Cefalù is known as one of the Sicily’s biggest tourist attractions, right alongside Taormina, so I was skeptical to visit it when I put it on my Sicilian itinerary. This postcard-perfect Arab fishing village had been gentrified by Norman King Roger II, who founded one of Sicily’s most magnificent cathedrals. My mother and I decided to visit, hoping that it had retained its old town charm. Since the town is small, we spent an afternoon wandering and checking off things to do in Cefalu – a colorful village with a sparkling sea and pretty harbor.
When I arrived to Cefalù, my intuition that the town would be packed (ESPECIALLY in the month of August, when all the Italians are on vacation) was spot on. However, I was surprised by the fact that this little fishing village was still able to maintain a lot of its original charm! We parked right outside the beach and stepped out onto the boardwalk. It was a hot Wednesday afternoon in August and the beach was flooded with people. I could barely see them since they were all huddled under mountains of umbrellas piled over one another. On one side was the sparkling and savage Mediterranean Sea and its beach covered in vibrant and colorful umbrellas, on the other was the colorful and softer old fishing village. Luckily, lounging on the beach was not on my list of things to do in Cefalu during our short time here.
1. VIA VITTORIO EMANUELE
The journey begins on the main street of Cefalù, Via Vittorio Emanuele, where one can find most of the historic sites and shops. The main street truly is meant for an iconic dolce vita passegiata. Cannoli carts, Granita stands, corner cafés, streets with laundry hanging from clotheslines swinging from one building to the other, and quaint stores flood the streets of Cefalù.
A few stores that caught my eye (no pun intended!) include an authentic fishnet store that was open for business! A dozen colorful fishnets hung in an arched open doorway. The colors and the way they were displayed gave the fishing village an extra pinch of charm (not that it needed it to begin with) to accompany the town’s brightly hued boats and twisting narrow streets.
At times we did walk by the occasional tourist store or trap, but even those were exploding with Sicilian charm. Sicilian ornaments, the famous wooden Pinocchio’s, linen dresses, and handmade cloths lined the storefronts. I have to say…you would occasionally see the traditional God Father t-shirt or kitchen apron. It was a bit sad to see that Sicily had fallen victim to these stereotypes and felt the need to appeal tourist’s appetite for movies such as the God Father. Sicily is far from anything like the God Father, no matter what the media portrays. It is a happy, jolly, and vivacious community of people who are very passionate about their hometown, roots, and of course—food!
2. IL LAVATOIO MEDIEVALE
One of the first stops along Via Vittorio Emanuele was Il Lavatoio Medievale, or the Medieval Wash or Roman Bath. The story behind Il Lavatoio Medievale of Cefalù is an ancient one, as this is the area where women would come to wash and rinse their family’s clothing many centuries ago. Just imagine what life was like back then! Today it is an adorable and romantic spot where one can go sit down and read a book while escaping the sizzling Sicilian heat. There is even a cute café perched halfway down were one can enjoy un caffé or gelato while getting inspired by the romanticism of Il Lavatoio Medievale!
3. MUST EAT: ARANCINO
We were starting to get hungry, so I decided to indulge in one of Sicily’s most FAMOUS lunch cuisines—l’arancino! For those of you who don’t know what an arancino is, it is a Sicilian specialty: stuffed rice balls coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. A must-have street food when in this beautiful region. I grabbed a mozzarella and prosciutto arancino for a quick lunch on the go from Pizzica. I’ve had the ragu or meat sauce arancino on another occasion and highly recommend that as well if you get the chance. To quench our thirst, we grabbed a couple of freshly squeezed juices from one of the many juicers on the street—I chose an in-season dragon fruit and watermelon from Zagara Juice Bar. My mom and I found a small house entryway on Via Vittorio Emanuele with about 15 steps leading up to the door and decided to sit on the steps and devour our lunch on the street—typical Sicilian style.
4. PORTICCIOLO DEI PESCATORI
From the famous Porticciolo dei Pescatori, or fishermen’s marina or port hole, you can catch a glimpse of one of the few parts of the Cefalù beach that is not packed with people. The Porticciolo was filled with people sitting on its steps under the shade eating an arancino, slice of pizza, or refreshing gelato. Luckily, I was able to break through them all and catch a glimpse of those Mediterranean cliffs and the sea.
