Cefalù

Cefalù is a coastal town and comune in northern Sicily, Italy. It is part of the Metropolitan City of Palermo and lies on the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the foot of the Rocca, a prominent limestone cliff that rises above the harbor and the medieval town. The town occupies a narrow strip of shoreline and backs onto the Madonie foothills, with a long sandy beach and a historic center of tight lanes and whitewashed houses. In modern times it has developed as a popular tourist destination, offering maritime heritage, historic architecture, and scenic landscapes.

Historically, the area was inhabited in ancient times and the name Cefalù is thought to derive from the Greek kephalē, meaning head, in reference to the headland. The settlement passed through Phoenician, Greek, and Roman periods and later came under Arab rule before Norman authority in the 12th century. The Normans promoted Cefalù as a religious and administrative center. The Cefalù Cathedral, begun about 1131 under Roger II, is the town’s most famous monument, joining Norman-Romanesque form with Byzantine mosaics, including the renowned Christ Pantocrator in the apse.

Other notable features include the Rocca, a steep hillside behind the town that contains medieval ruins and provides sweeping views of the coastline. The old town preserves a medieval streetscape with fishing quarters and seaside quarters. The surrounding countryside offers access to hiking in the Madonie foothills and to local citrus and olive oil production.

Today, Cefalù’s economy centers on tourism, fishing, and agriculture. The town hosts religious and cultural events and attracts visitors year-round with its beaches, historic architecture, and scenic setting. Access is primarily by road and rail from Palermo, making it a common destination for day trips and longer stays.