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If you’re visiting Sicily, Cefalù is a must-stop, a little slice of (touristic) paradise that’s absolutely worth more than just one night. Seriously. Especially if you’re coming from bustling Palermo.
The question is: where to stay? (A question I found myself asking just a few weeks ago.) Because even though Cefalù is a small town, there are quite a few options and it really depends on what you’re after:
- the old town, ideal for restaurants, atmosphere and the village’s original character — but accommodation can be older and somewhat rustic
- new Cefalù, great for being right by the sea, steps from the main beach. More recent accommodation, possibly better for families
- the Cefalù hilltops, where you’ll find beautiful houses and charming hotels with absolutely stunning views of the sea and the village
It really does depend on what you’re looking for, whether you’re with family, and how long you’re staying. Let’s break it all down — I’m sure you’ll find something perfect 🙂
Staying in the heart of Cefalù’s old town
The old town means narrow lanes, charming old buildings and a slightly more rustic feel (you know, the famous old-world charm). Fewer hotels — most of the apartments have been renovated and divided up for short-term rental, but many don’t necessarily have a view, and it can get hot since not much air circulates.
So you really need to pay attention to the condition of the place, renovations, air conditioning… There are very few quality hotels right in the heart of the centre.
It’s ideal if you want to spend your time in the old town, popping into bars and restaurants.
4 apartments in the old town
Not necessarily huge, but they’re super convenient for soaking up the charm of the old town. Perfect if you’re a couple or a small family.
📍 Cefalù · on Piazza del Duomo
50 m² apartments in a 15th-century palazzo with a balcony opening directly onto the cathedral square. The ultimate spot to live the dolce vita of the old town.
- Balcony overlooking the Arab-Norman cathedral
- 48-50 m² soundproofed apartments, washing machine included
- 50 m from the Duomo, 100 m from the beach
Free cancellation
From 90 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Vanni · quiet lane in the centre
Compact recently renovated apartment on a pedestrian lane in the historic centre. Exceptional score of 9.8 and attentive hospitality — the gem of old-town apartments.
- Note 9.8/10 sur tous les critères (propreté, accueil, confort)
- Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, quiet city view
- 5 min walk to Piazza del Duomo
Free cancellation
From 90 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Seminario · heart of the centre
50 m² apartment steps from the Bastione Capo Marchiafava. Family-friendly with fast Wi-Fi and family rooms — ideal for 4 people in the old town.
- 50 m² air-conditioned apartment with kitchenette
- Family rooms (ideal for 4 people)
- Steps from the Bastione Capo Marchiafava
Free cancellation
From 100 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Giudecca · in the old town, right by the beach
The winning combo: 90 m² apartment in the old town AND right by the water. Sea view, free parking and a 10/10 score from couples — a rare luxury in Cefalù.
- 90 m² apartment with panoramic sea view
- Beachfront yet right in the historic centre
- Free parking (extremely rare in the old town)
Free cancellation
From 150 € / night
4 hotels in Cefalù’s old town
There aren’t many hotels right in the centre — the area doesn’t really lend itself to it — but the few that are there are very good. Well insulated (important), air-conditioned, with lovely sea-view terraces. Honestly, quite nice!
📍 Cefalù · Cortile Padre Camillo · next to the Duomo
Chambres d'hôtes à deux pas de la cathédrale, dans une cour silencieuse cachée du flux touristique. Note couples 9,7 — le meilleur emplacement central à prix sage.
- Note 9.7/10 pour l'emplacement (parmi les plus hautes)
- Air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking
- Quiet courtyard 30 m from the Duomo
Free cancellation
From 80 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Corso Ruggero 185 · historic building
Bâtiment historique à 150 m de la cathédrale et à 2 minutes à pied de la mer. Toutes les chambres ont un balcon et le buffet du petit-déj fait la réputation de la maison.
- All rooms with private balcony
- Breakfast buffet served on-site
- 24/7 reception + airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
📍 Cefalù · steps from Cefalù beach
Hôtel familial à quelques mètres de la plage avec parking privé gratuit — chose rare à Cefalù. Note couples 9,7 et bon petit-déj, le bon plan pratique du séjour.
