ONE DAY IN CEFALU: THE BEST BITS WITHOUT RUSHING.
If you’re looking for a Sicilian day trip from Palermo that combines stunning coastal views, rich history, and a relaxed vibe, then Cefalù should be at the top of your list.
Just an hour by train from Palermo, this charming seaside town offers the perfect escape for those who want to explore without feeling rushed. Whether you’re wandering through its medieval streets, lounging on its golden beach, or admiring the iconic Duomo, Cefalù promises a delightful blend of discovery and downtime.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best bits of Cefalù in just one day—no running around, no backtracking, just a seamless itinerary that lets you soak up the town’s beauty at your own pace.
How to get to Cefalù by public transport
Getting to Cefalù is relatively simple and stress-free, making it a perfect choice for a day trip from Palermo or other parts of Sicily.
Trains from Palermo to Cefalù run frequently, taking about an hour and offering scenic views along the northern coast. You can catch the train from Palermo Centrale station, and tickets are relatively inexpensive, typically costing about 7 or 8 Euros. Once you arrive at Cefalu’s small train station, you’ll find yourself only a short walk away from the heart of this charming town.
Top Tip – trains from Palermo to Cefalù can be crowded, if you want a seat then we recommend getting onto the platform early. Also, buy tickets from machines the night before or with plenty of time before your train. There is nothing more stressful than a TrenItalia ticket machine on the blink!
For those traveling from other Sicilian cities, buses are also available, though they can be less frequent. I recommend checking the schedule in advance, especially outside the peak summer months. However, the train is by far the most convenient option, and with the coastal views, it’s a journey you’ll enjoy as much as the destination.
Why visit Cefalù
Cefalù offers a quintessential Sicilian experience with its blend of architecture, stunning beaches, and rich history. It’s a place where you can take in panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea, stroll through narrow streets lined with artisan shops, and enjoy the culinary delights that Sicily is known for.
The town’s highlight, the majestic Duomo di Cefalù, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its imposing presence dominates the skyline. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxed beach day, Cefalù has something for everyone, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip.
Is one day in Cefalù enough?
Many people do choose to spend longer that one in Cefalù, but it is one of the more expensive places to stay in Sicily, so we appreciate it won’t suit everyone to stay here.
Cefalù town is compact, making it an easy place to explore in one day without feeling hurried.
While there’s certainly enough to keep you entertained for a weekend or even longer, a well-planned day itinerary will allow you to experience Cefalù’s top attractions at a relaxed pace.
One day in Cefalù: the best bits without rushing
One of my absolute pet hates when I read travel guides is when the authors recommend lots of brilliant things to do, but don’t tell you in which order to do them. Or, when your left leaping from one end of town to another.
For this reason, our guide to one day in Cefalù has been crafted to provide you with a step by step guide to hitting the most delightful spots in the town. Our one day itinerary assumes that you take the train to Cefalù and starts from and returns to the train station.
One day in Cefalù: A map
To help you get the most out of your time, I’ve included map references for all the spots I recommend in Cefalù. This way, you won’t miss a single highlight as you make your way through the town
Without further ado, here are the best things to do for one fabulous day in Cefalù.
SEEK OUT A VIEW POINT
From the train station, stroll towards town and start the day by seeking out a terrific viewpoint. Depending on energy levels and how hot the weather is, you have two choices – the easy or the hard way.
For an easy view point – head here, this is the start of the Rocca di Cefalù trail. From here you can still get a decent view, without climbing too far.
For a more strenuous walk – continue along the trail to reach the viewpoint at the top, the grounds of the old castle. I’ll be honest, I didn’t make it this far as I visited Cefalù in August and even in the morning, it was far too hot to attempt this walk. You’ll also need sturdy footwear for his climb and my Birkenstocks would not cut it!
COFFEE IN PIAZZA DUOMO
After your climb, reward yourself with a coffee in Piazza Duomo, the thriving centre of the town. Find a seat at one of the outdoor cafes that circle the square, and enjoy a cappuccino while you admire the towering Duomo. This is the perfect spot to people-watch as locals and tourists pass by, soaking up the lively atmosphere of the town.
Top tip – try to avoid the cafes with staff who seem a bit too eager to draw you in. Grab a table at somewhere a little more relaxed to swerve the tourist traps.
OGLE AT THE ART IN DUOMO DI CEFALU
Next, take some time to step inside the Duomo di Cefalù, a stunning Norman cathedral that dates back to the 12th century. Inside, you’ll find beautiful mosaics, intricate frescoes, and a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling square outside.
Entry is free to the Duomo. But as always in Italian churches, you’ll be expected to cover up before you enter. When I visited this Cathedral I noticed people being asked to leave because they weren’t appropriately dressed. Avoid beachwear and cover shoulders with a shirt or shawl.
HEAD TO THE BASTIONE DI CAMPO MARCHIAFAVA
Once you’ve had your fill of art and history, head to the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava, a fortress that stands at the edge of the old town.
This is another great spot to soak up views of blue water, and it can be a peaceful place to take a break from the crowds (unless you visit in August, in which case it will invariably be busy.)
The bastion’s medieval walls have seen centuries of history, and it’s a fantastic place to reflect on Cefalù’s past.
