Travel Eye on Cefalu (Sicily, Italy)

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Overview:

Despite some recent tourist development, Cefalu manages to retain the charm of a small traditional Sicilian fishing community. The main attraction, a monumental twin-towered 12th-century Norman cathedral (Duomo), soars above the town's compact medieval centre, an almost Arabic labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that become crowded with tourists in high season.

Visitors are equally attracted by Cefalu's fine beaches. The town still has a small working fishing harbour, with a newer harbour (for boat traffic) on the east side. A handful of ruins serve as reminders of the area's earlier residents, among them ancient Greek settlers and prehistoric peoples.

This area is suitable for middlemarket holidaymakers, particularly history- and beach-lovers.

The hotels here are nearly all 3-star, there are no luxury options. There is an Aabundance of holiday flats and apartments and four campsites.

Locality:

Cefalu is halfway along the north coast. (Messina 91 mls NE; Palermo 43 mls W. Palermo's Punta Raisa Airport 51 mls). It is on a promontory dominated by a huge crag known as "La Rocca". Backed by hills and the Madonie Mountains to the south.

Entertainment/Activities/Things To Do:

The seafront's in the area are Lungomare, Kalura, Mazza Forno and Capo Plaia. Lungomare has fine sand with few rocks. The rest are sandy, shingle and rock beaches. All seafront's offer sun loungers, sun umbrellas, pedalloes and a limited range of water sports. There are restaurants nearby and on the beach.

The shopping here is fairly good, a general shopping area with plenty of tourist shops.

Daytimes can be spent visiting the the 12th-century Norman cathedral. The 12th-century duomo has well-preserved mosaics. See the Museo Mandralisca for paintings and archaeological finds. There is also Beach-based activities. The so-called Temple of Diana (on the mountain above the town), whose foundations date to the 9th century BC, with spectacular views from the summit.

The nightlife here is decidedly lacking. There is also organised concerts/shows in July/August. There are very few discos and no piano bars.

There is no shortage of good restaurants/bars, all with a good range of prices and choice (emphasis on seafood and pizza).