- Free private parking on-site
- Sea-view terraces on some rooms
- Note couples 9.7/10 — emplacement plage
Free cancellation
From 145 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Carlo Ortolani · private beachfront
Boutique-hôtel raffiné avec plage privée à 300 m de la grande plage de Cefalù. Petit-déj exceptionnel, note 9,8 chez les couples — l'option élégante à l'écart de la foule.
- Private beach + direct access to Cefalù beach
- Breakfast rated "exceptional" by guests
- Room service and airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 180 € / night
Finding accommodation on the seafront
4 great seafront hotels in Cefalù
Most of the best hotels, suites and aparthotels have set up along the seafront in Cefalù’s newer part of town. And honestly, it’s really not bad at all! More space, more comfort, just steps from the beach.
📍 Cefalù · beachfront · private beach
B&B familial avec piscine extérieure, plage privée et petit-déj d'exception. Note 9,7 chez les couples, ambiance villa sicilienne — le bon plan vue mer à prix doux.
- Outdoor pool + private beach + terrace
- Breakfast rated "exceptional"
- Free parking + airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 120 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Vazzana · private beach
Appart'hôtel avec plage privée, 2 restaurants et accès direct à la mer. Pratique pour les familles : parking gratuit, service d'étage, et grandes plages à disposition.
- Private beach + direct sea access
- 2 on-site restaurants + room service
- Free parking and airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 140 € / night
📍 Cefalù · on the Lungomare · beachfront
Suites design face à la mer avec balcon donnant sur les vagues et petit-déj sur rooftop. Note exceptionnelle 9,7 — l'adresse-bijou de Cefalù.
- Note 9.9/10 pour l'emplacement face à la plage
- Sicilian breakfast on the rooftop terrace
- 600 m from the station, public beach 150 m away
Free cancellation
From 149 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Cavallaro · Caldura bay
Suites 44 m² avec plage privée dans la baie de Caldura, à l'écart du centre. Note 9,6 chez les couples et petit-déj fabuleux — le bon plan pour s'isoler les pieds dans l'eau.
- 44 m² suites + private beach
- Breakfast rated "fabulous"
- Free parking and airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 160 € / night
4 apartments close to the beach
If you’re travelling as a family, this can be a great option over the old town — the accommodation is larger and more recently built here.
📍 Cefalù · Via Cannizzaro · 1.2 km from the beach
Appartements 35 m² modernes et bien équipés à prix imbattable. Note couples 9,7 et excellent rapport qualité/prix — le bon plan pour les vacances chill en bord de mer.
- 35 m² air-conditioned apartments with kitchenette
- 24/7 reception, on-site parking
- Note 9.7/10 chez les couples — calme et propre
Free cancellation
From 90 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Caldura area · 100 m from the beach
Suite-hôtel avec piscine, jacuzzi extérieur et salle de fitness. Solarium, jardin et bar avec piano à queue — ambiance vacances famille avec un brin de standing.
- Pool + outdoor jacuzzi + solarium
- Fitness centre and bar
- Airport shuttle and private parking
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Lungomare Giuseppe Giardina · seafront
Appartement sur le lungomare en bord de plage avec note exceptionnelle 9,7 et 10/10 chez les couples. Les pieds dans le sable dès la sortie de l'appartement — le rêve sicilien.
- On the lungomare, facing Cefalù beach
- Score 10/10 from couples — the jewel address
- Direct sea view and everything walkable
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
📍 Cefalù · East of the bay · sea access
Grand appartement 85 m² avec jardin et BBQ, idéal pour les longues soirées siciliennes en famille. Parking gratuit et calme absolu — le bon plan groupe.
- 85 m² apartment with private garden and BBQ
- Free parking on-site
- Ideal for 4-6 people in a group or family
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
Staying in the Cefalù hilltops
4 gorgeous houses in the Cefalù hills
You’ll need a car to get there, but the big advantage is that you’ll find absolutely beautiful houses on the hills above Cefalù. And the views — wow! I know this first-hand, as my first stay in Cefalù was in one of these lovely hillside houses.
So this is for you if you’re with family (properties tend to be larger), if you prefer being a little away from the village buzz, and if you want more comfort.
📍 Cefalù · Via Della Gallizza · hilltops
Villa avec piscine extérieure et jardin, accessible sans se ruiner. Navette aéroport disponible et parking gratuit — l'option maison de vacances sans casser sa tirelire.
