Charming Cefalu'

   We are now in Cefalu', a small, ancient city on Sicily's north coast, that is nestled between a giant rock and the Mediterranean sea.  It is night and day different from Castelbuono.  Cefalu' is geared for tourists.  It has a charming and relatively flat centro (old town center) with a dominating 15th century Norman-style Cathedral, and a picture-perfect lungomare (boardwalk along the sea).  Cefalu' attracts not only international tourists, but Italians flock here as well.  Here is a panoramic view of Cefalu'...

   These photos were taken from the lungomare, looking back toward town.  It's a ten minute walk to our apartment from here.  There is a very long sandy beach along the lungomare, with bars, cafes, etc.

   Our apartment is thirty steps from the small sandy beach in the town center.

   Here is a link to a short video showing the Cathedral and main piazza on Sunday morning.  There are people sitting at outdoor cafes, strolling with baby carriages... it is so... Continental...

          www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hvIIl7hzIM 

   Our apartment has two small balconies... the entrance is the arched brown door with the sign...

Here are the views up and down the street from our balcony...

Chris was a happy girl... she could do laundry and hang it out to dry in the Sicilian sun...

Some sights around Cefalu'...

The very long beach... must be mobbed in summer...

Rocky coast...

A lighthouse... so ships wouldn't hit the giant rock... ?

Beautiful marina...

Ruins of the old coastal watchtower...

There are stone fortress walls on top of la rocca...

Note the solar panel to light this shrine...

Beautiful small piazza in front of an ancient church...

An Ape... made to fit the tiny streets...

Triple arches...

Looking down a beautiful scala...

Really... ?

What a pleasure to sit in piazza Duomo, in the sun, sipping our Campari soda with complimentary peanuts and chips... the cost... 8 euros... the experience... priceless!

                                         

 
We've been here four days, and have enjoyed every minute of it.  The apartment is comfortable, well equipped, and has good wifi.  We usually day trip out from the places we stay, but we've enjoyed Cefalu' so much we haven't gone anywhere.  And since parking is very difficult here, and Joe found a parking spot the first day that would make George Costanza's chest swell, we've just stayed at home.  

   I think we've found la dolce vita...

   Touch any photo to enlarge...