Many think the old fishing port of Cefalù is Sicily’s most picturesque spot. They love it for its location — sandwiched between a huge granite cliff and plateau, called the Rocca di Cefalù, and a string of beautiful beaches — for its medieval town centre, and for its traditional eateries. However our list of the best places to stay in Cefalù is quite small: there are lots of places to stay around Cefalù, but not a huge amount within it. There are a number of small B&Bs and guesthouses, and a restaurant with rooms or two, but our favourite is a classic seaside hotel, with water views, fantastic facilities and a holiday air. Outside town there are also a number of more contemporary resorts, we think the best are between Cefalù and gorgeous Mazzaforno bay.

Cefalù is a great desintaion for families, foodies, beach lovers, walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking for an idyllic base for exploring northern Sicily. Palermo is just an hour and a half to the west, and the whole northern coastline of the island is one beautiful beach after an other. The best places to stay in Cefalù are also great choices for snorkellers and divers — it may well be as beautiful offshore as it is onshore.

And this is all without mentioning any of Cefalù’s man-made sights: this is an historic spot, as well as a spectacular one: climb the rock and enjoy panoramic views of the fifth-century Temple of Diana, a Norman castle and a ninth-century Arabian cistern. You’ll find Cefalù’s most iconic building below the rock, the intricately decorated Arab-Norman Il Duomo, built in 858AD, but still uniquely striking. Some visitors will be beguiled by nothing so much as the coastline, with its promenade, fishing boats, and cafes and trattorias with their tables perfectly angled to enjoy the sunset.

As with all popular Sicilian destinations, the best places to stay in Cefalu can be extremely busy in the peak summer months. So if you're planning to visit in July or August, do your homework and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Cefalù

For A Beach Break

• Hotel Kalura has all the features you’d expect from a classic seaside hotel, and then some extra ones. It’s just one hundred-odd steps from its own private beach, an idyllic cove that’s a haven for families and snorkellers — the hotel has its own in-house diving school, plus snorkelling, fishing and canoeing facilities. There’s also a fleet of hotel bikes, a pool with diving boards, a ping pong area, tennis courts, and a playground! The hotel has excellent views over its cove too, from many of the 72 rooms, suites and self-catering apartments — which are also excellent for families. The restaurant has a charming terrace with a view, and a menu offering plenty of local specialities.

For a Private apartment or private villa

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Cefalù’s closest international airport is Palermo Airport; it’s about an hour away by road, or an hour and a half on the train. Catania Airport might offer better connections to some travellers, both Palermo Airport and Catania Airport are used by both flag-carrier and low-cost airlines, but not necessarily the same ones. Catania Airport is about two hours away by road, or just under four by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re coming to Cefalù to relax on a sunny beach in the summer, and you’re thinking July and August would be perfect, you’re not wrong, but you’re also among many travellers with the same idea. July and August are properly hot in Cefalù, and the Mediterranean beaches and beach resorts are busy, and can be expensive. Visitors tail off in September, though the sea is still warm and pleasant. October is a good option if you’re planning to visit the museums and palaces, and admire the architecture, and we recommend September and October, and April and May, as the best times to visit for a walking holiday.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay on Sicily
• Consider refining your search by the type of holiday you’re planning and focus on the best beach hotels on Sicily, Sicily’s great rural hotels or Sicily's best wine hotels
• You could also drill down by location, and focus on the best hotels near Mount Etna or the best hotels near Agrigento
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.