Where to stay in Cefalù
Cefalù is a beautiful beach town on the north coast of Sicily, Italy. I've been here quite a few times now, and in my opinion it's popular for those looking for an authentic Italian town with real natural beauty. Whether you're planning a couple's getaway, a family holiday, or travelling solo, figuring out where to stay in Cefalù will be one of the most important decisions you make. In this guide, I'll walk you through the best areas and places to stay based on different preferences and budgets.
How we choose where to stay in Cefalu
Because we have Italian family and we speak the language, we've been able to really get under the skin of this place. We tend to prioritise location based on how far you are from the historical sites, the centre, the station and the beach. Also we speak to locals and other travellers and ask about service, rooms, amenities and how relaxing it is overall.
We favour places that combine traditional Sicilian architecture with a bit of modernness, whether that's a renovated historical building or a contemporary resort. Those with views of the cathedral, the skyline or the ocean always get a bit of a plus from us. If you want to know more about things to do in Cefalù, we have a full guide for that too.
Areas in Cefalu
There are a few distinct areas to consider. You've got the historic centre with its beautiful narrow streets and medieval architecture, great for those who want a lot of history on their doorstep. Then there's the beachfront area, which is near the Norman Cathedral and where I've stayed a couple of times now. And if you want something a little different, there are also hilltop villages surrounding Cefalù where you can get breathtaking views while still being close enough to get into town easily.
Oceanside Accommodation in Cefalù
This is personal preference, but honestly, this is where I like to stay in Cefalù. There's a long tree-lined promenade with quite a few bars and restaurants, and dining al fresco outside is just steps away from the ocean.
I've had many glasses of wine watching the sunset from there. Being by the ocean also means you can walk a couple of minutes and claim your spot on that golden sand. I tend to go early in the morning, or you can rent a sunbed and umbrella. The water is very calm and shallow, which makes it perfect if you're travelling with kids too. You can see how beautiful it is in my photos. Also check out our guide to the best beaches in Sicily for more inspiration.
The Cefalu Sea Palace
The Cefalu Sea Palace This is a 5-star hotel about 10 metres from the Lungomare Cefalù beach. If you don't want to get sandy, it does have its own pool, and there's also a private beach with sun chairs included for free, so that'll save you a few euros.
If you're driving, free parking is available, which is genuinely hard to find in Cefalù. Almost every single room has an ocean view, and there's a rooftop too. It's also not too far from the town centre.
Find out more information and check the prices for The Cefalu Sea Palace.
Le Calette n.5
On the right-hand side of Cefalù, this is another 5-star option, a little bit bigger. The Le Calette n.5. It has its own private beach and water sports on site.
So if you're looking for where to stay in Cefalù with a luxury feel, this is the hotel for you. It's just a 5-minute drive into town, so just be aware you'll need a car or taxi to get there.
They also have a pool inside, a gym, and because it's a little further out, it's quiet, great for families too.
Find out more information and check the prices for Le Calette n.5.
Hotel La Plumeria
The Hotel La Plumeria. This is a 4-star hotel just a couple of minutes from the ocean, and it's actually set inside a renovated medieval palace.
The facade is right on the main street of the old town. Every single room has a balcony, which I think is really special. You can just relax and enjoy the ocean view when you get back from the beach.
The details inside have all been hand-finished by Sicilian artists, so you'll see a lot of paintings and ceramics throughout. A great option for where to stay in Cefalù near the beach with a historic feel.
For more hotel options in the area, take a look at our Cefalù hotels guide.
Find out more information and check the prices for Hotel La Plumeria.
Accomodation in Cefalu Centre
If you're looking for where to stay in Cefalù with a bit of history, the old town has cobblestone streets and a lot of medieval architecture. You'll find boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts here. It's quiet at night, and I've walked through there plenty of times.
You still get a really lovely, authentic experience. Step outside and you're straight into that lively atmosphere, close to bakeries with local food wafting through the streets, local markets and the little shops you can browse.
Astro Suite Hotel
My favourite pick for where to stay in Cefalù's city centre is the 4-star Astro Suite Hotel. It only has 22 rooms, but it has a lot packed in, its own pool with loungers (you can see it in the pictures), and it's not too far from the ocean.
There's free parking, a gym, a playground and even a library to relax in. Last time I checked, parking was free, but always double-check as it's been a couple of years since I was last there.
Find out more information and check the prices for Astro Suite Hotel.
Ossuna Bay Boutique Hotel
In the centre of Cefalu town is the Ossuna Bay Boutique Hotel. If you're looking for something a little bit smaller, this one only has eight rooms, which means the service is really amazing because it's genuinely boutique.
All the rooms are clean and modern with air con, which is a must in Sicily. The bathrooms have chromotherapy showers, which I really like.
You'll also be very close to the Cefalù Cathedral and the boutique shops nearby. A solid option for where to stay in Cefalù if you want somewhere intimate.
Find out more information and check the prices for Ossuna Bay Boutique Hotel.
Terrazza della Rocca
Terrazza della Rocca. This is a 2-bedroom luxury apartment in the old town with a beautiful view of the ocean and that classic Sicilian look.
There's a large balcony where you can sit outside with guests and take it all in. You get air conditioning and a washing machine too, which I personally really love. If you're on a longer holiday, it'll save you money on laundry.
The beach is about 300 metres away, so it's a short walk. Worth checking out our best restaurants in Cefalù guide while you're planning your trip.
Find out more information and check the prices for Terrazza della Rocca.
