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: Tandem Paragliding Flight and GoPro12 Video

2. Cefalù: Tandem Paragliding Flight and GoPro12 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.

From Cefalù: Filicudi Lipari and Vulcano Tour with Boat Trip

3. From Cefalù: Filicudi Lipari and Vulcano Tour with Boat Trip

PROGRAMME Bus transfer from your accommodation* to the port of Capo d'Orlando. Departure from Capo d'Orlando at 09:15. Arrival on Filicudi at 10:45. Filicudi offers stunning landscapes and sunsets without equal. From the Port of Filicudi, take a trip up the exclusive Monte Guardia Mountain and marvel at a unique and inimitable view of the other six islands as well as the coastline of Sicily, all in one frame. On the island of Filicudi, the Archaeological Museum of Lipari is located, which houses prehistoric artefacts that date from the early Bronze Age right through to the Greek and Roman eras.   Departure from Filicudi at 12:30. Arrival on Vulcano at 13:15. Vulcano is famous for its natural sulphurous mud baths, caused by volcanic phenomena called fumaroles - they provide visitors an opportunity for natural, therapeutic R&R at the end of this busy day trip. A short walk away, and located in the sea a few metres off the white sandy beach, are the islands thermal hot springs, and are a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the sea bubbling before you. Further down the road lies the black beach, covered in obsidian sand - it’s easy to convince yourself to lie back and relax for an hour or so. If you are more active, you can also use your time to discover captivating landscapes while climbing the Gran Cratere (central crater) or visiting La Valle dei Mostri (the Valley of the Monsters) at the Grotta del Cavallo.Transfer back to your pick-up point. Departure from Vulcano at 15:45. Arrival on Lipari at 16:00. Lipari is the largest of the Seven Sisters, with the seven islands together consisting of a total population of ca. 13,000 inhabitants. The only way to arrive on the island is by boat, which provides a good first glimpse of the islands breath-taking scenery, where the stunning blue of the Mediterranean Sea contrasts beautifully against the glaring white mountains of pumice stone. Before you disembark, the captain will confirm you have +/- 2hrs to yourself. This gives you the opportunity to shop in the delightful alleys at Corso Vittorio Emanuele, or to wonder the picturesque historic centre of the island where the Acropolis is situated, and where you will also find the Castle and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral. You can learn about the origins of Lipari at the Archaeological Park and the Regional Aeolian Archaeological Museum Luigi Bernabo Brea, or take the time to discover the gorgeous landscapes of the island of Lipari by bus - we highly recommended the bus tour as it takes just 1.5 hours and departs and returns from Marina Lunga Port. Departure at 18:15. Arrival at Cefalù at 20:30. Transfer back to your pick-up point. *The pick-up point depends on where you are staying, and may be outside your hotel, or just a short walk away. The pick-up time may vary in relation to your pick-up point.

Cefalù: Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Castelbuono

4. Cefalù: Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Castelbuono

Explore the wines of Sicily on a half-day tour of the picturesque Madonie Mountains, the 2nd natural reserve established on the island. You will go to the prettiest of all the hilltop towns and villages on a scenic tour to Castelbuono. Famous for the 14th-century Arab-Norman castle, built during the Hohenstaufen rule of southern Italy, the church is also home to the holy relic of Sant’ Anna. Take a stroll through the town center, with breathtaking views all the way. Next, visit the gold medal, award-winning Abbazia Sant’Anastasia winery to taste some of their selected organic wines, served with typical appetizers of the region. Take a tour of the wine cellar, and savor the oak smells of the handcrafted barriques (barrels).

Cefalù: Mount Etna to 1900-Meters and Taormina Tour

5. Cefalù: Mount Etna to 1900-Meters and Taormina Tour

Climb up to 1900 meters on Mount Etna, the most important Volcano in Europe and enjoy the peculiar lava landscape. Before you know it, you're standing on the pulsing and flaming heart of the island - Mount Etna. Then, Taormina town lies upon a hill (Monte Tauro) at 206 meters above sea level. This beautiful terrace, suspended between land and sea with Mount Etna behind it and thanks to the natural frame with its contrasts, monuments, beautiful alleys and cultural events hosted, attracts many tourists from all over the world. Dating back as far as 358 B.C., it is home to some of the most well-preserved buildings, medieval courtyards and historic landmarks in this corner of the world.

Palermo: Grand Tour in CruiserCar

6. Palermo: Grand Tour in CruiserCar

Embark on a journey tailored to your personal tastes and schedule with our CruiserCar. Experience the freedom to delve into Palermo's secretive alleys, iconic landmarks, and vibrant atmospheres at your own pace. Indulge in a handpicked selection of chilled Prosecco, fine beverages, and snacks designed to complement each sight and sensation. Begin your adventure at the majestic Palermo Cathedral, a stunning fusion of Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and the peaceful ambiance that render this historical gem a pivotal stop on your journey. Whether you're a devotee of history, a lover of architectural grandeur, or a seeker of natural wonders, our tour caters to every passion. Elevate your experience as you ascend the slopes of Monte Pellegrino, affectionately known as the mountain of "Santa Rosalia." Reach its summit to witness breathtaking panoramic views of Palermo, framed by the deep blues of the Mediterranean Sea. The tranquility and untouched beauty of this peak offer a serene retreat that will etch itself in your memory. Conclude your exploration on a celebratory note at Mondello, a cherished local gem known for its pristine white beaches and crystal-clear waters. You’re not just exploring; you’re immersing yourself in Palermo, crafting memories that last a lifetime. Join us on this exclusive voyage through the heart of Palermo and discover the city like never before. PLEASE NOTE: This tour regularly sells out and spot are limited each day. We highly recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

