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Cefalù

Italy · Coast · EUR · 38.038200, 14.023000
Family friendly 5.6/10 · Rank 1851 of 2 709
Best season: May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)

Best for

For beach lovers, history, photography, romance and Sicilian cuisine.

Best season

May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)

Daily budget
$160.00 (≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 143 EUR)
For 7 days
$1 120.00 (≈ 93 990 ₽ · ≈ 1 000 EUR)
Cefalù is a picturesque coastal town on the northern coast of Sicily, where the Norman cathedral with its magnificent mosaics towers over the old town with its narrow streets. The sandy beach at the foot of the La Rocca cliff and its proximity to the mountains make it an ideal place for combining beach holidays and cultural excursions.
Summer
33.8°C
Winter
10.0°C
Sea
27.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Hospitable, friendly, sea and history-loving.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Beautiful beach and crystal clear water
  • Magnificent UNESCO cathedral
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Fewer tourists than Taormina

Cons

  • Many tourists in summer
  • High prices
  • Dangerous currents
  • Fire jellyfish
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
25.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
33.8°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
10.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
15.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
10.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
26.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
27.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
autumn-winter (October-December)
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
fine golden sand, pebbles in some areas
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild-moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Cefalù Main Beach (Spiaggia di Cefalù)
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Main dangers are rip currents, sea urchins and fire jellyfish. Lifeguards on beaches.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins occur on rocky areas

Corals and reefs — details

  • Dendrophyllia ramea — widespread coral population found southeast of Syracuse at about 75 m depth
  • Red coral (Corallium rubrum) — historically harvested off Sicily at depths up to 200 m
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, caution recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Fire jellyfish appear off the Sicilian coast, stings are painful

Sharks — details

  • Sharks occasionally appear near the coast, no attacks recorded in Sicily
Attractions

Cefalù Cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù)

Magnificent 12th-century Norman cathedral with Byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO site.

La Rocca

Giant 270-metre cliff with medieval castle ruins and panoramic views of the town and sea.

Cefalù Main Beach

Wide golden sand beach with crystal clear water at the foot of the cathedral.

Old Town

Medieval streets with Arab-Norman architecture, shops and restaurants.

Lavatoio Medievale

Ancient stone washhouse at the foot of the cliff with running water.

Cefalù Harbour and Promenade

Picturesque harbour with a walking promenade and sunset views.

Museo Mandralisca

Museum with a collection of paintings, coins and the famous portrait of a fisherman by Antonello da Messina.

Best areas

Historic Centre

Main area with the cathedral, medieval streets and shops.

Beach Area

Seafront area with beach, hotels and restaurants.

Must-try food

Pasta con le sarde

Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins and pine nuts — Sicilian classic.

Arancini

Fried rice balls with meat, mozzarella or butter.

Granita

Semi-frozen dessert made from fruit juice or coffee, served with brioche.

Caponata

Vegetable stew of aubergines, celery, olives and capers in a sweet and sour sauce.

Limoncello

Famous lemon liqueur.

Where to go next

Palermo

Capital of Sicily with a historic centre and attractions, ~1 hour by train.

Mondello

Famous beach near Palermo, ~1 hour.

Tindari

Cliff-top town with an ancient Greek theatre and a Christian shrine, ~1 hour.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Палермо имени Фальконе-Борселлино (PMO).
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Visa
Visa requirements
Schengen visa for non-EU citizens
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 54 EUR
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 89 EUR
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$170.00
≈ 14 266 ₽ · ≈ 152 EUR
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽ · ≈ 223 EUR
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 179 EUR
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 107 EUR
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 16 EUR
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 31 EUR
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 4 EUR
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Burger
Average price for a burger
$11.00
≈ 923 ₽ · ≈ 10 EUR
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 5 EUR
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 9 EUR
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 71 EUR
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 2 EUR
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 11 EUR
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 49 EUR
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 13 EUR
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 22 EUR
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 49 EUR
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 71 EUR
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 63 EUR
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 18 EUR
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Frequently asked questions
Cefalù: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Cefalù: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +33.8°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Cefalù: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +10.0°C, during the day — up to +15.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Cefalù: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +27.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Cefalù: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on autumn-winter (October-December). During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Cefalù: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "fine golden sand, pebbles in some areas" surface, golden sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Cefalù Main Beach (Spiaggia di Cefalù). The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Cefalù: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Cefalù: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, jellyfish, sharks. Main dangers are rip currents, sea urchins and fire jellyfish. Lifeguards on beaches.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Cefalù: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $160.00 (≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 143 EUR) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Cefalù: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $60.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $170.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $120.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Cefalù: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $35.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $2.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Cefalù: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $80.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.50, a short taxi ride — $12.00, car rental — $55.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Cefalù: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Cefalù Cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù) — Magnificent 12th-century Norman cathedral with Byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO site.; La Rocca — Giant 270-metre cliff with medieval castle ruins and panoramic views of the town and sea.; Cefalù Main Beach — Wide golden sand beach with crystal clear water at the foot of the cathedral.; Old Town — Medieval streets with Arab-Norman architecture, shops and restaurants.; Lavatoio Medievale — Ancient stone washhouse at the foot of the cliff with running water.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Cefalù: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Pasta con le sarde — Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins and pine nuts — Sicilian classic.; Arancini — Fried rice balls with meat, mozzarella or butter.; Granita — Semi-frozen dessert made from fruit juice or coffee, served with brioche.; Caponata — Vegetable stew of aubergines, celery, olives and capers in a sweet and sour sauce.; Limoncello — Famous lemon liqueur.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Cefalù: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Historic Centre — Main area with the cathedral, medieval streets and shops.; Beach Area — Seafront area with beach, hotels and restaurants.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Cefalù: is a visa required?
Visa: Schengen visa for non-EU citizens. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Cefalù: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Палермо имени Фальконе-Борселлино (code PMO). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $80.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Cefalù: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — EUR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $160.00 (≈ 13 427 ₽ · ≈ 143 EUR). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Cefalù: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Cefalù: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Cefalù: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Palermo — Capital of Sicily with a historic centre and attractions, ~1 hour by train.; Mondello — Famous beach near Palermo, ~1 hour.; Tindari — Cliff-top town with an ancient Greek theatre and a Christian shrine, ~1 hour.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.6/10
Overall rank: 1851 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 1123

Best season

May-June, September-October (warm weather, fewer crowds)

Useful information

Currency: EUR
Coordinates: 38.038200, 14.023000