Cefalu, Palermo & north

Cefalu n the north is a smaller resort but still offers a  lot for the potential tourist; not only are there wonderful beaches but a beautiful medieval heart with plenty of restaurants, shops and café's to watch the world go by. The town is endowed with elegant buildings in a mixture of styles, which reflect Sicily's varied influences, from Norman to Byzantine, and Arab to European. The picturesque harbour is also worth a mention and is a perfect spot to buy fresh fish.  There are kilometres and kilometres of gorgeous beaches and south of the town is the Madonie National Park with its enchanting villages, breathtaking scenery and impressive mountains and some wonderful walking.

Palermo and Monreale

Palermo, Sicily's capital, is about an hour west of Cefalù along the coast and makes an unforgettable day out. Its Arab-Norman buildings, including the Palatine Chapel and the cathedral, are listed by UNESCO together with the cathedrals of Cefalù and Monreale. Monreale sits in the hills above the city, and its cathedral is lined with golden mosaics.

Palermo is also one of Italy's great street-food cities. Wander the Ballarò and Capo markets and try arancine, panelle made from chickpea flour and sfincione, a thick Sicilian pizza. Mondello, the city's seaside suburb, has a sandy beach and an elegant Liberty-style seafront.

More of the north coast

Between Palermo and Cefalù, Bagheria is known for its baroque villas, and the coast is dotted with small resorts and beaches. West of Palermo, Castellammare del Golfo has a pretty harbour, and the Zingaro nature reserve, Sicily's first, protects a wild stretch of coast with coves you reach on foot. Scopello, with its old tuna fishery and sea stacks, is nearby.

Inland from Cefalù, Castelbuono is one of the best-known Madonie towns, with a castle, a lively square and a long baking tradition.

When to go and who it suits

Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and walking, and the sea stays warm well into October. July and August are hot and busy, so a villa with outdoor space and shade makes a real difference.

Palermo airport sits on the coast west of the city, and a car is the best way to combine beaches, towns and mountain villages, though trains also run along the coast between Palermo and Cefalù. The area suits families and couples who want a mix of beach time, history and food.

Discover more of Sicily, or browse the villas listed below to find your base on the north coast.