Cefalù is one of the most popular seaside resorts of the Tyrrhenian coast, included in the most beautiful towns in Italy and is part of the Madonie National Park. In the IV Century BC the Greeks called it ‘Kefaloidion’ or head cape. Its name first appears in history at the time of the Carthaginian expedition under Himilco, 396 BC, when that general concluded a treaty with the Himeraeans and the inhabitants of Cephaloedium. In the First Punic War it was reduced by the Roman fleet under Atilius Calatinus and Scipio Nasica, 254 BC, but by treachery and not by force of arms. Cicero speaks of it as apparently a flourishing town, enjoying full municipal privileges.

During the Byzantine domination the settlement was moved from the plain to the current spur, although the old town was never entirely abandoned. In 858, after a long siege, it was conquered by the Arabs, and rechristened Gafludi. For the following centuries it was part of the Emirate of Sicily.

In 1063 the Normans captured it and in 1131, Roger II, king of Sicily, transferred it from its almost inaccessible position to one at the foot of the rock, where there was a small but excellent harbor, and began construction of the present cathedral. Between the 13th century and 1451 it was under different feudal families, and then it became a possession of the Bishops of Cefalù.

It’s a must to visit the Cefalù Cathedral built by Roger II, begun in 1131, in a style of Norman architecture which would be more accurately called Sicilian Romanesque. On each side of the façade is a massive tower of four stores, different because have been destroyed and rebuilt after several Saracen attacks in different periods. The interior of the cathedral was restored in 1559, though the pointed arches of the nave, borne by ancient granite columns, are still visible; and the only mosaics preserved are those of the apse and the last bay of the choir; they are remarkably fine specimens of the Byzantine art of the period (1148). The figure of the Pantocrator gracing the apse is especially noteworthy.

The town’s fortifications formerly extended to the shore, on the side where the modern town now is, in the form of two long walls protecting the port.
This medieval town, with its beautiful architecture, will encourage you to explore shops of local handicrafts, souvenirs and antiques from Piazza Garibaldi up to Corso Ruggero. Reaching the old port of Cefalù, you see traditional Mediterranean harbor with its colorful boats, its pier and beautiful golden sand beach, on the horizon the promontory overlooking the sea, where there is the fortress that houses the eponymous castle. Despite its size, every year it attracts millions of tourists from all parts of Sicily and also, from all over Italy and Europe. In summer the population can triple, making the main streets and major roads in the country crowded, and with it a young atmosphere and lively nightlife.

Visit Cefalù in Springtime, is the best period if you want to avoid the crowd! This magnificent setting was chosen by the movie maker Giuseppe Tornatore who shoot some scenes of the Oscar-winning film “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”. Go up to the Rock by walking along Corso Ruggero until you cross the narrow street of the Saracens. You will then get to the bottom of the Rock and from there you can start climbing the “ Saracen hill” leading to the summit of the promontory extensive remains of a Saracen castle. We suggest you to wear trekking shoes and bring lots of water, avoiding the hottest hours of the day. During the year the city offers many events where you can experience delicious local produce, from the  Madonie reserve area,  fine wines, fresh fish and specialties prepared by local chefs,  while enjoying live concerts.

Along the north coast of Sicily between “Mazzaforno”( about 3 miles before  Cefalù,  coming from Palermo, driving  onto the SS 113 Palermo-Messina) and the town, you can find beautiful long and solitary beaches just beneath the typical  Sicilian olive and citrus gardens.

Read more about Siciliana Itineraries,  Cinema, and  Vacation in Sicily
from AmuniSicily.com #4, and Wikipedia.org edited by  Vanvakys.com

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