In this video, I am at the northern Sicilian seaside resort town of Cefalù, Sicily exploring La Rocca and the beach. It is located about an hour east of Palermo by train or by car.
This is my favorite place to visit when I am in Sicily.
I know this town very well as I have been coming here since the mid-1980s. It has a special place in my heart.
It was once a sleepy little fishing village, but now it has transformed into an international destination.
I remember it used to be visited by only French and German tourists. Now, Americans have caught on to this destination and are visiting in droves.
La Rocca – Cefalù
There is a magnificent rock formation that overlooks the town, known as “La Rocca”. It was once used as a fortress to provide protection to the city. It is close to 1,000 feet above sea level.
Climbing to the top is an option by utilizing one of the well-marked trails. You need to ensure you have a good pair of hiking shoes and carry water, especially during the summer.
Temple of Diana
On the top level lies the Temple of Diana. The origins of this temple date back to the 4th or 5th century BC, although there is debate among archaeologists about the exact age.
There are even artifacts that they found up there that go back a few thousand years before Christ.
There is a gorgeous sandy beach in Cefalù, one of Italy’s finest. And you can see that on this mid-October day, it is still well-attended.
The well-renowned Club Med resort is located in Cefalù and offers fantastic views of the sea.
The quaint, medieval feel of the town will captivate you. You actually feel as if you are walking back in time. It is not meant for cars; it was built for horses and mules. You will walk through beautiful cobblestone streets as you stroll through the historic center.
Cathedral of Cefalù, Sicily
This is a magnificent cathedral in this quaint town, constructed between 1131 and 1240 during the Norman rule. The cathedral is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the historical center of Cefalù.
Italian Vocabulary for this Video:
Beach – spiaggia, or lido
Shore – costa
Sand – sabbia
Rocca – can refer to a rock, but in this case, a gigantic rock formation that jettisons from the landscape.
Pietra – another name for a rock or a stone.
Tempio – temple
Cobblestone Streets – Strade di Ciottoli
Medieval – medievale
You may be interested in my Palermo Tourist Guide Book on Amazon.
Photo Gallery of Cefalù Below:
