Cefalù's artistic and cultural heritage makes it one of Italy's many international tourist destinations. In the town's historic centre, the architecture tells mythological stories and the precious multicoloured mosaics create plays of light. The coastline is the ideal place to relax in front of a breathtaking sunset, where you can breathe in an atmosphere of unparalleled well-being and peace.
Things to see?
The town of Cefalù is full of places of interest and attractions to discover. History lovers can visit the various monuments and places of worship: the Cathedral of the Transfiguration, for example, is the site that best represents the entire history of the city, in perfect Romanesque style and decorated with numerous Byzantine mosaics on a golden background. Or La Rocca, where the Temple of Diana is kept, dominating the city from above, and from the top of which you can enjoy a splendid natural panorama. For those who want to walk, inside the village there is the Parco delle Madonie where it is possible to go hiking, trekking, and take part in winter sports.
Events and festivities
The seaside town of Cefalù hosts all kinds of artistic events every year to involve and entertain its tourists and residents. In March there is a huge bonfire called Vampa di San Ciusieppi, organised to celebrate the saint. During the summer, musical and theatrical events enliven the town with sounds and colours. In particular, from 2 to 6 August, the town's patron saint is celebrated, to whom the above-mentioned cathedral is also dedicated. Finally, a visit to Cefalù is recommended at Christmas, when the enchanted atmosphere typical of the period enhances the beauty of the place and the numerous craft markets that line the town become an opportunity for shopping and gift-buying.
Cefalù's cuisine and typical products
The food and wine culture offered by the town is really wide and varied. As the town of Cefalù is the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea, there is no shortage of blue fish and shellfish on tables around the town. The most common types of fishing are "seine" and "mesh". However Cefalù's cuisine does not only include the scent of the sea; the real queen of the place is in fact the meat and the typical dish is the pasta 'a taianu, or the pasta in the pan, a pasta dish seasoned with aubergines and a meat sauce with a strong, rich taste. Other local delicacies include PDO olive oil, white and red wines, and manna, a product of excellence recognised as a slow food presidium, produced from the bark of ash trees, with a sweet taste and many beneficial properties.
How to reach Cefalù
Cefalù is located on the northern Sicilian coast, in the province of Palermo, and the town can be reached by various means of transport:
- By car: from Palermo's "Falcone e Borsellino" airport, take the motorway and follow the signs for Palermo. Drive through the town and follow the signs for Messina. Cefalù is 60 km from the motorway junction.
- By plane: those wishing to travel to Cefalù by plane can land at Palermo airport and continue the journey by hiring a car, taking the train or requesting a transfer. The journey from Palermo to Cefalù takes approximately 55 minutes.
- By sea: Cefalù does not have a port, so it is necessary to call at Palermo or Termini Imerese. The Tirrenia shipping company provides connections from Cagliari and Naples to Palermo with 10-14 hour night crossings. The same company offers a connection from the port of Civitavecchia to that of Termini Imerese and Palermo, with a journey time of around 15 hours, and from Genoa to Palermo (21 hours). Grimaldi, on the other hand, offers routes to the Sicilian coast, with the Livorno-Palermo link, which can be covered in 18 hours, and the Salerno-Palermo link, with arrival in Sicily in about 11 hours from departure.
Living in Cefalù
On idealista you can choose which of the houses for sale or rent in Cefalù is the most suitable for you. If instead you prefer to stay in the village only during the holidays, you can search for the location you prefer on Rentalia.
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