2 Carefree Coastal Days: Things to Do in Cefalu Sicily
LAST UPDATED: FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: JULY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 10 MIN
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Longing for a Sicilian summer in a coastal commune with days spent swimming in the salty Mediterranean?
Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, Cefalu is a fascinating northern coastal destination between the crystal-clear sea and a rocky outcrop in Sicily.
Built around the imposing Rocca, a flat-topped hill with a historic defensive role, the heart of the ancient city is Piazza Duomo where the 12th century Norman Cathedral shines at sunset.
From here, points of natural beauty follow the Caldura district up to Hotel Le Calette, situated in a beautiful bay with reddish rocks to swim out to.
Although not as prominently recognized as Taormina, Cefalu is another Sicilian town that Hollywood has fallen in love with. Modern giants like Indiana Jones 5, scenes from The White Lotus, and From Scratch have been filmed here—the latter of which featured Hotel Le Calette!
Two Day Cefalu Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a time-stamped overview of the detailed things to do in Cefalu Sicily travel guide you’ll find below:
Day 1
1:00 - 2:15 PM: 🚗 Drive from the Palermo airport to Cefalu in a rental vehicle (1 hr 15 min)
2:30 - 3:30 PM: 🐟 Have a quick Sicilian lunch on the lush terrace restaurant, Calette Reef (1 hr)
3:30 - 5:30 PM: 🍹 Lounge on a king-size daybed sipping a seaside cocktail at Calette Reef Club (2 hr)
5:30 - 6:15 PM: 👙 Dip in the pool before sunset to wash off the salty ocean residue (45 min)
7:30 - 9:30 PM: 🍝 Dig into a Michelin Guide meal at cliffside cove eatery, Cala Luna (2 hr)
Day 2
8:00 - 9:00 AM: 🍓 Try local baked specialities like pistachio-filled cannoli at the Calette Brunch (1 hr)
9:00 - 10:30 AM: ⛰️ Ascend the hilltop viewpoint La Rocca to see Cefalu from above (1 hr 30 min)
10:50 - 11:00 AM: 🚐 Shuttle to the sister beach property in resort-provided transportation (10 min)
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: 🏖️ Work on a tan surrounded by the soft white sand of Calette Beach (2 hr)
2:30 - 5:00 PM: ⛪ Explore the historic old town of Cefalu including the Duomo and port (2 hr 30 min)
5:00 - 6:45 PM: 🐙 Dine under the stars at Michelin Guide Cortile Pepe with a Sicilian set menu (1 hr 45 min)
How to Get Around Cefalu?
Once you’ve arrived in Cefalu, walking is certainly the best way to get around! Even when residing at a secluded resort like Le Calette, the quaint town is compact enough that you can walk—or take the provided beach shuttle—anywhere you’d like to go.
If you have a rental car parked at the property, I still recommend walking into town. This suggestion comes from first-hand experience watching other tourists struggle to wedge their rented SUV through the tight winding alleyways of Old Town—which was quite a stressful scene to behold! I’m not entirely sure where they parked afterwards in the largely pedestrianized area, so save yourself the hassle and take the 25 minute coastal stroll into town.
If you need to return to your lodging by car, perhaps after dinner when it’s too dark outside to walk back, the kind waitstaff at restaurants can call a taxi to your destination.
How to Get from Palermo to Cefalu?
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FROM: Palermo Airport (90045 Cinisi, Metropolitan City of Palermo, Italy)
TO: Le Calette (Via Cavallaro, 12, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy)
Two airports operate on Sicily—the Catania and Palermo airports—serving the east and north sides of the autonomous Italian region respectively. If you’re wondering how to get to Cefalu from the Catania airport, however, you’re asking the wrong question!
Commuting by car from Catania to Cefalu entails at least a 2 hour drive across the island, and that’s without accounting for the time spent picking up a rental car. If you have to fly into Catania, you’re better suited spending at least one day enjoying an eastern town like Taormina for 2 days along the way to break up the long drive and see more of Sicily.
If you only plan to visit Cefalu, fly into the Palermo airport since this route only entails a 1 hr 20 minute drive.
DRIVE: Speaking of driving, this is the easiest, most efficient way to get around the island.
At home and abroad, I’ve had the most seamless rental car experiences with Sixt—each time their pick-up and drop-off process has been a complete breeze, with the entire exchange lasting no more than 5 minutes. There are Sixt locations at both airports, so regardless of where you fly in or out of, you’ll have a convenient way to drop off your vehicle.
Since this isn’t a given in Sicily, book an automatic vehicle if you don’t know how to drive a manual stick-shift. If you don’t want to wait in line for hours at a legacy vendor like Hertz, be sure to book with Sixt.
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While I can’t speak to this experience myself since my partner handled all the driving, vehicles drive on the right side so there shouldn’t be too steep of a learning curve for American drivers.
