Sicily Cefalu
 

We are in the early planning stages for a two week trip to Sicily. Would a day trip by train from Palermo be enough time for Cefalu or is it worth an overnight or two? We will be picking up a car after Palermo and would add a day to Palermo if the day trip would do it.

A day trip would do it.

I really like Cefalú, - it is a great place to stay, but noe overly full of things to see. The Duomo is good, but pales into insignificance compared with Monreale.

The beach is very pleasant, but in summer the public beach is a longish walk from the town centre. There are some excellent restaurants, and if you can find the energy to climb the "rocca" , the views from the top over the town and nearby port are absolutely stunning.

I would certainly return to Cefalú to use it as a base - it is a very relaxing town with a great atmosphere, but with so many superb sites to see in Sicily, I don't think I would waste a day on it purely for sightseeing.

ditto to all willit says and

i would rather stay in Cefalu and day trip to Palermo really

willt & PalenQ,

Thanks for your reply....if fact, my next question was going to be - would it be better to stay in Cefalu and day trip it to Palermo? PalenQ seems to think so...and replied while I was typing this message!

Make that three. Cefalu is a spectacular romantic town and I would not stay in Palermo.

Here is my trip report from 2005, but I would stay in Palermo--it surprised me.
http://www.slowtrav.com/tr/tripreport.asp?tripid=634

How far is Monreale from Cefalu? (sorry map not handy)-please don't miss that awesome church if you can help it!

Me, too. Cefalu is lovely for at least one night. It is small, there are not many sights but the town itself is what draws me. It is so beautiful! If you can get accommodations above the town for stupendous views overlooking the town with the azure blue water. Just lovely. Charming place.

Palermo is interesting in its own way but sort of more gritty, if you know what I mean. (Which is not a bad thing - just different.) It is definitely worth a day trip. You should also see the fabulous cathedral at Monreale - I've seen tons of cathedrals all over Europe but this would have to be in the top 3.

Monreale is just outside Palermo - A short bus ride.

Would definitely recommending staying in Palermo (much more to see) over Cefalu, although Cefalu is quite cute. But, if I had a car and enough time, I would consider using Cefalu as a base for trips into the Madonie National Park. (My TR for Sicily this spring is here: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35133064)

My most vivid memory of Sicily and Palermo in particular was renting a car in Palermo and after one week having to return to Palermo airport from Cefalu. You must drive straight through Palermo which must be the scariest and most congested road plus no rules regarding red light running or how many lanes you may squeeze into what I considered a three lane road. If this is on your itinerary just be aware of the delays and hazards! BTW we liked Cefalu alot.

Thanks abynrm, that's good to know....
I am now thinking I may pick the car up in Cefalu and travel to the southeast and then head west so I will return to the airport from Erice and not have to go through Palermo.

<< You must drive straight through Palermo which must be the scariest and most congested road plus no rules regarding red light running or how many lanes you may squeeze into what I considered a three lane road. >>

This observation is absolutely true - - but that aside, the rest of Palermo gives plenty to like, and I agree that Monreale is well worth the half day it will take to get there, enjoy and return. I could see satisfaction in either a 4-6 hour excursion exploring Cefalu or a 1-2 night stay, either one.

Knowing the general gist of your prospective itinerary would allow for better commenting.

Best wishes,

Rex

Although I must admit that Cefalù is tiny and very easy to visit as a day trip, I enjoyed very much the 2 nights I spent there last July. I really liked its atmosphere, specially at night, and both the beach and the view from the Rocca are charming.

I know that Palermo isn't the most beautiful city in Italy but it certainly is fascinating enough to stay there for a couple of days. The decadent but charming historic center, the markets, the baroque churches and the catacombs will certainly keep you busy for a couple of days.

When we visited Sicily we used Scopello as a base on the western part of the island and Taoromina on the east.

Thus we passed through Palermo a few times. Instead of being intimadated by the driving jump in. It became fun. I did take off someone's side view mirror at the airport in Palermo but that was part of the adventure.

By the way Sicily is one of our favorite places we have visited.

Bobthenaviagator: read your report a couple of times and enjoyed it. We will be visiting most of the same places.
Thanks to all for the replies. I think it will be three nights in Palermo, two in Cefalu and then we will probably wing it for the other nine nights.

If any help to you, the following is my write up of our two week trip to Sicily in 2005.

http://www.microbes.plus.com/sicily2005.htm

I've been to Cefalu twice as it is the town where my great grandfather was born. Unfortunately, both times I was there was on a Sunday and almost everything was closed! Still it was a lovely place to have lunch and wander the streets for a few hours.
I absolutely loved Palermo. Yes, it's chaotic, but that's part of the charm. If you like markets, there are some fabulous ones perfect for exploring.
I don't know if this will help, but here's a link to my last trip to Sicily:
http://www.wired2theworld.com/sicily2003.html