Should You Visit Cefalu?

Are you thinking about visiting Cefalu, Italy? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.


Is Cefalu worth visiting?

Cefalu is worth visiting for one to three days so that you can explore everything that the fishing village has to offer. Cefalù is a coastal town on the northern side of Sicily. It's filled with charm and personality. It also has nice beaches and beautiful blue waters and it makes a nice destination for a relaxing beach vacation.

Cefalu, Italy Cefalu, Italy

Reasons to Visit Cefalu

Food
Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

Resorts
There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

Beaches
The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Historical Sights
The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Hiking
There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.




Is Cefalu worth visiting in the Summer?

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 26°C (79°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 33°C (92°F).

The peak season for travel is summer in Cefalu, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite touristy, so in the high season it's busier than usual. You'll see larger crowds and longer lines, as well as higher prices. On the other hand, there's plenty to see and do at this time of year because everything is open.

With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable fishing village, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, soak up the small town charm, and discover the nearby hiking trails. Also, you can check out the beautiful resorts and the historic old town.


Summer Weather in Cefalu
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
August 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
September 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)

Is Cefalu worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cefalu. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (67°F).

Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery, browse around the old town, and get out into nature. Also, you'll be able to take in the local charm.


Autumn Weather in Cefalu
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
November 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
December 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)

Is Cefalu worth visiting in the Winter?

This is the low season for travel in Cefalu. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 10°C (51°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine and the historic old town.


Winter Weather in Cefalu
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
February 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
March 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)

Is Cefalu worth visiting in the Spring?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 15°C (58°F).

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Cefalu, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you'll still come across plenty of touriss. However, the prices tend to be a little cheaper.

One of the main reasons to come this time of year is because of the gorgeous scenery. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to take in the beautiful scenery, explore the small town, and admire the historic sights.


Spring Weather in Cefalu
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
June 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Cefalu

Museums: Cefalu isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Cefalu with a lively nightlife scene. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Shopping: Cefalu isn't exactly a shopper's destination. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cefalu might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cefalu here or see if Cefalu is expensive here.

Related

What is Cefalu most famous for?

Cefalu is most famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food. People visit this impressive fishing village for its great food, resorts, beaches, and historical sights. It's also known for hiking. It is often described as charming, coastal, historic, and touristy.

What is the most famous sight in Cefalu?

The most popular sight in Cefalu is the beaches. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cefalu on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the beaches and other attractions here.

How touristy is Cefalu? Is it a popular fishing village to visit?

Cefalu is a popular fishing village for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

  • Cefalu Etna wild jeep experience: $273
  • Madonie wild adventure: $225
  • Safari Jeep Wild Adventure: $136
  • High Madonie wild jeep adventure: $163
  • Etna tour from Cefalù: $62
  • Nebrodi and Halaesa valley jeep tours: $125

How long should I spend in Cefalu?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Cefalu is one to three days. Since Cefalu has activities such as resorts, beaches, historical sights, and dining, many visit for up to three days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cefalu?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cefalu?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Cefalu?.