Do you want to know exactly where Cefalù is and how to reach it from Palermo or other Sicilian cities? Let’s explore it together in this article today. Suspended between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Madonie Mountains and situated at the foot of a rocky promontory, Cefalù has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is undoubtedly one of the most enchanting places in all of northern Sicily.
Visually characterized by the typical profile of its Rock, inside the town is a maze of narrow medieval alleys that add a great sense of charm and mystery to every corner. Cefalù is appreciated by tourists from all over the world, making it one of the most beloved spring and especially summer destinations in Sicily, both for the uniqueness of its village and for the magnificent sea with its transparent and crystalline blue, enhanced by a series of wonderful and pleasantly accessible beaches.
But let’s discover together what are the main points of interest and the must-see stops that are destined to mark every single visit. The first place is definitely the Cathedral, which according to legend was built thanks to King Roger II of Altavilla, who was also the first king of Sicily. As for the rest of the village, the town is very well presented, having completely preserved its medieval urban layout over the centuries, winding through narrow streets that make it particularly suggestive, especially for tourists from big cities who are used to something else.
But where exactly is Cefalù located? And how does it connect to other cities?
The historic center is surrounded by megalithic walls from the 5th century BC, much of which is still perfectly preserved. On them, originally, there were four gates of which today, under Porta Marina, remains a beautiful Gothic arch that opens directly onto the sea, creating an ideal corner for characteristic photos. Another treasure of Cefalù is the medieval washhouse located in front of Palazzo Martino and entirely carved into the rock near the mouth of the Cefalino river. This is characterized by a series of tanks where water still flows today from 22 lion heads.
But also worth seeing in this beautiful Sicilian town is the Temple of Diana, a particular sanctuary that was built within a megalithic structure linked to the cult of water, where an ancient cistern dating back to the 9th century BC is preserved.
Now, to answer the question we posed above, let’s understand how to reach it starting from Palermo, Catania, and Messina. The city of Palermo, the capital of the region, is located 70 km from Cefalù and is easily reachable in a short time by train, although there are also buses available, and of course, the classic taxis.
Similarly, starting from Messina, it is possible to reach Cefalù by train in about 2 to 2.5 hours or by bus, although it will take much longer for obvious reasons. Finally, those who want to reach Cefalù starting from Catania will have to pass through the city of Messina and continue as already explained before.
