We left so early on Saturday that even with our 30 minute flight and 2 hour drive to the hotel, we still arrived in time for breakfast! We took time to relax a bit in our room before going out to explore. We stayed in a lovely hotel with beautiful grounds and a great view of La Rocca, behind Sylvia.

First stop, the beach! We stayed in the town of Cefalu, on the northern coast. The beach here was expansive and sandy – quite different from the rocky beaches in Sliema. The Tyrrhenian Sea was so beautiful!

We strolled around the old part of Cefalu eating gelato of course, and enjoying the old narrow streets lined with balconies.

Later in the afternoon, we met up with our tour guide, Saro (the man on the right in front). He took us to his friend’s house to learn about agriculture in Sicily.  The tour was a highlight – the farmer was so excited to show us around and tell us all about his gardens.  He didn’t speak English so Saro translated everything for us.  We saw lemons, tangerines, fig, pomegranates, kumquat, olive trees and more.  The farmer gave us a huge crate of his lemons and tangerines to take home.

Saro then took us on a drive through the Medonie Mountain Range. The whole drive was spectacular! This little mountain town was so beautiful in the afternoon sun.

Our last stop was Castelbuono – one of my favorite spots. It is a sweet little mountain town (about the size of Decorah). The town was very active this evening, with people coming out to meet in the piazza, lots of kids out playing and church bells ringing.  It was a very charming time of day.

A view of Cefalu (pop. 15, 000) as you approach from the west. This area was probably first inhabited in the late 5th century BC. The name comes from the Greek word ‘Kefaloidion’ which translates to ‘head’ – the Greeks thought the rock looked like a giant head.

On Sunday, we hiked up La Rocca, the huge rock in Cefalu. At the top are the remains of an old castle built in the 13-14th centuries.

The view of Cefalu from the hike up La Rocca. How beautiful! Mountains, sea, beaches, history and culture – Sicily rocks!  🙂

Sunday afternoon, we played on the beach. Lily dug a hole all the way down to water!

We ate gelato and visited this duomo, or cathedral, in the old city. It was built between 1131 and 1240. It’s quite unique and different from other churches we’ve seen because it has Norman style architecture, reflecting the ruler at that time, and Arabic influences in other parts of the structure.

On our way home, we took this great trail that went along the waterfront over the rocks.

Old town Cefalu. I strongly encourage anyone who’s ever thought of going to Sicily (and even those who haven’t!) to go. And visit Cefalu – you will love it! I even have a great recommendation for a guide and hotel.  🙂  More information on the city here: http://www.cefalu.net/cefalu.php?lingua=en