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Things to do in Cefalù

Our most recommended things to do in Cefalù

From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

1. From Palermo: Monreale and Cefalù Half-Day Trip

Escape the hustle and bustle of Palermo city center on a half-day tour to Monreale and Cefalù. Marvel at a Norman cathedral on the slopes of Monte Caputo, and learn the Greek and Medieval history of one of Sicily’s most beautiful towns. Following a pick-up from your hotel or the port of Palermo, transfer to Monreale where you will have approximately 1-hour to tour the Duomo. An official audio guide is included to learn the history of the 12th-century building, considered one of the greatest landmarks of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the south of Italy. Then, drive along the north coast of Sicily, on route to the beautiful town of Cefalù. Sit back and relax on the 1.5-hour journey, and on arrival go to the 12th-century Duomo. See traces of the Middle Ages at the Osterio Magno. Get panoramic views from the Porta Terra. Discover Greek and Arabic pottery in the Mandralisca Museum, and walk down some curving stone steps to a picturesque cluster of 16th-century wash basins at the Lavatoio.

Cefalù: Paragliding Flight with Instructor and GoPro10 Video

2. Cefalù: Paragliding Flight with Instructor and GoPro10 Video

Experience the rush of flying along Cefalù's stunning coastline on this paragliding tour. Be picked up from the center of Cefalù and use high-quality equipment to take-off with your qualified instructor. Enjoy sweeping views and land on the beach.  Meet your guide in Cefalù and relax on the transfer to your take-off point. Listen as your guide shares some safety information with you. Buckle into your well-maintained safety gear and listen as your guide tells you how to take flight.  Feel the excitement as you float high above the ground over fantastic views of the city of Cefalù and of waves hitting world-class beaches. During the flight your instructor captures videos and photos with GoPro10 from a selfie stick.  End your tour with a gentle landing on the beach and a transfer back to central Cefalù.

Cefalù: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

3. Cefalù: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a local's home, enjoying an exclusive cooking show and tasting authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian "Mammas". Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people. You will enjoy a 4-course menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, dessert, and drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars, and coffee).

Cefalù: Guided Walking Tour & Cefalu Cathedral Mosaics

4. Cefalù: Guided Walking Tour & Cefalu Cathedral Mosaics

The guided tour of Cefalù, near Palermo and the Madonie Park, begins by discovering the ancient Jewish quarter, just outside the historic center of the town, where there are still traces of the Jews who populated this area for almost 200 years. History and tradition mix with architecture and buildings now inhabited more by fishermen, given the proximity to the sea and the ancient Porta Giudecca gate, through which you entered the neighborhood. From here, where you can admire the lighthouse, we continue our walk through the suggestive Sicilian alleys until we reach the small fishing port, framed by the ancient medieval Porta Pescara gate. This enchanting place with the colorful fishing boats has been chosen as a film set for important films such as New Cinema Paradiso and the latest Indiana Jones 5. The tour continues with a visit to the medieval wash house, in the atrium of Palazzo Martino, once a wash house. public with a lava stone staircase and a series of basins where the waters flow from mouths in the shape of a lion's head with supports that were used to rub clothes. Exploring the town you can admire the Palazzo Mandralisca externally which houses the museum famous for Byzantine icons and the portrait of the Unknown painted by Antonello da Messina. The tour ends with a visit to the most beautiful jewel of Cefalù, its Cathedral, listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The Basilica of the Transfiguration, in Norman style enriched by Arab influences, amazes with its imposing facade with a marble portal and two towers on the sides that represent one the power of the Church with a square plan and the other the power of the Kings and the nobility with octagonal plan. Inside the cathedral we will visit the Christ Pantocrator overlooking the apse facing the many faithful who flock to the Basilica to admire its splendor, surrounded by bright gold mosaics and paintings on a golden background in the Byzantine style.

From Palermo: Prestige Tour in CruiserCar

5. From Palermo: Prestige Tour in CruiserCar

Welcome to CruiserCar, the Premier Tour Company in Palermo. We offer a unique and personalized experience that combines the best of both worlds - a luxurious and exclusive Cabriolet Tour with an expertly guided exploration of Palermo's most famous landmarks and hidden gems. Our world-first 9-seater cabriolet ensures a panoramic view of the city and the sea as we take you on a journey that you will never forget. ich history, culture, and cuisine. Our knowledgeable local guides are passionate about their city and are committed to providing you with an unforgettable tour experience. We are dedicated to ensuring that you get the most out of your time in Palermo and are happy to answer any questions that you may have. During the tour, we'll take you to the Quattro Canti, one of Palermo's most famous landmarks, a Baroque square located at the intersection of two main streets in the historic center of Palermo. Each of the four corners of the square is adorned with a statue representing one of the four seasons, the four Spanish kings of Sicily, and the patron saints of Palermo. We'll also take you to the Cattedrale, a magnificent cathedral that is located in the heart of Palermo. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and features a mix of architectural styles, including Norman, Gothic, and Baroque. Inside the cathedral, you can admire the stunning mosaics and frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. Our tour also includes a visit to Mondello, a charming seaside town just outside Palermo. Mondello is famous for its beautiful beach, which is one of the most popular destinations in Sicily. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the sea and the mountains. We'll also take you to the famous markets of Capo, Vucciria, and Ballarò, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Palermo's vibrant street life. The markets are a feast for the senses, with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to local handicrafts. If you're interested in exploring the surrounding areas, we also offer transportation to other towns and cities outside of Palermo, such as Cefalù and Monreale. Our personalized service means that we can customize the tour to your preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your time in Sicily. One of the unique features of CruiserCar is the complimentary selection of food and beverages that we offer during the tour. This allows you to sample some of Palermo's finest local cuisine while taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Our knowledgeable local guides will provide you with valuable information about the history and culture of Palermo, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of the city. Our drivers are licensed, experienced, and passionate about sharing their love of Palermo with visitors from around the world. Book now and discover the beauty of Palermo with CruiserCar!

