Cefalù at a glance
Cefalù is a small town on Sicily's north coast, 71 km east of Palermo. Its cathedral belongs to the UNESCO site "Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale", listed in 2015. Behind the town rises the Rocca, a rock of 270 m with the ruins on top, and below it a town beach sits right next to the old centre.
That makes Cefalù an easy day trip from Palermo, and many visitors also stay a night or two. The old town is compact, so you do everything on foot. The main sights are the cathedral, the Rocca and the beach, and you can see all three in a long day if you start early.
Getting to Cefalù from Palermo
Train fares and times for a Wednesday in October 2026. Timetables change, so check the current schedule before you go.
| Option | Price | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regional train | €7.10 | 39 to 59 min | Roughly hourly to every two hours. The fastest Regionale Veloce leaves Palermo Centrale at 5:07 |
| Intercity | €9.00 | 50 to 54 min | For example at 7:05 and 10:15 from Palermo |
| Car | Fuel plus tolls | About 65 min | 71 km. The A20 stretch between Cefalù and Buonfornello costs €0.90 |
Regional departures from Palermo Centrale include 6:22, 8:22, 9:36, 10:50 and 11:57. Check the return timetable before you leave Palermo. If you arrive from the airport, our guide to the Sicily airports explains the transfers to Palermo.
Our picks: Cefalù
A boat trip along the coast or the half day from Palermo.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Monreale and Cefalù half-day trip from Palermo
Transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach. Entry fees are not included.
Check availability →
Cefalù boat trip with swimming and an aperitivo
Three hours along the coast with a skipper, live commentary, prosecco and snacks.
Check availability →Cefalù tours and day trips
Guided day trips from Palermo, boat trips along the north coast and walking tours of the old town, with live prices and availability.
The cathedral and its routes
The Norman cathedral is the heart of the town. The nave with its mosaic is free to enter. The paid visits are the routes through the towers, roofs, sacristy, treasury and cloister. Each tower has about 80 steps, and the route runs one way: up the north tower and down the south tower.
Cover your shoulders and knees, as in any Sicilian church. During Mass the sacristy and the mosaic area of the routes are closed, and the mosaic in the choir cannot be visited during services. Tickets can be bought online with PayPal, card or Amazon Pay, or at the cathedral.
Cathedral routes: prices in 2026
Adult prices. Children from 0 to 5 years enter free.
| Route | Duration | Adult | Reduced | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosso | About 55 min | €13 | €10; students aged 6 to 26 €8 | Towers, south wing roofs, mosaic gallery, sacristy, treasury, bishop's chapel, cloister |
| Verde | About 30 min | €10 | €8 | Museum, treasury, cloister |
A third route, Blu, also takes about 30 minutes; ask at the ticket desk for its price. From March to September the cathedral is open daily 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:30 to 18:30, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. Hours in winter can differ, so check them before an October to February visit.
The Rocca and the Temple of Diana
The Rocca di Cefalù rises 270 m above the town. A path climbs to the remains of the so-called Temple of Diana on top. Entry costs €5, or €2.50 for children aged 6 to 14, people over 65 and teachers. Pay at the entrance.
Hours change with the season: 8:00 to 20:00 in summer time (last entry 18:00), 8:00 to 19:00 in spring and from mid-September (last entry 17:00), and 8:00 to 17:00 in winter (last entry 15:00). Wear closed shoes with grip. Sandals, flip-flops and smooth soles are not allowed, and you must stay on the marked paths.
A day in Cefalù
One way to fill the hours.
Morning: Rocca
Climb the Rocca early, before the heat. Allow time for the way up and down, and take water.
Midday: cathedral
Walk down Corso Ruggero to the cathedral. The Rosso route takes about 55 minutes. Remember the midday closing from 13:00 to 15:30 in season.
Afternoon: beach
Spend the late afternoon on the town beach, then take an evening train back.
The historic centre is a limited traffic zone, so walk in along Corso Ruggero or take a taxi. If you drive, use the private car parks or blue-line spaces outside the centre.
The town beach and the old town
The town beach lies right beside the old centre, so you can swim or sit on the sand between sights without needing a car. The old town runs along Corso Ruggero, the main street that leads to the cathedral, with small lanes and the sea at the end of many of them.
If you visit between October and February, check the cathedral hours first, because the published hours cover March to September. The Rocca and the beach make a good plan for a clear winter day, but the Rocca closes earlier then, with the last entry at 15:00.
Combine Cefalù with
Cefalù is 135 km from the port of Milazzo, about 1 h 44 by road, for the ferries to the Aeolian Islands.
Cefalù: frequently asked questions
How do I get from Palermo to Cefalù?
By regional train from Palermo Centrale for €7.10 in 2026. The journey takes 39 to 59 minutes. By car it is 71 km, about 65 minutes.
How much is the Cefalù cathedral?
The nave is free. The full Rosso route costs €13 for adults and €10 reduced, and students aged 6 to 26 pay €8. The shorter Verde route costs €10 or €8.
How much is the Rocca di Cefalù?
€5 for adults and €2.50 reduced. Check the opening hours for the season, because the last entry is 2 hours before closing in winter.
Is Cefalù worth a day trip?
Yes, if you like a walkable old town with a major Norman monument, a hill walk and a beach in one place. It is quieter than Palermo, and it works well in a single day.
Can I visit the cathedral in shorts?
No. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Disposable cover-ups are sold in the bookshop.