When cruising down coastal highways, the drivers you’ll encounter are quite rogue—switching lanes without signaling and speeding—and you may have to dodge some stray traffic cones in vehicle lanes.
Nonetheless, we survived 6 days of international driving for the first time without a single bump in the road—so if we accomplished this you definitely can too! Although we didn’t end up needing the full coverage insurance purchased from Sixt, I was warned about general car theft, popped tires, and the inevitable dings that occur when navigating narrow, single-lane cobblestone roads. For peace of mind I advise adding the recommended insurance package.
BUS + TRAIN: If the thought of driving a rental car in a foreign country sounds terrifying—which is extremely valid, since after 5 international trips this was my first time doing it—you could always catch the bus or train from Palermo to Cefalu as well.
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Departing from Punta Raisi inside the Palermo Airport, hop on the regionale train towards Agrigento Centrale, which entails a 1 hour 8 minute ride. Continuing by train, head from Termini Imerese to Cefalu on a 20 minute regionale or regionale veloce Trenitalia ride serviced by Trainline, costing €13.10 one way.
A regionale train at Punta Raisa towards Palermo Centrale can also be ridden for 34 minutes to Palermo Centrale beforea 50 minute ICN train ride to Cefalu, which costs €15.80 one way. Avoid taking the bus from Palermo Airport, as this entails a longer commute which requires walking with luggage between stops and still costs €13.10 one way.
If you need to bus over from Catania, buckle up for a 4 hour ride! Commute through the center of the island passing Palermo or around the northeast coastline through Messina. Either way, a mix of bus train and bus route is required:Both journeys begin at the Catania Fontanarossa Airport Bus Stop. For a faster 3 hour and 50 minute commute through the center of Sicily, take the Sais Autolinee bus towards Palermo Central Train Station for 2 hours and 30 minutes to Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello for $14.52. Continuing on via regionale trains departing from Palermo Centrale will be a 1 hour endeavor, bringing you to Cefalu. Secure train tickets from Trainline for $7.70, with the overall journey costing $22.22.
To continue with a longer ride around the coast, grab a Sais Autolinee bus towards Messina Central Train Station from Catania Fontanarossa Airport Bus Stop for $8.71. After 2 hours disembark at Messina Piazza della Repubblica and board a regionale or ICN train at Messina Centrale towardsPalermo Centrale before arriving in Cefalu after 2 hours and 10 minutes for €12.60. In total, this longer 4.5-5 hour journey costs only a tiny bit less at $21.73, so it’s worth saving time and taking the central route described above.
Writing that out was exhausting enough, so imagine traveling by bus and train for 4 hours—in other words, you’re better off flying into the Palermo airport.
Where to Stay in Cefalu?
RECLUSIVE RESORT: Le Calette N°5 (superior room, $1,609.50 for 2 nights split among 2 people)
For a luxurious 5-star experience, Le Calette is the top stay in Cefalu. Tucked away along the coast of the Caldura bay, this boutique resort charms with harmonious Mediterranean architecture echoing the natural landscape. Select between terraced suites, rooms, or villas within Le Calette N°5 and 4-star Le Calette Bay, both housed within the larger complex entailing restaurants overlooking the sea, bars, a beach club, and wellness areas like the spa and gym.
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Residing inside Le Calette N°5 which draws inspiration from ancient Saracen towers, this open space welcomes natural light and sea breezes. With a balcony terrace overlooking the elegant pool, I was mere steps away from the action while getting to enjoy a contemporary interior combining natural fabrics, 18th-century family heirloom furnishings, and Sicilian ceramics.
The spacious 24 m² superior room came equipped with a queen bed dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and topped with Goose down pillows, while the provided beach bag with towels and flip flops was a thoughtful detail perfect for a Calette Beach day. Evening turndown service kept the room feeling fresh, and I was so charmed by every curated detail around Le Calette I’m determined to return one day and would recommend it to any Cefalu travelers!
Things to Do in Cefalu Sicily
Day 1
Lunch - Calette Reef
Begin the afternoon overlooking the bay of Caldura while digging into contemporary Mediterranean “Bistro di Mare” dishes with a modern twist at Calette Reef. This informal seaside restaurant available from June to September is elevated by lush tropical vegetation and spunky couch seating.
Underneath the rattan fixtures, sip a precise selection of local sparkling wines accompanying the bistro menu. On cooler days, this same offering is hosted in a panoramic room of the hotel.
Calette Reef Club
After lunch, head directly down the restaurant steps to the Calette Reef Club. Overlooking a private turquoise inlet with reef bar service, there’s plenty of room to relax on the teak solarium full of luxurious king-sized sun beds. Sip a refreshing Aperol Spritz crafted by expert bartenders to fully embrace “il dolce far niente” the Italian way.
