Cefalù
The ‘Pearl of the Tyrrhenian’ has been a must-see stop on the Italian tourist trail since the country’s first Club Med opened here more than a century ago. But what exactly draws in the crowds?
The Most Beautiful Beach Town in Italy
With its sandy seafront bathed in the reflected light off the twinkling sea, Cefalù has been enchanting visitors for over two thousand years. Greek settlers founded it as an outpost of nearby Himera, naming it for the headland that still shelters its harbour. Carthaginians and Romans fought over the town in turn, before periods of Byzantine and later Arabian rule. Throughout much of this period the settlement was primarily on top of the great Rocca hill. Normans arrived in the eleventh century, largely rebuilding everything at the more convenient position it enjoys today. Their legacy includes a fascinating medieval wash-house, as well of course as the cathedral that combines Norman, Byzantine and Arab craftsmanship, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
Cefalù sits almost perfectly in the centre of Sicily’s north coast, about an hour east of Palermo. The medieval old town is clustered at the foot of La Rocca, its sheer limestone face looming over the Duomo.
Narrow, largely pedestrianised lanes converge here. A two-kilometre stretch of golden sand runs along the modern seafront (the Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina), while the old harbour next to the stone pier (il molo), still anchors the original fishing village. Inland, the wooded foothills of the Madonie Natural Park begin their climb just a few kilometres from the centre.
Visitors climb La Rocca for sweeping coastal views and the ruins of a temple once dedicated to the goddess Diana, while down in town the Mandralisca Museum holds a striking collection spanning the Byzantine era to the Renaissance. Film fans seek out the harbourside pier and frescoed theatre made famous by the Oscar-winning Cinema Paradiso, and every August the slippery Ntinna a Mari pole game, hotly contested by the sons of the old town’s workers since 1783, draws crowds. The food scene alone is worth the trip, from simple seafood trattorias to street stalls and proper Sicilian cannoli. With Palermo’s airport under an hour away and fast trains along the coast, Cefalù also makes a relaxed, scenic base for exploring the Madonie and even the rest of Sicily.
The Perfect
Destination for…
Whether you’re a family with children, a couple on a romantic break, a group of friends or even a lone traveller, Cefalù is an unforgettable experience for anyone who wants to switch off and unwind against a dazzling natural and historical backdrop. Adventurers will love the climb up the Rocca and the outdoor sports opportunities in the nearby Madonie Natural Park, those who prefer their holidays a little more sedate will be happy to spend hours watching the world go by on one of the terraces of Piazza Duomo, and absolutely everyone will love the stunning golden beach. A long winter in Cefalù can be a magical experience, with the chance to see the true community behind the tourist facade. Not every bar or restaurant stays open, but learning the ones that do will give you an unbeatable insight into where the real quality cooking and bartending to be found.
Investment Advice
The Solemar Group’s buy-to-let specialist Fabian Gruessener shares his insights for prospective buyers in the area
“Considering its huge reputation, Cefalù itself really isn’t that big, which has squeezed the market a little bit in recent years. You can find a few renovation projects in the old town, but they’re few and far between. However, this is an incredible tourist draw and you’ll be fielding booking requests all year round. If you want a pied-a-terre that you can use yourself and rent out when you’re not home, you can cash in during the height of the summer season and enjoy the stunning mild autumn yourself.
One other option would be to buy something bigger in the hills outside the town. Our guests really love a place with a view, especially if that comes with a scenic swimming pool, and larger groups will be happy enough to hire a car and look around outside the centre. If you can offer a real touch of luxury, there is certainly a demand for it.”
