalu is a must! We had a lot of great food here, so we just had to share some of our favorites with you.
Cannoli
Cannoli is one of the most famous (and delicious) dishes to originate from Sicily. So of course, we had to eat lots while we were here! The best one we found was at Piccolo Gelato, which is about a 5-minute walk from Piazza Duomo. It’s just a small hole in the wall with a yellow awning and no seating, but the cannoli here was absolutely incredible. It was definitely the best we’ve ever had in Italy!
Arancini
Arancini is another must-try Sicilian dish. These deep-fried rice balls are popular all over the world, but they’re really not the same unless they’re cooked fresh. We loved the arancini at Sfrigola Cefalu, as they were super fresh and there were a ton of flavors to choose from. Arancini is traditionally a Sicilian street food, so this is a grab-and-go spot, within walking distance of Piazza Duomo so you can take them there to enjoy.
Seafood
Since Cefalu is a coastal city, you can try seafood all over town, but personally, I loved Mandralisca Sedici. It’s tucked away down a cute alleyway, with a gorgeous outdoor dining area, and I particularly enjoyed the whole fish, but they also had fresh octopus and giant prawns. This place is well known for its incredible seafood and it does get busy, so I suggest booking a table!
And if Mandralisca is full, you can always go next door to Badia Bistro, which also offers delicious seafood and seating in the same cute alleyway. We loved it here, and I recommend trying their amberjack carpaccio!
Where to Stay in Cefalu
Now that you have a taste of some of the best Cafalu has to offer, it’s time to find a place to stay! I recommend staying at least 3 days to soak up the beauty of this town and book early. Hotels here can book up weeks or months in advance!
We’ll go over options for different budgets and even let you know where we stayed!
Hotel Kalura – Luxury Hotel
For the full luxury experience, Hotel Kalura is a dream. It has a private beach and panoramic views of Caldura Bay. There are amenities like a scuba diving school, a pool, a tennis court, and even art and photography classes.
All the rooms are Mediterranean-style with AC and each room has a balcony. If you can, get one overlooking the sea! It’s only a 30-minute walk into town or you can rent a bike from the hotel.
Rooms typically range from €250-€450 and book up quickly. Check availability and book a luxury stay online!
Studio Apartment in City Center (Where we stayed!) – Mid-range apartment
We wanted a bit more space while in Cefalu, so we booked this studio apartment. It was in the historic part of town and within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo and our favorite beach – Lungomare.
It had air conditioning, lots of room, and a kitchen. It felt just like having our own apartment in Italy! Our hosts were great if we needed anything and even recommended a couple of restaurants for us to try.
The apartment is €72 per night and requires a 3-night minimum stay. Because this is a single apartment, I recommend booking online here as soon as you know your travel dates!
Ma&Mi Guest House – Mid-range B&B
For some of the best views, Ma&Mi Guest House is basically on top of a cliff with a view of Cefalu and the sea. It’s a bit outside of town, so it’s really peaceful away from the noise and traffic.
The highlight has to be the amazing breakfasts that you can enjoy on the terrace with views of La Rocca. Rooms are basic but nice. Many also have balconies overlooking the water. Guests recommend taking a taxi back to the hotel if you walk to town as it’s quite the climb back up here (including 100 stairs!).
Rooms can be as low as €60, but should be booked in advance on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
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SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
You will love exploring the coastal city of Cefalu and I hope our list has helped you pick out a few of the must-do activities while you’re here. There are some fantastic tours we went on, but we also just enjoyed the simple things here like watching the sunsets with a drink in hand. It’s such a dreamy place to visit!
For more help on your travels, have a look through all our blogs! We’ve been traveling the world for a while now and love sharing our tips to make your vacation incredible, no matter where you’re going.
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