The beach of Cefalù is known throughout the world, and not only for its two kilometres of fine golden sand. From the island’s indigenous people who settled here almost three thousand years ago, to the Greeks who gave it its classical name, the Carthaginians and Romans who arrived later, and the Normans who settled in the eleventh century, this sunny promontory in the shade of a distinctive rocky outcrop has been treasured by all who set eyes on it. This is truly a town to love at first sight.

Much of the Cefalù we see today is a direct remainder of that mediaeval town, including the spectacular Arab-Norman cathedral, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. These days recognised for its star turn as a backdrop to films like Cinema Paradiso, Indiana Jones and the HBO TV series White Lotus, the town manages to be both a deeply traditional fishing community and a tourist magnet whose doors are open to the world. 

Flanked on one side by the blue Tyrrhenian Sea, Cefalù is also the gateway to the Madonie Natural Park. The fertile hills and mountainous peaks of the second largest nature reserve in Sicily rise up like a green carpet from the yellow sands of this timeless paradise. With picturesque highways and footpaths to explore for every day of the year, the stunning range is also dotted with historic villages and fascinating fortified towns.

The pristine water is comfortable for bathing well into the winter months, and the Madonie even offers opportunities to ski and snowboard on its highest slopes. Cefalù is both a beach resort and an adventure holiday rolled into one.