Before you go

Your trip to Cefalù.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Cefalù – Sicília Destination Sicília about 70 km from Palermo

How to get there

Aeroporto Internazionale di Palermo Falcone-Borsellino (Punta Raisi) (PMO) Cinisi · 100 km
Cefalù 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before you buy. The most used airport is Palermo (PMO). From Palermo Centrale, regional trains reach Cefalù in about an hour; some Intercity services from Rome also stop in town. By car, the A20 motorway links Palermo to Cefalù.

How many days

One day is enough for the Duomo, the center, the museum and the beach as a day trip from Palermo. With two days you can climb the Rocca at a relaxed pace, watch the sunset from the bastion and enjoy the sea more.

When to go

June to September is beach season, with more people in July and August. May and October are usually good for climbing the Rocca and walking the center, with milder temperatures. In winter, from December to February, the town is quiet.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The regional train links Cefalù to Palermo, and the historic center is walked on foot; much of it is closed to cars. If you come by car, use the parking lots outside the center, near the seafront or the station.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Cefalù

Morning
Rocca early in the morning
Climb the Rocca via the Salita Saraceni right after it opens, up to the Tempio di Diana and the viewpoints over the cathedral and the sea.
Afternoon
Duomo and Corso Ruggero
Descend to the Duomo, see the Christ Pantocrator and the cloister, and have lunch near the Corso Ruggero.
Late afternoon
Museum, washhouse and beach
Visit the Museo Mandralisca, walk down to the medieval washhouse and spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach next to the center.
Evening
Sunset and dinner
Watch the late afternoon from the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava and eat seafood in the center before taking the train back to Palermo.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Can you do a day trip from Palermo to Cefalù?

Yes. The regional train takes about an hour, with departures throughout the day. Check the timetable for the last return train.

Is it worth staying overnight in Cefalù?

It’s worth it if you want the beach and a relaxed pace. The town also serves as a base for Palermo, by train, and for the Madonie, the inland mountains.

Does Cefalù have a good beach?

Yes, a sandy beach right next to the historic center. The usual swimming season generally runs from June to September.

How long does the Rocca climb take?

About 40 minutes to the Tempio di Diana and an hour to the top. Bring water and avoid the midday sun.

Back to Cefalù