Cefalù
 The name of Cefalù originates from a combination of the Greek word Kefaloidion and the Punic word Kefa meaning head.
Both hint at the location of this fine city on the north Sicilian coast in the province of Palermo.
A perfect look out and defence with the megalithic walls suggesting Cefalu was inhabited at least from the fifth century BC.
Following Roman and Arab control the city was reconstructed by Ruggero II nearer the sea around 1131 AD as can be seen form the image here.
A legend from the time suggests that the impressive cathedral was built by the Norman king after he almost lost his life off the coast.
Even today, when the sea is up, bathers must take care with the powerful breaking waves, but the long golden sandy is tranquil most of the year.
Do seek out the Osterio Magno, the probable residence of Ruggero, and the Mandralisca Museum which preserves the famous portrait of an unknown man by Antonello of Messina.
Of further interest are the museum, library and catacombs of the Frati Cappuccini monks, as well as the annual Patron Saint Day on the 6 August in honor of San Salvatore della Trasfigurazione.
We also like the look of the Sagra del Pesce Azzurro and Sherbeth Festival, both in October.
The latter is a Sicilian ice cream festival remembering the Arab colonialists' tradition of mixing snow with fruit juice to create 'sherbet', a 1000 year old 'granita' recipe.
Anyone arriving by car should leave the A20 autostrada at exit Mazzaforno just 2 km from the city.
www.comune.cefalu.pa.it
www.sherbethfestival.it
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