This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Cefalu è una pittoresca cittadina in provincia di Palermo un vero e proprio gioiello della natura caratterizzato  da spiagge sabbiose tanto sole e ottimo cibo: tutti elementi che la rendono   una delle destinazioni balneari più attraenti d’Italia Il suo spettacolare scenario,  caratterizzato dall’antico porto peschereccio dominato dalla magnifica cattedrale normanna un’enorme rupe calcarea dalla cui sommità si gode di panorami mozzafiato che si estendono fino a  Palermo Le stradine del suggestivo centro medievale portano alla cattedrale di Piazza del Duomo un luogo ideale per una rilassante pausa caffè durante il giorno lo shopping e le visite turistiche sono le principali attività da fare durante il giorno Cefalu è vibrante anche a tarda sera con i suoi tanti ristoranti e bar tra cui scegliere per un’indimenticabile soggiorno Located on the northern shores of Sicily between Palermo and Messina is the charming village of Cefalu Cefalu is renowned not only for its ricotta pastries gelati artigianali siciliani (handmade Sicilian ice cream) and seafood but also for its one-of-a-kind breathtaking and peculiar Cattedrale and serene beaches and sea waters The island of Sicily was conquered by the Normans in 1091 Cefalu’s famous cathedral was erected in 1131 as a vow made to the Holy Saviour by the King of Sicily after he escaped a violent storm to land on the city’s beach Having found this hidden Sicilian treasure and escaping death Roger II ordered the immediate construction of a magnificent cathedral to manifest eternal gratitude to the people of Cefalu and honor their Sicilian hospitality and generous hearts The imposing structure and strategic positioning appear to be protecting the entire village It is one of Sicily’s most prominent cathedrals and certainly an unforgettable visit The name “Cefalu'” comes from the Greek “Kefaludion” (head) as in the top Cefalu is a very simple fishing hamlet where everyday life is slow and restorative where children still play soccer in its alleys draped with hanging clothes from balcony to balcony soaking in the Sicilian sun where an incredible scent of freshly baked pane and ricotta-filled cannoli graciously perfume the air and palm trees intertwine with olive groves Seafood is abundant and is the staple cuisine all summer in the cucine cefaludesi (in Italian) or cifalutane (in Sicilian) If you’d like to dig deeper and understand the appeal of this enchanted corner of Sicily one of the most prominent centers for devotion to the Virgin Mary in all of Sicily Discover all our subscription plans and become a member You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience owners of Decori and creators of the Cefalù candle line; photo by Joyce Smith When the owners of Decori home and gift shop at the Village at Briarcliff suited up to create a Travis Kelce candle scent they turned to their virtual assistant to help make the call Candles from the Cefalù line at Decori; photo by Joyce Smith confident and powerful” scents of Creed Aventus partners Ralph Liebetrau and Jim Scarpino had the fragrance for TK87 — now one of the most popular scents from their own line of luxury candles crafted in house by the two Kansas City artisans and retailers Click here to check out “Kelce’s biggest fan,” hand-sculpted holiday creation by Jim Scarpino The duo started selling the candles a few months ago at Decori, 4169 N. Mulberry Drive, and they’ve recently been “selling like crazy” at Charmed House in the West Bottoms Along with TK87, popular scents include Luxe Hotel, Decori One, and Leather Amberwood (a tweak on Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous fragrance) Cefalù retails for $29 for an 8-ounce candle and $189 for the Cefalù diffuser (comes with 4-ounces of oil) Click here to follow Decori on Instagram at the Village at Briarcliff; photo by Joyce Smith Decori has carried candles from Kansas City-based Trapp for its two decades in operation Liebetrau and Scarpino dreamed of offering candles unique to their store they began work on the candle line that eventually would become Cefalù A friend who had worked at Trapp introduced them to an international fragrance company based in New Jersey That company sent them a handful of designer fragrance oils and they began tweaking the scents making sure they had a “good cold and hot throw.”  “The cold throw is what you smell when you open the jar The hot throw is what you smell when it is burning,” Liebetrau said Not every fragrance oil works with every wax It has to be the right combination of fragrance oil They researched wax companies and wick companies ordered the supplies and set up a candle manufacturing operation in the kitchen of their Northland home Each fragrance also needed a “burn test” to make sure it would burn properly all the way to the end of the candle. Creative Printing Co. in Merriam designed the packaging Liebetrau and Scarpino call their line Cefalù after the city in northern Sicily from which Scarpino’s family traces its roots including “Tracey Topiary” named for Liebetrau and Scarpino’s first fragrance oil sales representative It’s the scent you might get walking into a floral shop cooler “all those different fragrances of flowers,” Scarpino said The duo now manufactures the candles both in their home and store but they plan to soon move all production to the store Other specialty shops in Kansas City and beyond are asking to carry the line noting they’re considering wholesaling opportunities after the holiday