Open every day at 10:00 AM through the summer season of June to September, this complimentary amenity is included for Le Calette Hotel guests including free parking, hot showers, and changing rooms. To become one with the crystal-clear cove waters, book a rejuvenating Thai massage on a sea-view futon, glide on canoes and stand up paddle boards, or plunge in yourself for an invigorating snorkeling session.
Switch up your scenery with a dip in the panoramic pool as the sun sets, rinsing off that salty ocean residue in the freshwater before returning to the room to get ready for dinner.
Dinner - Cala Luna
You don’t have to go far for fine Michelin Guide dining, as Cala Luna is hosted on the property lawn under the stars of Cefalu with an open plan kitchen and view of the Via Presidiana port below. Similar to Calette Reef, cooler days shift this service inside to the elegant Rizz’i Mari.
Inspired by traditional Sicilian recipes, the lively proposal is based on the gastronomic patrimony of the territory’s naturally colorful cuisine. Expect simplicity with great technique refining each ingredient, which can be tasted from a 5-course menu for €115, 7-course offering for €140, or an à la carte list.
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Preparing for a full tasting menu the following night, I enjoyed a single entrée ordering the risotto with fresh goat cheese, mussels, black garlic and parsley. While the rice was cooked to perfection, as I would soon discover from a few Sicilian meals the salty cuisine is often quite briny and tastes fresh from the sea. This is more of a personal preference, but it would’ve been nice to know ahead of time and steer my ordering away from fishy flavors.
From the wine list expresses I selected a sparkling glass from the “Sicilian continent,” the most varied wine making region in the world, and was delighted by this locally-produced bubbly beverage.
Day 2
Breakfast - Calette Brunch
A complimentary breakfast spread is included in the daily Le Calette rate, including sliced fruits, fresh squeezed juices, and local spreads. The undeniable highlight is a range of baked Sicilian goodies including pies, tarts, and cannoli.
With a name meaning "little tube" in reference to the pastry's shape, this classic Italian pastry originated in Sicily and has become one of the island's most famous desserts. The shell is a crispy, fried dough filled with sweetened ricotta cheese made from creamy sheep's milk, which gives it a slightly tangy flavor.
In the most impressive allergen showing of anywhere I’ve visited in the world, Le Calette’s dining team excels at catering to guests with dietary restrictions. At breakfast, my partner found himself enjoying gluten-free crepes, croissants, and bread specially baked for him.
La Rocca
Climb up the massive limestone mogote overlooking Cefalu and from which the city took its name, derived from the Greek word “kephale” meaning head. La Rocca is 885 feet high and requires moderate trekking to climb, with the entire 2.1-mile out-and-back trail lasting 1.5-2 hours to ascend, explore the top, and return down to sea level.
Begin at Salita Saraceni in the morning to avoid midday heat, which requires an entrance fee of €4 per person paid exactly with coins. The steady ascent is well-marked but can be unevenly rocky in places; handrails and guardrails are limited in some sections. At the top discover medieval fortifications like the 9th century BC Temple of Diana along with sweeping views of Cefalu’s old town and surrounding coastline.
Calette Beach
At the centre of the gulf of Cefalu is Calette Beach, a soft sand club reachable with the complimentary shuttle service provided to hotel guests from June to September. Open every day beginning at 10:00 AM, the seafront beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas but not towels, so be sure to bring a few from the hotel.
Wade in the calm waters with views of La Rocca in the distance before lying down to tan and immerse yourself in a good read. Front row sunbeds are reserved for customers staying at the hotel.
Cefalu
Before dinner, walk through the streets of Cefalu’s historic center, discovering cultural points of interest like the 12th-century Arab-Norman Cathedral, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stroll from Le Calette entails a 25 minute walk down Via Porta Giudecca around the base of La Rocca passing the Porto di Cefalu.
A variety of paid Duomo di Cefalù tours are offered guiding visitors through the cathedral’s most stunning features, including an ascent up the towers to a rooftop walkway with panoramic coastal views, a tranquil medieval Cloister, and the minute details Diocesan Museum’s sacred mosaic collection. Even without going inside, the cathedral appears particularly spectacular at sunset when a flaxen hue saturates the weathered limestone.
Take home a piece of handcrafted artistry from local jewelers like Sicilia Dipinta, but no matter where you stroll cultural treasures are sure to be found down each quaint alleyway.
Be sure to catch the sunset from the jetty overlooking Molo di Cefalu, as you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view looking back at town as a golden wash warms the coastline behind swimmers splashing about in the sea.
Dinner - Cortile Pepe
Another Michelin Guide special, Cortile Pepe experiments with local proposals and external influences a few steps from the Duomo. The authentic cuisine of the Sicilian territory is enhanced with seasonal flavors of the land and sea, including fresh materials coming straight from their organic garden.