Palermo or Mondello: Cefalù & Castelbuono Private Day Tour

6. Palermo or Mondello: Cefalù & Castelbuono Private Day Tour

Embark on a scenic excursion in Sicily and see the verdant mountains of the Madonie, as well as the sparkling beaches along the crystalline Cefalu sea. Depart in the morning from your accommodation in Palermo or Mondello in a new and comfortable Van, and head to Castelbuono, the beautiful medieval village nestled in the Madonie park rich in history and traditions. Visit the Castle of Ventimiglia which houses a precious relic of St. Anna the Mother of Mary in addition to numerous other treasures. The visit will continue through the streets of the quaint Old Town, with the Church of Maria. Taste typical sweets, like panettoni, torroni, and cannoli Siciliani, produced by a famous artisan pastry world famous "Fiasconaro". After the visit, you will decide whether to have lunch at Castelbuono if you prefer a traditional rustic cuisine based on meat, cheese, salami, and wild boar, or continue to Cefalù if you prefer fresh fish maybe in a restaurant by the sea. After the tour continues to Cefalu, a picturesque seaside town one of the most popular destinations for tourists who come to Sicily. Here you can admire the magnificent Cathedral Arab-Norman, a UNESCO heritage site. Wander through the old town full of narrow streets and unique views, the small port, the Bastione, the Medieval Lavatoio, and finally down to the splendid beach of fine sand and crystal clear sea. Free time is available for shopping in the numerous characteristic shops in the center.

Cefalù: Market Tour and 4-Course Meal

7. Cefalù: Market Tour and 4-Course Meal

Your tour will begin as you visit a local market with your Cesarina. There you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of an Italian local market and learn how to recognize the best produce from the land. When you return to your Cesarina’s home, you will begin a private cooking demo where your Cesarina will share the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing one of the dishes right in front of you. You will then sit down at an authentic Italian table to enjoy a 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, a main course with a side dish, and dessert. Drinks included consist of water, a selection of red and white wines from regional cellars, and coffee. This is your opportunity to feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people.

Sicily: Castelbuono, Castle of Ventimiglia, and Cefalù Trip

8. Sicily: Castelbuono, Castle of Ventimiglia, and Cefalù Trip

Meet your host and the rest of the group at the meeting point and drive to Castelbuono, a medieval village. The town develops around the castle of Ventimiglia, near a Byzantine hamlet called Ypsigro. Upon arrival, we join a small pastry shop to taste the famous Sicilian Panettone, a typical Christmas cake. Later onto Cefalù, a gorgeous town located on the northern coast of Sicily and one of the major tourist attractions in the region. Built on a promontory dominated by a sheer cliff, Cefalù, still keeping its ancient print, has grown around the Cathedral wanted by Ruggero II. Stroll through the medieval narrow street and admire the picturesque houses on the sea and the long beach of finest sand. At the end of the tour head back to Palermo.

Cefalù: Cooking Class at a Local's Home

9. Cefalù: Cooking Class at a Local's Home

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruit of your labor accompanied by local wines. During the lesson, the cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for three authentic local recipes. Have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Cefalù: Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner

10. Cefalù: Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner

Go food shopping like a local in Cefalù, enjoying the distinctive Italian market experience and learning how to recognize the best products by sight. Then immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes from the area's regional cuisine. At the end of your lesson, savor the fruits of your labor, washed down with local wines. During the lesson, learn the tricks of the trade for 3 authentic local recipes from your local chef guide and have fun putting your cooking skills to the test. You will have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Then, taste everything you have prepared, accompanied by a selection of red and white local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

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What people are saying about Cefalù

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 464 reviews

Great experience. Sebastiano (our driver/guide) was able to pick us at our hotel in the morning. He took us to Monreale right when it opened, spent about 1.5 hour there. Then we went to Cefalu and spent 2 hours there. We were able to wander around the areas by ourselves but Sebastiano makes sure you have a sense of where you are, what you should see, and when/where he will pick you back up. Very punctual as well. Awesome service!

Very nice day trip! Cattedrale di Monreale is a must-see. Remember going up to the roof and the view is marvellous! Our trip leader Adriano has quite sense of responsibility. When we arrived in the early morning, we found the cathedral was unexpectedly closed till 11am. Adriano drove us back in the afternoon after having visited Cefalù.

Awesome trip. We were picked up and dropped off at our Airbnb. I love hands-off tours where the driver gives you a few tips and then you're off on your own. I had my two children with me and we were able to explore on our own and enjoyed some playtime. I would definitely recommend if you're more of a hands-off traveler.

This was a great half day trip from Palermo. Monreale had great views over the cities and a lovely church. Cefalu was beautiful on the water. It was during the holidays/off season, so my was closed, but it was fun to visit.

Beautiful example of art in my the late 11th century. inspiring.