Cefalù Beach

Cefalù Beach is the ultimate combination of medieval charm and Mediterranean beach life — a 1.5-kilometer stretch of golden sand directly beneath one of Sicily's most picturesque Norman-era towns, dominated by a massive headland rock (La Rocca) and an Arab-Norman cathedral with stunning Byzantine mosaics. The beach runs along the foot of the old town, so you can literally step from medieval streets onto warm sand.

The water is shallow and calm, making it perfect for families. Above the beach, the 15-minute climb to La Rocca rewards with panoramic views over the entire coastline, the town's terracotta rooftops, and the Madonie Mountains behind. Cefalù's cathedral, part of the UNESCO Arab-Norman Palermo World Heritage Site, contains the magnificent Christ Pantocrator mosaic — one of the finest Byzantine artworks in existence.

The old town's narrow streets are filled with ceramic shops, gelaterias, and seafood restaurants serving fresh swordfish, sardines, and the famous pasta con le sarde.