Bed and Breakfast in Cefalu
Bed and breakfasts are a very popular style of accommodation in Cefalù. You don't necessarily get all the amenities of a hotel, but some of the B&Bs here are super modern and usually run by a small family. You'll often find a fantastic local breakfast included, which honestly sets you up perfectly for the day.
B&B Le Suites Di Costanza
B&B Le Suites di Costanza. This is my top pick for where to stay in Cefalù when looking at bed and breakfasts, and it's actually where I stayed last time. It's a really well-renovated B&B with the beach just a 3-minute walk away.
You get air con, a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi. It's a little bit further from the town, but you can still walk there in 2 to 5 minutes.
They also had a beach umbrella for guests, which saved money instead of having to pay for loungers and an umbrella separately. I had a really good time there.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Le Suites di Costanza.
B&B Ma&Mi For You
B&B Ma&Mi For You. This is quite a cosy bed and breakfast, renovated and in good shape. If you're looking for where to stay in Cefalù near the station, this is great, so if you're travelling by train and getting around Sicily that way, this is a really convenient spot. It's also quite close to the beach.
You can get a variety of rooms from single to triple, which is handy for families or friends travelling together. Air con, hydromassage showers and free parking all included.
And they have an elevator, which is near impossible to find in Italy in general, that was a big bonus for us. For other areas of Sicily check out our where to stay in Taormina guide.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Ma&Mi For You.
Lirma B&B
Lirma B&B. If you're looking for something a little bit more traditional, this is a classic Sicilian home with 1960s architecture. All the rooms have been furnished with the colours of Sicily, you'll see that kind of tangerine and almond palette, and some rooms have a pistachio and watermelon look to them.
Very, very traditional. Breakfast is buffet style on the veranda, which I absolutely love. It's close to the beach and they've negotiated special prices with the nearby sun loungers, which is a nice touch.
Find out more information and check the prices for Lirma B&B.
Family-Friendly Accommodation in Cefalu
If you're planning a traditional family holiday, choosing where to stay in Cefalù is really important. The main things to think about are distances to history and beaches, convenient access and whether the property has parking and a pool, because a pool is a very valuable amenity when you have kids.
Victoria Palace Cefalu
The Victoria Palace Cefalù. This 4-star hotel sits right on the Cefalù seafront. You can see it on the left hand side in my pictures. It has free parking, which is great if you're bringing the family by car, and it's right next to the beach.
There's a swimming pool and a rooftop with ocean views. It was only built in 2017 and is owned by the same people as the Cefalù Sea Palace. The beach is literally 20 metres away and all rooms have satellite TV, so you can pick up some channels for the kids.
Find out more information and check the prices for Victoria Palace Cefalù.
Hotel Kalura
Hotel Kalura. Why I picked this as a great place to stay for families is because it's very close to Caldura Beach. All rooms have balconies, a safe, air conditioning and free parking.
They also have babysitting services, which is hard to find, plus an elevator (another big plus), a tennis court, a pool and even a children's pool.
So if you have teenagers or younger kids, this really does cover everything. A genuinely great option for those looking for where to stay in Cefalù with a family. You might also want to browse the best hotels in Sicily for more ideas across the island.
Find out more information and check the prices for Hotel Kalura.
Hotel Riva del Sole
Hotel Riva del Sole. If you're looking at a slightly lower price point, Hotel Riva del Sole is a beachfront hotel with a more traditional feel.
They have a rooftop terrace, a garden and a restaurant on site. Sometimes you just can't be bothered to walk around and find food, so having a restaurant there is really handy.
Most rooms face the ocean, with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. It's also a smoke-free property, which is hard to find in Italy, and they have a lift and babysitting available.
So if you're looking for where to stay in Cefalù that's a bit lower in cost but still great for families, this is the one.
Find out more information and check the prices for Hotel Riva del Sole.
Where to stay in Cefalu map
Conclusion
I've been to Cefalù many times now, and honestly, no matter where you decide to stay, you're going to get a beautiful slice of Sicilian life. You've got the historic centre, you've got the beach, and you've got so many great places to explore.
If you've been to Cefalù and stayed somewhere you loved, feel free to leave a comment below. Our readers would love to hear your recommendations and tips, too. And if you're still planning your trip around Cefalù, we've got plenty more guides to help you out.
Where to stay in Cefalu FAQ's
What types of accommodation are available in Cefalu?
Cefalu provides a variety of accommodation options, ranging from upscale 5-star hotels to family-friendly establishments and cozy bed and breakfasts.
Are there budget-friendly accommodation options in Cefalu?
Explore affordable options in Cefalu above; we have a dedicated section on bed and breakfasts in the area. For additional recommendations, you can refer to our guide on Top Hotels in Cefalu, which also highlights popular budget-friendly hotels in the vicinity.
Where to stay in Cefalù for couples?
For couples, I'd recommend the beachfront area or the old town. Hotel La Plumeria is a beautiful choice. it's a renovated medieval palace with balconies in every room and Sicilian artwork throughout. If you want something more intimate, Ossuna Bay Boutique Hotel with just eight rooms gives you amazing personalised service in the heart of town near the cathedral.
Are there boutique hotels or bed and breakfasts in Cefalu?
There are many boutique hotels in Cefalu such as the Astro Suite Hotel and Le Calette n.5. Bed and Breakfasts in Cefalu include B&B Le Suites di Costanza and Lirma B&B.
How far in advance should I book accommodation in Cefalu?
When planning a visit to Cefalu, it's common for the most desired accommodation to be booked up to a year in advance. It's recommended to secure your reservation around a year ahead, particularly before the new year, to avoid potential price increases.
Where to stay in Cefalu with a family?
A favourite accommodation in Cefalu for families is Victoria Palace Cefalù and Hotel Kalura.