warm sand and medieval allies: exploring the cefalu beaches

Cefalu is a charming little town nestled on the northern coast of Sicily. It has a long history. The legendary Norman king Roger II built one of his cathedrals here. And there it still stands by the main square of the old town.

Roger was sailing with his men when a storm wrecked his boat. This led him to land on a bay that is now Cefalu's main beach. He liked the place so much he planned to make it his new capital.

Then he died, and Palermo remained the capital of Sicily. Still, Cefalu is one of the island's main attractions to this day, mainly because of its beach - but not only that. The town itself is very charming and well-located.

This idyllic little town is home to some of the finest beaches in Sicily. Places where crystal-clear waters meet soft, golden sands.

Whether you are seeking a quiet retreat or a more active holiday, Cefalu and its beaches offer something for everyone.

So, let's take a look at this sunny paradise and discover the beauty of Cefalu beaches. As well as some other things this enchanting little town has to offer.

(For even more on those, check my "Things to Do in Cefalu" -page.

The Beauty of Cefalu Beaches

Cefalu beaches are known for their beauty. When you'll see them, you'll understand why.

First of all, the town is beautifully situated. The shimmering sea lies in front of it. And behind it, there are rocky cliffs and lush green hills.

The sand on Cefalu beaches is soft and golden, and the waters are crystal clear. When swimming in the ocean, the view back to the town is nothing if not perfect.

Cefalu beaches aren't just about water activities. The town is also famous for its stunning sunsets. It can be seen from many of the beaches.

As the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea, it paints the sky in marvelous colors. The water shimmers in the fading light. A truly magical experience.

Enjoying the Cefalu sunset.

The Best Beaches in Cefalu

Cefalu has many beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm. Here are some of the best-known beaches to explore during your visit:

Lungomare Beach

Lungomare Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cefalu, and it's easy to see why.

The beach is located in the heart of the town. It has shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby. It also offers a pleasant view of historic buildings that the evening sun turns into a live painting.

You can walk directly from the beach to a restaurant or café. Or go shopping.

There are plenty of places to stay near, in the heart of the old town. So it's an easy walk between the beach and your apartment.

For a more secluded spot on the beach, try walking Lungomare away from the historic center.

Cefalu's Beach Boulevard in the evening time, in early October.

Caldura Beach

Caldura Beach is a more secluded spot. It might be good for you if you are searching for a more quiet retreat.

The beach is surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The waters are calm and perfect for swimming.

Mazzaforno Beach

Mazzaforno Beach is a long, sandy beach. A good place for sunbathing and swimming.

Mazzaforno has plenty of water activities available, including paddleboarding and kayaking.

There are also several beach bars and restaurants nearby.

Salinelle Beach

Salinelle Beach is a quiet and secluded spot. So if your main goal is to escape the crowds, consider going there.

The beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs. It is accessed via a steep staircase.

The water is as crystal clear as it always is in Cefalu.

Beach Activities in Cefalu

Cefalu's beaches offer plenty of activities for those who want to do more than sunbathe. These activities include:

Snorkeling

Cefalu's waters are crystal clear and so well fit for snorkeling. There are also snorkeling tours available. They'll get you to the best spots along the coast.

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a fun and relaxing way to spend time at the beach. Guided paddleboarding tours are available.

Kayaking

Yet another option is to go kayaking. There are tours for this also.

It's a great way to enjoy the astonishing views that Cefalu has to offer.

Cefalu's Beach Culture

Cefalu beaches are ingrained into the town's culture and history. For centuries the beaches have been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

And, as in the past, they continue to be it.

During the summer months, the beaches are full of activity. Lots of people enjoying the sun, sea, and warm sand between their toes.

One of the aspects of Cefalu's beach culture is the tradition of the "bagnino." The bagnino is a lifeguard, so he is responsible for the safety of the beachgoers.

But the bagnino is more than just a lifeguard. He's also a social organizer, responsible for setting up beach games and organizing beach parties.

And ensuring that everyone has a good time.

Bagnino is only one part of Italy's beach club culture.

In principle, all beaches are public spaces. In practice, however, some beaches are reserved for "beach clubs". These are private operators - like hotels or restaurants - who charge for their services, such as sunshades and sunbeds.

This doesn't mean that the beach is closed to outsiders, it's just that you can't use their services unless you pay for it.

Read more about Italian beach culture here.

Cefalu Beach, in front of the old town.

Where to Stay in Cefalu

Cefalu offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses.

If you're planning to spend time in the old town, there are plenty of places to stay. All of them are near the main beach.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more tranquil beach holiday, you might want to look at the other end of Lungomare Beach.

There you will also find many good quality hotels.

Where to Eat in Cefalu

Cefalu has many restaurants and cafes, offering everything from traditional Sicilian cuisine to international dishes.

Many of them are near Lungomare Beach, in the historic center.

You'll find many places to eat and sleep in Cefalu - as well as a host of other things - in Rick Steve's magnificent guidebook to Sicily (affiliate link below). Check it!

How to Get to Cefalu

Cefalu is located on the northern coast of Sicily. It's easily accessible by train or by car.

The closest airport is Palermo Airport. It takes about an hour to get from the airport to Palermo Centrale. After that, it takes another hour to arrive at Cefalu.

For this to happen, you have to hop on a train. Several of them run from Palermo to Cefalu each day. They are both comfortable and affordable.

Another international airport in Sicily is in Catania. And that's not too far, either. You can get to Cefalu from Catania by train, car, or bus.

Cefalu is also accessible from many other Sicilian cities, mainly by bus.

Waiting for the train on a rainy day.

Tips for Visiting Cefalu Beaches

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Cefalu's beaches:

1. Bring Sunscreen

The Sicilian sunshine can be pretty heavy, especially in summer. So be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin. (Especially if you are a pale northern type, as I am. But then, you probably already know.)

2. Bring Water

The summers in Sicily can get extremely hot, so staying hydrated is crucial. Bringing plenty of water with you to the beach is a good idea. And, while you're at it, take some salty snacks too.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes

This is especially true for the more remote beaches.

But some of the more central Cefalu beaches are also accessed via steep staircases. So it's a good idea to wear shoes suitable for walking. (Easier to walk to the restaurant for a refill, too. ;))

Cefalu after sunset.

Conclusion

Cefalu is a magnificent destination for anyone seeking to combine beach life and a historic location.

The beaches are beautiful, but so is the town itself.

And if you get bored just lounging on the beach, there are plenty of activities in and around the town. (Again, see my page on "Things to Do in Cefalu.")

Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat or an active adventure, Cefalu's beaches offer something for everyone.

An absolute must for anyone traveling to Sicily.

(Last edited 8. September 2023)

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