5. DUOMO OR CHIESA DI CEFALU
We turned onto the second main road in Cefalù, Corso Ruggero, and stopped in front of the Duomo or Chiesa di Cefalù and its small piazza. Although, when you walk by you may think its just another of Italy’s enchanting churches, the Duomo di Cefalù is much more than that. In fact, it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Arab-Norman architecture.
6. MUST EAT: I CANNOLI BE HAPPY IN SICILY <3
On our way back to the car, my mother and I stopped by Via Vittorio Emanuele once again. We had walked by an ADORABLE cannoli cart that was lined with people waiting for a taste, simply called Cannoli. We decided to indulge in another Sicilian delicacy before hopping in the car and heading towards Palermo.
If you can’t tell by now…one of my favorite things to do in Cefalu, or anywhere in Sicily really is just eat. The quest to find the perfect Sicilian cannoli is impossible. Why you may ask? Because the way the ricotta cheese is worked in the East and in the West is completely different. There is no such thing as the best or perfect cannoli, but rather a cannoli whose ricotta is thicker, uses different milk, or is worked more than another. This cannoli is one of my favorites from the west side in Cefalù—pistachios sprinkled on one side and chocolate chips on the other. If my mom’s face doesn’t say it all in the below picture, I don’t know what will – It was delicious and light!!!
We had made our way from beautiful beaches and a picture perfect setting to the ancient cathedral built by the Normans and the towns’ infamous arancini and cannoli. Cefalù is a “discovered” gem. I can’t say undiscovered because it’s packed with tourists during peak season! But it’s still a gem and worth uncovering during an afternoon visit.
>> Next: The #1 Must-See Beach in Sicily: Scala Dei Turchi, Turkish Steps Beach
34 comments
I am loving your blog! Fabulous photography and laid out so easy.
The food!! it looks delicous! Sicily has been on my radar for a while! I hope I will have a chance to go soon!
Great blog love your photos …
How fun–love your images!
wow what a beautiful place to hang on.. Loved the snaps and you taken it beautifully 🙂
Very cool! I love your pictures
Oh gracious! What a beautiful city
The photos are really fabulous… Keep up the great work.
Beautiful article that makes me want to plan my next vacation. The picture hold me spellbound.
Gorgeous! Hubby’s family is from Sicily and you’ve showcased it wonderfully.
Awesome stuff. I like the destination.
wow i just fell in love with the place and the way you portrait it .. thanks a lot . will surely gonna visit ..
Great work. Really good read.
What a beautiful beach. I wish I was there right now
What a beautiful place to visit. No wonder its one of Sicily’s most visited. Gorgeous photography too. Saving this post to my bucketlist.
Sicily is definitely one of the places on my list of travels. The beach is very exciting considering the weather here in London. And the architecture is definitely nostalgic so much history there …..
the perfect mix of amazing pictures and fantastic narration! I will be back to read more of your travels! <3
Looks wonderful! I want to go!
this is STUNNIG!! adding to my bucket list xo
Your pictures are gorgeous! Just like a picture book. Now I need to travel Italy!
What a gorgeous place to visit! Loved reading your guide. 🙂
http://www.lifeofardor.com
Beautiful photos and post!
Oh my gosh this is just wonderful.. I’d love to go there some day
Ugh that Cannoli is so beautiful! I love all your shots and recounts, you’re so talented!
Thank you Alyssa 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed my post!!
Definitely adding this to the list of places I need to go in Italy. Your pics are stunning!
Perfect job of making me want to drop everything and head to Sicily! Gorgeous photos.
What a beautiful photos and post,I like your blog
What a lovely blog post and your photos are so beautiful! I am staying in Cefalu for a few days in May and can’t wait to go.
Hannah x
http://www.hannahandtheblog.com
Cefalu’ is the home of my grandparents. I have visited there 4 times and stayed a month each time. It is my favorite place in the world! I have many photos like you shared. A great experience was going up to see the Temple of Diana at the top of the the prominence there in Cefalu. The view of the sea is just magnificent on the way up. It is beyond blue, the most beautiful shade of blue I have ever seen!
Mary Mariner
Wonderful…! Next time I’m in Cefalù I will check it out. Thanks for sharing 🙂
We are going thank’s to your post! I tried googling PORTICCIOLO DEI PESCATORI but really cannot seem to find an exact location. Where do I find it?
It’s also known as Porta Pescara in Google Maps 🙂 So happy I was able to help!! Hope my other articles inspire you to explore more of Sicily
Grazie, Cefalu is my favorite place in Sicily.❤️