Our tips for your breaks in Arab-Norman Sicily

It is well known that Sicily is at its best when it comes to gastronomy – so why not treat yourself to a little snack during your visit?

Cefalù will not only offer you a holiday by the most beautiful sea in Sicily, but will also give you the opportunity to discover the exceptional treasures of Arab-Norman origins that it holds. Here then is an itinerary to follow to discover the two most beautiful sides of Cefalù – its artistic wonders and its culinary tradition.

Your visit will begin with one of Cefalù’s top ten tourist attractions, the Lavatoio, the medieval wash-house, a trace of the past, a symbol of Sicilian daily life, used by women to clean their laundry amidst the songs of popular tradition. A lunch break at the renowned Ittico restaurant, where you can enjoy a typical seafood hors d’oeuvre in the picturesque location, just a few steps from the Lavatoio and the old harbour of Cefalù, will not hurt. The smell of the sea will draw you into a culinary experience of unforgettable first courses and fish starters. If, on the other hand, you prefer a shorter break, to be enjoyed on the beach, you can choose a takeaway from Foodda, good taste just a few steps from the sea: burgers, pastas, salads, sandwiches, beer & wine, including some traditional Madonita delicacies, such as Castelbuono smoked scamorza cheese and Madonie provola cheese.

After your leisurely lunch break, it will be time for a unique artistic experience: a visit to the Cefalù cathedral, a World Heritage Site since 2015, which houses the most beautiful mosaics still intact in all of Europe. As soon as you enter, you will immediately notice the Christ Pantocreator, a unique mosaic dating back to 1143, created in the Arab-Norman era.

In the atmospheric cathedral you can admire the cathedral while enjoying the queen of Sicilian pastries: her majesty the Sicilian Cassata, another inheritance from the Arab people (cassata from the Arabic ‘quas’at’).

And if after this immersion in culture and art you feel like enjoying a relaxingdinner? The place for you is just a few steps from the cathedral. Taverna Tinchitè treasures the values of Sicilian cuisine, the so-called grandmother’s cuisine: here you can eat, drink and savour Sicilian tradition and the beauty of being together. If, on the other hand, you are in the mood for a pizza accompanied by an excellent glass of wine, before saying goodbye to the beautiful town of Cefalù you should make a pit stop at Winery and Putia – a combination of delicious gourmet pizzas and a wide selection of local wines.