Cefalu, situated halfway along the north coast (Messina 91 mls NE; Palermo 43 mls W. Palermo's Punta Raisa Airport 51 mls) is on a promontory dominated by a huge crag known as "La Rocca". The area is backed by hills and the Madonie Mountains to the south.

Despite some recent tourist development, Cefalu manages to retain the charm of a small traditional Sicilian fishing community. The main attraction, a monumental twin-towered 12th-century Norman cathedral (Duomo), soars above the town's compact medieval centre, an almost Arabic labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets that become crowded with tourists in high season. Visitors are equally attracted by Cefalu's fine beaches. The town still has a small working fishing harbour, with a newer harbour (for boat traffic) on the east side. A handful of ruins serve as reminders of the area's earlier residents, among them ancient Greek settlers and prehistoric peoples.

This area is suitable for middlemarket holidaymakers, particularly history- and beach-lovers. The hotels here are nearly all 3-star, there are no luxury options. There is an Aabundance of holiday flats and apartments and four campsites.