Cefalù: Temples Valley and Scala dei Turchi Tour

7. Cefalù: Temples Valley and Scala dei Turchi Tour

Let be surrounded by architectural treasures, the Valley of the Temples is amongst the most evocative sites of the Greek world and one of the most important complexes outside the Greece. We will visit the temples which stand on the high ridge overlooking the sea, walking the Sacred Way, and discovering the magnificence of the Concordia Temple, which was converted in a Christian church in the 6th century and because of that spared from much of the devastation which afflicted the site over the centuries. You will walk between the Temple of Zeus ruins, the largest temple built by the Greeks, destroyed to build the harbor of the near town of Porto Empedocle. Named as one of the 10 wonderfully unique beach by Tripadvisor, Scala dei Turchi’s cliff rises between two fine sandy beaches, and to access it you have to proceed along the coast and climb into an ascent similar to a large natural limestone staircase. The Scala dei Turchi has a wavy and irregular shape, with lines that are not rough but sweet and roundish. The name comes from the past raids of Saracens pirates, named conventionally by locals as “Turchi" (Turkish), these pirates in fact found this site as a safer landing place for their ships, saving them from the beating of the hammering African winds, compared to the rest of the southern coastline.

From Taormina: Palermo and Cefalù Day Trip

8. From Taormina: Palermo and Cefalù Day Trip

This excursion offers a true Sicilian travel experience, discover the most important Arab-Norman monuments such as the Martorana church, the Cathedral, the Quattro Canti, Piazza Bellini and the Piazza Pretoria. Experience the vibrant, local market il Capo, with its colorful fruit, vegetable and the fish market at the heart of the city. Palermo is Sicily's cultural, economic and touristic capital. It is a city rich in history, culture, art, music and food. See for yourself why numerous tourists are attracted to the city for its good Mediterranean weather, its renowned gastronomy and restaurants, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque churches, palaces and buildings. Cefalù is a city and commune in the province of Palermo, located on the northern coast of Sicily, Italy on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Explore the Cathedral, started in 1131 in an Arab-Norman style architecture. Admire the exterior which is well preserved, and is largely decorated with interlacing pointed arches.

Boat excursion along the coast of Cefalù

9. Boat excursion along the coast of Cefalù

If you want to explore nature, admire the colours of the coast of Cefalù and the seabed, our boat tour is the ideal choice. The friendliness and professionalism of the crew, as well as the toast we will offer you on board, will make this experience the highlight of your stay in Cefalù. We will depart from the Presidiana Tourist Port, and we will push off to have a panoramic view of the city. During the excursion we will skirt the beaches and the coast of Cefalù, and we will show you the most beautiful natural views of the area. There are stops to swim and to admire the seabed with masks available to participants. We will also visit the locality of Mazzaforno and Kalura. In particular, we are sure that the shadows created by the rocky formations that protrude from the water in the beach of Kalura will not go unnoticed. During one of the stops we make we will enjoy the aperitif and toast to the good times spent together. Special features of the tour: Visit of the coast of Cefalù on a comfortable and spacious boat Stops to swim and to admire the seabed. If nature allows, we could admire the fish intrigued by our presence Small aperitif of savory snacks accompanied by prosecco and soft drinks The itinerary includes: Boarding of participants with accommodation on comfortable seats Departure from the Tourist Port of Cefalù Stop for swimming Mazzaforno area moored near the coast accessible by swimming to look for aquatic fauna and admire the seabed Stop in front of the beautiful beach of the historic centre of Cefalù to take a further swim waiting to see the local fish called "occhiate" present in almost all hours of the day Stop for swimming in Kalura area and for taking a further bath and spotting the seagulls nesting on the cliff Aperitif tasting in one of the stops we will make Return to the Tourist Port of Cefalù for the disembarkation of the participantsItinerary and stops may vary depending on sea conditions and at the discretion of the captain Time of departure: The departure of the morning tour is at 10 am and the return at 1 pm The departure of the afternoon tour is at 3 pm and the return at 6 pm For a better organization it is mandatory to reach the boarding point at least 15 minutes before the agreed time.In high season, we recommend leaving early to find parking more easily. Characteristics of the boat: Maximum number of passengers: 12 Area protected from the sun Toilets and changing rooms not present Not wheelchair accessible Not accessible for strollers Pets allowed only on private tours How to reach us: Eolo cafè, Località Presidiana, 90015 Cefalù PA, Italy The port is easily accessible by car, and there is free parking nearby.

Cefalù: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

10. 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).

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What people are saying about Cefalù

Overall rating

4.4
(464 reviews)

Antonio was an excellent driver and host. He pointed out sights of interest on our way and back and even dropped us off at our hotel (even though that is not officially part of the offer). The trip was exactly as described and we were glad as we appreciated the opportunity to walk around Cefalu and have lunch at our own direction and pace rather than via a guided tour. A very relaxing and enjoyable afternoon.

We knew exactly that this was a transfer service to Monreale & Cefalu. We enjoyed having someone drive us there & returning us home. Great experience to see two places in one morning. Book it & do not miss the beautiful church!

The excursion went very well, the shame is that we could not stay longer in Monreale and Cefalú, to see more of these cities we need more time

Very nice visit with Ambra who knows how to show the most beautiful corners of her city in the allotted time with pleasure and a smile

The food was delicious and Rosamaria was a great host.