- Outdoor pool + garden + terrace
- Family rooms + airport shuttle
- Free parking on-site
Free cancellation
From 130 € / night
📍 Cefalù · in the hilltops · 360° view
Maison de 80 m² accrochée à la colline avec une terrasse panoramique sur Cefalù et la mer. On vit comme chez Marjolein, installée ici depuis 1974.
- Entire house 80 m² (2 bedrooms, up to 4 guests)
- Shared outdoor pool and private BBQ
- Free parking on-site
Free cancellation
From 200 € / night
📍 Cefalù · hilltops · sea view + pool
Villa entière 45 m² avec piscine privée, jardin fleuri et vue mer panoramique. Le combo magique des hauteurs de Cefalù, en petit comité.
- Private pool + garden + panoramic sea view
- Entire villa with BBQ and terrace
- Free parking on-site
Free cancellation
From 220 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via del Passero · hilltops
Immense villa 135 m² récente avec piscine extérieure et terrasse. Note 9,8 — le grand jeu pour un séjour de faë te ou un voyage en groupe.
- Entire villa 135 m² (up to 8 guests)
- Outdoor pool + garden + terrace
- Free parking + airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 250 € / night
4 charming hotels with amazing views
Some of Cefalù’s best hotels have made their home on the hilltops. This lets you escape the hustle, enjoy genuinely nicer and more charming surroundings, and take in incredible views. If you don’t need to be in Cefalù around the clock, it’s ideal!
📍 Cefalù · Via Seveso · hilltops
Maison d'hôtes avec piscine extérieure et grand jardin, prix imbattable pour les hauteurs. Parking gratuit, terrasse vue ville — le rapport qualité/prix de la catégorie.
- Outdoor pool + garden + terrace
- Breakfast included, family atmosphere
- Free parking + airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 85 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Via Campella · hilltops with sea view
B&B avec terrasse panoramique et jardin, vue mer infinie comme son nom l'indique. Note 9,8 et accès facile en voiture — l'option charme bien placée.
- Panoramic terrace with sea view
- Breakfast and private garden
- Free parking, family B&B atmosphere
Free cancellation
From 115 € / night
📍 Cefalù · hilltops with private beach
Complexe hôtelier complet avec spa, piscine et plage privée. Petit-déj exceptionnel et restaurant sur place — l'option resort tout-confort dans un cadre verdoyant.
- Spa + 2 pools + private beach
- Gourmet restaurant + fitness centre
- Airport shuttle and exceptional breakfast
Free cancellation
From 150 € / night
📍 Cefalù · Cda Pisciotto · panoramic hilltops
Boutique-hôtel avec piscine extérieure et petit-déj exceptionnel. Note record 9.9/10 — l'adresse qui placœ Cefalù dans les souvenirs impérissables.
- Note exceptionnelle 9.9/10 (record local)
- Outdoor pool + terrace + garden
- Breakfast "exceptional" + airport shuttle
Free cancellation
From 180 € / night
FAQ & Practical Info
What type of accommodation should you choose in Cefalù
Honestly, having tried both, pay close attention to the condition of the place. Something renovated or recently updated is better, especially if you have children. There’s a lot of choice, so your location will depend on your priorities (restaurants in the old town, the beach, or views and space in the hills).
How long should you stay in Cefalù
You can spend 1 or 2 nights as part of a road trip, or 3–4 days to take it easy and explore the area. That’s the beauty of it — far from the hustle but close to everything, so day trips are very easy to organise!
Can you drive into the old town
Not at all! Only residents can drive into the old town. Tourists must leave their car in designated car parks (the one near the train station, for example). For a short visit, opt for the Parking Historical Center Dafne Cefalù — though long-stay rates can be quite expensive. Avoid the Parcheggio Coco.
Where to rent a car
It’s complicated here. Better to go through rental agencies at Palermo Airport. Compare agencies and prices using a reliable tool like Discover Cars.
Are bed linen and towels included in rentals
Honestly, not always. In hotels yes, but with private rentals I’ve been surprised to find they’re not. So it’s something to check before booking — if you’re staying 4–5 nights with family, the cost can add up fast!
Is there a tourist tax in Cefalù
Yes, as in all of Sicily. It depends on the type of accommodation — between €2 and €5 per person per night, capped at 5 nights. In a hotel you pay at the desk; with Airbnb it’s generally included in the rental price; on Booking you either pay in cash to the host or it’s charged at booking. Always check!