Closed on Wednesdays but otherwise open from 7:00 - 10:30 PM for dinner, feast under the dining room’s old, vaulted ceiling reminiscent of a wine cellar, or in the fading light of an attractive outdoor space.
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Indulging in the 6-course tasting menu for €90 plus a €4 service charge, a €65 4-course vegetarian menu is also offered alongside 3 and 4 glass wine pairing for €40 and €65 respectfully.
The menu entailed regional cuisine reinterpreted with elegantly modern touches that resulted in precise, colorful, and beautiful presentations—like my first appetizer which came with an edible octopus on top! The Acquerello risotto with baked pumpkin cream, semi-mature Ragusano cheese, anchovies, green sauce, and pink mustard followed, which evoked a similar briny sentiment like my Cala Luna risotto. The crusted white fish was divine and the following mango ice cream was dreamily creamy, making this menu a must-try in Cefalu!
How Much Do Two Days in Cefalu Cost?
Following the above Cefalu itinerary totaled $1,196.82, costing me $598.41 per day as a young 20-something on a couples trip:
Transportation
$132.06 - Sixt automatic rental car with insurance split amongst two people and itemized over two days
Food and Drink
$62.31 - pasta and glass of wine from Cala Luna
$97.61 - 6 course tasting menu from Cortile Pepe
Activities
$100.09 - 50 minute deep tissue massage at the Calette Spa
Lodging
$804.75 - two nights in Le Calette with breakfast included, split amongst two people
My trip to Cefalu was one of three stops made during a couples Sicilian roadtrip, after having never traveled internationally with this partner before. As such, we were going big or going home. Realistically, if I had traveled alone—or on a more practical budget—I would not have stayed in a 5-star hotel. Assuming you find a more reasonable accommodation, your trip total will come out to a price that’s much easier to swallow.
Although a luxurious property like Le Calette inherently has a hefty nightly rate, the included amenities and activities should be factored in as free additions that reduce your overall spend. For Le Calette in particular, a scrumptious brunch spread is included each morning plus access to their gym, cove beach club with daybeds, water equipment like SUPs, snorkel gear, and shuttle transportation to their sister beach. Each of these items would represent additional expenses otherwise, so consider checking out their 4-star Le Calette Bay lodging for a more budget-friendly option that includes these same perks.
What to Wear in Cefalu?
Cefalu fashion reflects understated odes to the village’s fishing heritage paired with interesting breezy elements that seamlessly transition from a day at the beach club to a night indulging in fine Sicilian proposals.
An ancient fishing port, packing for Cefalu requires consideration of the toasty climate, the need to dress for casual beach days and fine dining in the evening, plus the toned down atmosphere of this quaint town. Wear one shoulder outfits to keep things effortlessly interesting while remaining relatively modest, with bandana tops accomplishing a similar goal. Sheer cover ups are perfect for layering over swimsuits when heading to the beach or reef club, while accents like thin scarfs and chunky beach necklaces incorporate odes to the local landscape and pervasive Italian culture. Finish each look with versatile flat flip flops that can traverse cobblestone streets—heeled shoes are not recommended—and you’ll be prepared with the perfect Cefalu outfits!
One Shoulder Outfits
add visual interest without going overboard by incorporating carefree one shoulder outfits like tops and dresses
Bandana Tops
stay cool in barely there bandana tops creating flattering hourglass figures without doing too much
Thin Scarf Accents
don a breezy ode to Italian elegance with thin scarf accents elevating romantic looks perfect for gourmet dining
Sheer Cover Ups
transition from beach to town with semi-modest sheer cover ups reminiscent of fishing nets to show off your bikini
Chunky Beach Necklaces
embody elements of the natural landscape with chunky beach necklaces making a seaside statement
Flat Flip Flops
prepare for stone, sand, and sea with flat flip flops suitable for beach days and walking down cobblestone streets
Is Cefalu Worth Visiting?
Cefalu is certainly worth a stop, especially if you’re already embarking on a Sicilian road trip! In fact, I preferred Cefalu and its ancient Old Town compared to the similarly described Ortigia Island in Syracuse, as Cefalu appeared less run-down with more lively locals. If you only have time for one, I would pick Cefalu for its blend of Sicilian-infused luxury with a healthy dose of ancient history.
When considering how many days to spend in Cefalu, I recommend no more or less than 2 days. Assuming you’re residing at a resort, the first relaxing day allows you to indulge in all the seaside amenities with plenty of time for basking under the sun and swimming. The second day can then be devoted to cultural points of interest Cefalu is known for like La Rocca and the Norman Cathedral in Old Town.
If you only have a single day to spare and need to figure out what to do in Cefalu for a day, cut down on leisure time by the water and pick one place to swim — the beach, pool, or a reef club. This gives you enough time to explore the other namesake landmarks Cefalu is known for, and if I had to pick one I’d defer to Cortile Pepe for a more inventive dinner.
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