Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TYRRHENIAN COAST
The coast between Palermo and Milazzo is studded with popular tourist resorts attracting a
steady stream of holidaymakers, particularly between June and September. The best of
these is Cefalù, a resort second only to Taormina in popularity. Just inland lie the two
massive natural parks of the Madonie and Nebrodi mountains.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cefalù
POP 14,300
This popular holiday resort wedged between a dramatic mountain peak and a sweeping
stretch of sand has the lot: a great beach; a truly lovely historic centre with a grandiose
cathedral; and winding medieval streets lined with restaurants and boutiques. Avoid the
height of summer when prices soar, beaches are jam-packed and the charm of the place is
tainted by bad-tempered drivers trying to find parking.
Sights
Duomo di Cefalù
( 092 192 20 21; Piazza del Duomo; 8am-7pm Apr-Sep, 8am-5pm Oct-Mar)
Cefalù's cathedral is one of
the jewels in Sicily's Arab-Norman crown, only equalled in magnificence by the Cattedrale
di Monreale and Palermo's Cappella Palatina. Filling the central apse, a towering figure of
Christ All Powerful is the focal point of the elaborate Byzantine mosaics - Sicily's oldest
and best preserved, predating those of Monreale by 20 or 30 years.
CATHEDRAL
VIEW POINT
La Rocca
(admission €3; 9am-6.45pm May-Sep, 9am-4.45pm Oct-Apr)
Looming over the town, this imposing
craggy mass is the site where the Arabs built their citadel, occupying it until the Norman
conquest forced them down to the port below. An enormous staircase, the
Salita Saraceno
,
winds up through three tiers of city walls, a 30-minute climb. There are stunning views
from the ruined 4th-century Tempio di Diana up top.
Activities
