Sicily is probably in the list of must-visit places of many travelers. Only a few, however, are aware of the town of Cefalu, which is, for those who have explored most of Italy, considered as one of the most beautiful seaside destinations to visit in the boot-shaped country. One of the best things about Cefalu is that it still offers what travelers go to Sicily for like the food, picturesque settings, friendly people, but it is less crowded in this small beach town. While visitors can still reach by the tens of thousands, especially during summer, it is not as popular as overrun by tourists, unlike other Italian towns and cities. If it’s your first time in Cefalu, below are some of the things you can expect from the quaint seaside town.
A rich history and culture
Throughout Cefalu, you can see clues that the town enjoyed a glorious past. One of the town’s main attractions is the Duomo, an imposing and glorious two-towered cathedral built by Roger II, a famous Normal ruler of Sicily. When you visit, be sure to go inside so you can marvel at its lovely mosaics made by Byzantine artists from the 12th century. The Duomo is located at Cefalu’s medieval district, a spot that is perfect for both history and culture buffs and those who are looking for Instagram-worthy photos.
Cefalu Duomo
A cultural itinerary of Cefalu will not be complete without a visit to the Museo Mandralisca. The collection may seem unimpressive especially for those who have visited grader museums but it does house some precious gems. One of these gems is a rare portrait by Antonello da Messina, another one is an eye-catching vase depicting a fish seller cutting a tuna fish, a common sight in Sicily markets even today. Visit the museum’s official website first to check the opening hours and admission fees.
Antonello da Messina (Antonio di Giovanni de Antonio – Messina, 1430 – Messina, febbraio 1479)
Places to eat
A stroll down memory lane will definitely make you hungry. It’s a good thing that Cefalu has great places to try Sicilian delicacies. If you want to try local aperitivo, then it is highly recommended that you go to Tentazioni Meditterranee. The pace serves favorite Italian snacks such as cheese dotted with pistachios and mortadella with truffles. You can either sit in one of the outdoor tables or have your treats to go. If snacks are not enough for your hunger and you are looking for a more substantial fare, then you need to book a table at Normanno. The restaurant is known for serving slow food dishes that are famous in Sicily.
A lazy afternoon at the beach
Now that your stomach is filled with food, you can head on to the promenade to walk the extra calories. You can also spend some time on the beach. Forgot to bring swimwear? Then just lay on the sand. You don’t even need to rent a lounge chair if you have your own towel. After the sunset, you can join the locals on a passeggiata or evening walk.
