Cefalu is a medieval town built on the site of an ancient Sician and Greek settlement. It occupies a narrow area between the sea and the huge promontory towering the town.
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Location and climate
Cefalu (Cifalu) is situated on the northern coast of Sicily, about 75 kilometres from Palermo. Cefalu is a medieval town built on the site of an ancient Sician and Greek settlement. It occupies a narrow area between the sea and the huge promontory towering the town.
Cefalu shares the Sicilian climate, meaning that winters are warm and rainy, and summers are hot and dry.
History and sights
Known to be inhabited since the 9th century BC, Cefalu was founded by the Sikels. In the First Punic War it came under the Roman rule. The Byzantines saw the town thriving as the seat of the Greek bishop. In 858 it was conquered by the Arabs, and during the centuries that followed it was a part of the Emirate of Sicily. In 1063, the Normans conquered it, and in 1131 Roger II ordered that the town be reconstructed. Until mid-15th century it was under the feudal families until it became a possession of the Bishops of Cefalu. Cefalu became a part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861.
In Cefalu, you can see: the town cathedral, one of the greatest churches of southern Europe. It was one of the first Sicilian cathedrals built on the western model. The Temple of Diana is all that remains today of the ancient cultures. It is located on the mountain overlooking the town. Its portal reflects Greek and Roman construction, but the temple’s foundations date back to the 9th century BC. The cult of Hercules was worshipped here. Castelbuono is a mountain town some 25 kilometres from Cefalu is worth visiting for its castle, once owned by the Ventimiglia family.
Today
Cefalu is one of the Mediterranean’s undiscovered jewels. Its attractiveness lies in its famous beach (seen in the Oscar-winning film “Cinema Paradiso”), narrow medieval streets and the cliff, La Rocca, overlooking the town. This former fishing village is best explored on foot. Many restaurants and cafes can be found in Cefalo, as well as couple of night-clubs, although the nightlife is quite low-key.
How to arrive?
By car or bus
Buses run between Palermo and Cefalu. The trip lasts 90 minutes.
Taxis and local buses are available.
By ship
During summer, several hydrofoils run to Palermo and the Aeolian Islands.