Posted by We caught the train from Taomina via Messina to Cefalu along the North coast past the tall Volcanic Aeolian islands. So easy and relaxing to do and despite not getting a taxi to take us to our apartment it was an easy 15 min walk wheeling our carry on bags without any real inclines to worry about. the Apartment is just up one flight of stairs and is a beauty, narrow but very effective and right above the sand and beach with a fabulous views.
We still had plenty of light left in the day so out a wandering we went and the first thing we saw was these fabulous Moor heads across the road and there were plenty more variations to see as we travelled around sicily. each location seems to have their own version.
The narrow residential streets run up the hill from the beach towards the La Rocca mountain that dominates the town and connect to the main shopping street. The Corso Ruggero meets at the cathedral and Via Vittorio Emanuele near the beach with Via Orotolano connecting it all along the rugged coast where the resturants are in abundance. its a compact old town and easy to see it all in a day. But we are here for three days to chill and get some beach and swim time.
Street decorations and the Medieval washing fountain are just some of the little things you see when you take the time to slow down and check things out in detail.
Living in close quarters with internal courtyeards for all the buildings seems to work very well and there are some beautiful architectural gems in amongst the standard..
The Cathedral dominates the town and can be seen from most locations and the Porta Marina has a fabulous vista of the bay.
We had beautiful sunsets every night and this boat appeared every event to moor just off the beach .
The Duomo, or Cathedral is spectacular both inside and out and is very oversized for the town but has some of the best Mosaics in Sicily. Built around 100 it is agreat example of Norman building style that was very creative and advanced for its time,
At night the Duomo Piazza is a buzz with diners occupying every table and the backdrop of the Duomo is stunning.
First thing the next morning it was straight into the water and at 23/24 deg it was perfect.
It was busy with tourists during the day as tour groups decended in bus loads and then dissapeared by mid afternoon leaving some very nice quiet spots to explore.
We discovered this mobile fruit and veg shop out the front and grabbed the opportunity to create a lovely fresh lunch feast with some lovely Pistaccio Mortadella to enjoy on our tiny balcony.
Despite the summer season about to end in a few days there was still plenty of beach goers and the beach club was in full force . and no wonder as the weather and water were perfect.
The setting is really eclectic and stunning with a mismatch of buildings lining the shore built, altered and altered again over centuries and La Rocca sitting like a hat on top of it all.
Coming back to our apartment after our daily wanderings was always a delkight and dreww us back to the water for a swim. Low tide amblings from locals and Tourists alike .
Like all of the mediteranian, the coast had to be fortified and there is eveidence everywhere of what the past looked like
Every night was a feast with fish at the centre but one night we ate at a new Japanese resturant called NAKA that was truly amazing but not many people seemed prepared to give it a go. We are glad we did as we seek such places out when we travel.
Just around the corner from our place we found the Cinema where Cimema paradiso was filmed and it was a lovely find. built from the ruins of an earlier theatre it was a stunning example of Art Nouveau .
On a quest to walk every street in town in an ambling fashion we also found a roof top bar down one of the streets and thought we would give it a go, so Mojitos on the roof with brilliant sunsets views was a great idea.
The evening wanderings around Cefalu were a delight as it quietens down and everyone is so relaxed, as how else could you be in such a wonderful place.
Our last day in Cefalu saw me heading up La Rocca to the Ancient Temple of Diana, past the Byzantine fortifications that ring the hill to open up a spectacular view in every direction.
The temple dates back to at least 1,000 BC if not older and was adapted by the Romans and other invaders for various uses.
Looking down on the old town and through the old castle walls that ring the mounytain and and various stages this was the refuge from attack and could accommodate thousands of people .
We revisited the Duomo and bought the full ticket to see the cloisters and we are glad we did as the double columns and variations on every one were beautiful. We are attracted to such places due to the peaceful ambience that many but not all feel.
We had walked past this hole in the wall bar near our place so many times so heading out for dinner on our last night we could not resist a drink each..one PinaColada and one Mojito to go thanks, and stand at the tiny bar to drink them.
That is ann behind the pink and white stripped towel on the tiny balcony of our narrow apartment (3m wide) with the cafe directly below where we got our morning Coffee, Granita and Brioche.
It was a very special place and a huge highlight for us as it was so relaxing, friendly and easy to get around..plus the food again was amazing. But it was the beach with its sand like home and perfect water that made it so special.
The street below our apartment was a variety of cafe’s, restaurants and shops .
Cefalu station and our transport to Palermo.
