Personal Digital Guide
Dear guests, WELCOME to my personal digital guide.
How to get to Cefalù on foot?
Did you know that you can walk down from the B&B in Cefalù via a small shortcut?
It takes about 30 minutes to walk to the seafront.
To get back up, I recommend taking a taxi: the cost is around €15.
Taxi Rosaria: she knows my B&B well and is very professional.
Write to her on WhatsApp: TAXI ROSARIA
Restaurants in the historic center of Cefalù
Il Carretto
Cuisine and Specialties: Offers an authentic Sicilian experience with homemade seafood dishes.
Passafiume
Definitely my favorite in Cefalù...
Cuisine and Specialties: Offers Sicilian cuisine that combines tradition and modernity. The menu highlights fresh local products with meat, fresh pasta, and vegan options. Don't miss their excellent tiramisu.
Cortile Pepe
Ranked among the best restaurants in Cefalù (MICHELIN Guide, Traveller's Choice), Cortile Pepe offers a fusion cuisine combining Sicilian tradition and modernity. The menu highlights local products (fish, citrus fruits) with vegan options.
Restaurants near Cefalù
A selection of my favorite restaurants outside Cefalù
La Trattoria Sant’Ambrogio
Ten minutes from Cefalù, in the quiet village of Sant'Ambrogio, this renowned family-run trattoria offers a relaxed atmosphere with sea views. It is highly regarded for its authentic Sicilian cuisine and fresh fish. Guests particularly recommend the pasta with clams and bottarga, grilled swordfish, and local fried fish (reservations recommended).
Uva Club a Castelbuono
Not to be missed.
Located in Castelbuono, the Uva Club is a wine bar and tavern run by Davide and his wife, who are known for their extraordinary hospitality.
In a rustic and warm setting with stone walls, you can enjoy authentic local cuisine (fresh pasta, lamb, seasonal mushrooms, octopus). Davide, an expert in oenology, will be able to advise you on the perfect pairings from an impressive list of Sicilian wines.
Visit the “Parco della Rocca”
The Parco della Rocca of Cefalù is one of the most fascinating places to visit during your stay. A short walk surrounded by nature will take you to the top of the Rocca, where you can enjoy spectacular views of Cefalù, the sea, and the historic center. With ancient paths, archaeological remains, and unforgettable views, it is the perfect excursion for those who want to discover the most authentic and evocative side of the city.
Beaches in Cefalù and the surrounding area
Main Beach of Cefalù
It is one of Sicily's most iconic beaches, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and history.
Please note: the beach gets very crowded in July and August; I recommend heading to other beaches.
Kalura
A small, picturesque cove about a 20-minute walk east of the historic center. It offers a more intimate and natural experience than the sandy waterfront.
Torre Conca Beach
Located near Finale di Pollina (about 11 km east of Cefalù), this is a very picturesque black-sand beach, ideal for those seeking a quieter, more secluded atmosphere.
Supermarkets in Cefalù
Parking in Cefalù
Most parking spaces are reserved for residents or require payment. Along the waterfront (lungomare), you’ll find blue parking spaces and large parking lots.
I recommend the EasyPark app—it’s very convenient and widely used in Sicily for managing parking payments.
The "Borghi" of the Madonie
The "Borghi" of the Madonie Natural Park are medieval gems nestled among the mountains. Often perched on rocky ridges, they offer a fascinating contrast between ancient architecture and untamed nature.
Authentic atmosphere: Narrow alleys, stone staircases, and historic churches. Villages like Castelbuono or Gangi (famous for its “pyramid” layout) are among the most beautiful in Italy.
Sensory heritage: The aroma of wood-fired bread and unique products like manna (a sweet resin extracted from local ash trees).
Breathtaking views: Even at high altitudes, they often offer spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. From Pollina, on clear days, the view stretches all the way to Mount Etna.
My favorite hiking trails in the Madonie
Route 1
Sunset (Pollina) and a traditional dinner (Castelbuono)
Set off in the late afternoon toward Pollina (a 30-minute drive). This village, perched at an elevation of 763 meters, offers 360-degree views. Visit the modern theater built of pink stone on the ruins of the Norman castle.
Tip: Don’t drive into the town center. I’ll send you the GPS coordinates for an easy parking spot up above. Enjoy the sunset from the castle, walk down to the amphitheater, and sip a drink among the wooden cottages with breathtaking views.
Then continue on to Castelbuono:
Visit the Ventimiglia Castle and the Chapel of Sant’Anna. Castelbuono is also famous for Fiasconaro’s panettone.
Dinner: Choose between Uva Club (my favorite) or Palazzaccio (a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection for its excellent value).
Route 2
The Heart of the Madonie (Gangi e Petralia)
This route is longer and more challenging because the roads are winding and spectacular, but it’s well worth the effort.
1. Gangi (1.5 hours from the B&B): “Village of the Year 2014.” Pyramid-shaped stone houses and the evocative “Fossa dei Parrini” (Crypt of the Mummies).
2. Petralia Soprana (10 min from Gangi): The highest village (1,147 m), voted Italy’s most beautiful village in 2018. An experience above the clouds among Baroque churches and medieval silence.
3. Return via Castelbuono for lunch or dinner.
Trekking Gratteri
Gratteri (30 min di auto):
Vi consiglio una passeggiata di montagna (anello) di circa 1h30. È di difficoltà facile e accessibile a tutti. Vedrete una splendida grotta e panorami magnifici.
Vi allego foto e link per il parcheggio (inizio del sentiero).
Atmosfera autentica: Vicoli stretti, scale in pietra e chiese storiche. Borghi come Castelbuono o Gangi (famosa per la sua pianta a "piramide") sono tra i più belli d'Italia.
Patrimonio sensoriale: Il profumo del pane cotto a legna e prodotti unici come la manna (resina dolce estratta dai frassini locali).
Panorami mozzafiato: Anche se in quota, offrono spesso viste spettacolari sul Tirreno. Da Pollina, nelle giornate limpide, lo sguardo arriva fino all'Etna.
