Direct In Italy: +39 338 351 6912

Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565

Whatsapp Get us on WhatsApp: +39 338 351 6912

  • fb
  • linked
  • youtube
  • p-interest
  • tw
  • insta
Customizable Tour Package
Cefalu Sicily

Cefalu

Cefalu is a beautiful town on Sicily's western coast, close to both Messina and Palermo, it is nestled between the Modonie mountains and the sea.  It is a very beautiful and picturesque place with an ancient history, definitely making it worthwhile to stop in on your journey through Sicily.
 
The Greeks knew the settlement as "Cephaloedion", derived from their word for cape.  The city can brag of  a very picturesque fishing harbor, surrounded by houses and other buildings which seem to be built on the water itself, and a number of sandy beaches where, in the summer and its flanking seasons, one may idle indulgently under the notoriously hot Sicilian sun.
 
The history of the city, which sits on a spur of land that juts into the Tyrrhenian Sea, follows the general history of Sicily.  Settled by the Greeks, then the Phoenecians, the city came under the successive domination of the Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Spaniards and others.
 
Not surprisingly, the architecture and monuments in Cefalu, reflect its historical evolution.  The most dominate building in the city, however, is the Duomo, and adjacent abbey and cloister, whose construction was started in 1131 AD under the Norman ruler, Roger II.  It is said to be one of the finest examples of Norman architecture, but the Wikipedia editor says that it is more accurately Sicilian Romanesque. The mosaics in the interior of the church are justifiably among the most famous in the world, and reveal the influence of the Eastern Orthodox tradition, which is still felt in Cefalu today.
 
The maze of old medieval streets and alleys within the city itself are a pleasure to walk through.  Keep an eye out for the "lavatoio", where bathers could bathe and cool-off in pools fed by underwater springs. When Roger II came to Cefalu, he stayed at the Osteria Magna - the Great Guesthouse which you can tour.
 
If you have the legs and stamina for a long, steep climb, the mountain on the north side of the city offers a spectacular view of Cefalu, the long coast east and west, and out into the Tyrrhenian.  At its summit, sit the ruins of a large Norman fortress built between the 11th and 12th centuries and the more ancient Greek temple - the Temple of Diana, where members of a cult devoted to Hercules worshipped and banged their drums.  The temple appears to have been built on the foundations of a structure dating to the 9th century BC.
 
If you have an urge to leave the most touristed areas, you might want to drive to the Gibilmanna Sanctuary high in the Madonie Mountains about 15 kilometers south.  The attraction is not the sanctuary itself, but the forests that surround the area.  Likewise, Castelbuono, also in a wooded area, is a small town about 25 kilometers from Cefalu is a charming place worth taking the time to visit.  Alas, the castle, once owned by the dominating feudal family, the Ventimiglias, is not open to the public.

 

Map

A Private Journey with Local Hosts through Southern Italy and Malta including the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Pompeii, Sicily and the Island Nation of Malta

This is an exclusive and private journey through some of southern Italy's most remarkable coastal regions and islands. Enjoy the spectacular Amalfi Coast, island of Capri, Pompeii and many of Sicily's most captivating destinations including Mt. Etna, Taormina, Tindari Monastery, Mondello and much more. Enjoy the island nation of Malta which dates back thousands of years before Christ. Incredible geography, history, art and gastronomic delights throughout the tour.

 
View Tour Details

Erice and Segesta day trip

On this tour we visit two of the most historic an picturesque cities in Sicily: Erice and Segesta. Our first stop will be at the magnificent Temple of Segesta. It was built by the Elimian, an old population whose origins maybe are Turkish but were later colonized by the Greeks to become one of the most important Greek colonies in the west side of Sicily.

 
View Tour Details

The Strawberry Villa

The Strawberry Villa is situated just over 1 Km from the village, along the coast in the direction of Catania, inside a small residential complex with sea views...

View Hotel Details BOOK NOW

Villa Avvenente

Villa Avvenente lies opposite the bay at Mazzarò just 200 meters from the beach at Spisone and 400 meters from the cable-car that takes you to the center of Taormina.

View Hotel Details BOOK NOW

Villa Calmo

Villa Calmo is situated at a short distance - around 1.5 km - from Marina di Modica and just 200 meters from the beach. It is a modern structure with all mod cons: a pleasant and perfectly equipped kitchen, spacious and relaxing outdoor areas, air conditioning - ideal for anyone who loves restful holidays.

View Hotel Details BOOK NOW

Recommended Tours

Erice and Segesta day trip
Highlights of Palermo & Monreale from Cruise
Sicily: Taormina and Mt. Etna Private Full Day Off-Shore Excursion
Secrets of Sicily: Unesco Sites, Wineries, Food and Beaches
Palermo and Monreale Full Day Private Tour
The Kingdom of the Sun - South of Italy - Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily - Private Individuals & Small group Tours
Mt. Etna Full Day Tour
Guided Excursion Through The Sesi Archeological Park on Pantelleria Island

Other Nearby Properties

Villa Eccezionale
Villa Avvenente
Villa Sontuoso
Villa Recupero
Villa Della Pace
Villa Calmo
Villa Mondello
The Strawberry Villa
 

QUICK ENQUIRY FORM

Search Your Tour

Keywords

Search In

Italy Private Tours

Incredible Experiences in Italy for Exceptional Prices

Our Recent Blog

Resources

Video Gallery