BROWSE ARTISAN STORES
One of the things that I enjoyed about visiting Cefalù, was getting lost in back streets whilst browsing cute crafty bits in the stores. You’ll find everything from ceramics to handwoven textiles, making it a great opportunity to pick up a unique souvenir.
I recommend starting your browsing on Corso Ruggero, the town’s main shopping street.
Top Tip – whilst there are some truly unique stores in Cefalù, particularly those selling ceramics and quirky jewellery, there are also many selling quite generic items that you’ll see all over Sicily. By all means, feel free to buy a tote bag covered in lemon print (as an example), but just keep in mind that the same item probably costs more in Cefalù than in Palermo or Catania.
LOOK BACK FROM MOLO DI CEFALU
As you make your way to the beach, be sure to pause at Molo di Cefalù, the old pier. The narrow pathway can get a little crowded in the summer, but the view is so worth it.
From here, you can gaze back at the town, with the rugged old properties hugging the shore and the striped umbrellas peaking out from the sand. It’s a picturesque spot that’s perfect for photos.
PAUSE FOR A WINE
All that exploring deserves a reward, right? Stop for a glass of local Sicilian wine at a cozy enoteca in the town. Enoteca le Petit Tonneau is a personal favorite, offering a fantastic selection of Sicilian wines.
Order a glass of Nero d’Avola or Grillo and enjoy it with a plate of local cheeses and olives. It’s the perfect way to unwind and tin the relaxed atmosphere of Cefalù. Bonus, there’s a small terrace with a sea view.
RELAX AT THE BEACH
No trip to Cefalù would be complete without some time at the beach, luckily you don’t have to go far to get it. Spiaggia di Cefalù (the main beach) is just a short walk from the town center, and it’s an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
My personal favorite spot is Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio, a small area of beach enclosed by the harbour walls.
If you want a Lido experience, try Molo 19, beds are around 15 Euros.
LUNCH WITH A SEA VIEW
Cefalù has one of my favourite things – restaurants with seaview terraces. As soon as I stepped off the train in Cefalù, I knew I wanted a long lunch with seafood and (let’s face it) a fair bit of wine.
There are a few choices for restaurants if you’re craving the same experience, including many offering food at different budgets. The restaurant we would recommend is Al Porticciollo, which is very reasonably priced and has a large terrace. Try pasta con le sarde, fresh seafood or a pizza marinara.
GELATO IN PIAZZA GARIBALDI
End your day on a sweet note with a stop at Piazza Garibaldi for some authentic Sicilian gelato.
Choose from classic flavors like pistachio or nutella—or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try something more unique like Zuppa Inglese (which translates to English Soup – but is more like a trifle).
Take your gelato to go, and enjoy a final stroll through Cefalù’s narrow streets before heading back to the train station.
Where to next in Sicily?
We’ve got loads of similar guides to help you explore Sicily more. Find them below:
- One day in Palermo: A guide to seeing the best bits
- Visiting Mondello Beach from Palermo
- One day in Cefalu: A day trip from Palermo
- One idyllic day in Syracuse & Ortigia
- Palermo or Catania: Where should you start your Sicily adventures?
- One day in the city of Catania: An unexpected gem
- Day trips from Catania: 9 of the best
- Best things to do in Modica for the day
- A guide to Ragusa: things to do and where to stay
- Modica or Ragusa – which is better?
- Pozzallo Beach – the traditional sandy beach town dream
- Best things to do in Sutera, Sicily
- Walking in Sicily on the Magna Via Francigena
- A two week itinerary in Sicily – how to travel without a car
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
Yucatan at Christmas: what to expect
YUCATAN AT CHRISTMAS: WHAT TO EXPECT. Every year, we love getting away at Christmas. Ideally to visit somewhere hot, exotic and totally different to home. We spent Christmas in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula — and it was, in the best possible way, unlike any Christmas we’d known before. There’s something quite magical about being in a…
10 Best Hikes in Madeira: Explore + Hike Madeira
10 BEST HIKES IN MADEIRA: BEAUTY BEYOND THE PICO TO PICO. We recently visited the tropical island of Madeira. A beautiful island offering incredible opportunities for hikers and nature lovers, close to Portugal. There is an abundance of trails in Madeira, from mountain hikes, to coastal and the famous Levada hikes. You’ve probably heard of…
27 of the best things to do in Madeira
27 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MADEIRA. On our recent visit to Madeira we explored the island from top to bottom. It’s fair to say that it is now one of our favourite places to be. From lush gardens, to mountain hikes and beach walks. Madeira is simply beautiful. But there’s also buzz…
Most of our planning is done using other blogs, but you can’t beat a guide book at the bottom of your case.
Find them here on Amazon.
USEFUL LINKS FOR FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND TRANSPORT
CHECK LATEST FLIGHTS
ACTIVITIES TO CONSIDER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that some links on our website are partnered with affiliates. Using an affiliate links does not make it more expensive for you to purchase. We receive a small commission whenever you buy something which in turn allows us to keep writing independent travel guides and your support is greatly appreciated.
One response to “One day in Cefalù: the best bits without rushing”
[…] Although there is not a beach in the city centre, Palermo offers a beautiful and welcoming urban beach: Mondello Beach. Just a 20-minute drive or bus ride from the city center, Mondello is known for its clear blue waters and golden sands. This beach is perfect for a relaxing day, with beachside restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood dishes. A little further afield is the charming harbour town of Cefalu. […]