season and fig scented candles to add to Cefalù’s roster Startland News contributor Joyce Smith covered local restaurants and retail for nearly 40 years with The Kansas City Star. Click here to follower on X (formerly Twitter), here for Facebook, here for Instagram, and by following #joyceinkc on Threads. Cefalù is a picture-perfect summer getaway spot While some are tempted to pop by just for a day trip that would be to miss out on what a longer stay here can offer: languid beach days getting lost in cobbled alleyways and seafood specialities galore Norman architecture and beachside cliffs that characterise this pretty town antony_sex / unsplash Cefalu Tour Cefalù beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily and the whole of Italy and with hazy views of the whitewashed old town it’s got even more going for it than its half-mile-long stretch of soft sand and clear especially if you visit during August when most Italians holiday This beach is too glorious to have been kept a secret antony_sex / unsplash Private Tour Constructed between 1131 and 1240 in Arab-Norman style after the Norman invasion of Sicily this Unesco World Heritage Site dominates Cefalù’s otherwise uniform skyline churches and cathedrals known as the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale Legend has it that King Roger II of Sicily built the cathedral to thank God after surviving a storm at sea and washing up on the shores of Cefalù most visitors go to admire the beautifully preserved Byzantine mosaics import PrebidBidService from "/v1/js/PrebidBidService.js"; import AmazonBidService from "/v1/js/AmazonBidService.js"; window.addEventListener('intersecting',async (e) => { const element = document.querySelector('[data-id="in_article_1"]'); const slot = element.getAttribute('id'); if(e.detail.slotName !== slot) { return; } let promises = []; if(window.canRunPrebid) { const prebidService = new PrebidBidService(); promises.push(prebidService.requestPrebidBids(null [slot])); } if(window.canRunAmazon) { const amazonService = new AmazonBidService(); promises.push(amazonService.fetchBids(null [slot])); } if(promises?.length) { await Promise.all(promises).then(() => { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); }); } else { googletag.pubads().refresh([window.addSlot[slot]]); } }); Eat ice cream in the old town Ice Cream Parlour Blanca Paloma Sánchez / Unsplash Looking for a way to cool down after a day in the Sicilian sun Do as the locals do and stop by one of the gelaterias in the old town for an icy gelato Santa Lucia is continually ranked as the top gelato spot in town pistachio and chunky dark chocolate on the menu order brioche con gelato: ice cream in a brioche bun Farhad Ibrahimzade / Unsplash Cooking Tours Italian food is loved the world over but Sicily has culinary traditions that you might not have encountered before The many family-run restaurants dotted around Cefalu’s old town are perfect for a Sicilian food odyssey Il Normanno continues regional culinary traditions serving local favourites such as pasta con le sarde – pasta with sardines and anchovies – while La Galleria updates and reinterprets traditional fare in a hipster setting (branch out with a bowl of prawn stop by La Gallizza for Sicilian street food classics such as arancini and sfincione (thick Sicilian pizza) Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy Enjoy sea views from Bastione Capo Marchiafava Architectural Landmark Tamas Gabor / Shutterstock Make your way up to this 17th-century fortification for stunning views out over the sea this is a popular place to sunbathe during the day or catch the sunset in the evening A few swimming holes nearby are never busy – good spots for a dip if the beach crowds are a bit much Trade your sandals for trainers for the 45-minute climb up to La Rocca a 280m (919ft) rocky crag once the site of an Arab citadel; it towers over Cefalù rewarding hikers with sensational views of the town and sea below There’s a small entry fee to explore the ruins at the top consider hiking in the morning or afternoon when it’s slightly cooler carlocolumbaphotography / Unsplash Boat Tours There’s hardly a better vantage point for admiring Cefalù’s old town than from the bow of a boat And some parts of the coast are only accessible this way So choose a boat tour that lets you hop into the water to snorkel or offers a floating happy hour during a tour of the coastline Or become a fisherman for the day on a scheduled excursion kuznetsovas / Unsplash On your way up to La Rocca prosciutto ham and local sheep’s cheese for a picnic at the Tempio di Diana built into the rocky hillside 150m (492ft) above the sea was constructed in the fourth or fifth century BCE Some historians consider it to be the oldest structure in Sicily With breathtaking views and seclusion from the busy town below the temple grounds provide a romantic setting for a picnic for two Walk down Via Vittorio Emmanuele and take a wide staircase a few metres below street level for a glimpse of the rectangular stone pools of Lavatoio Cefalù – a public wash house built into the river during medieval times and used until the 20th century the wash house is an intriguing insight into how Sicilians once bathed and cleaned their clothes Break up your beach days and get into the water on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) Learn how with a lesson from a local company such as Piranha SUP Surf School – it’s surprisingly hard to stand up – then go on a longer excursion to a nearby grotto or wind down with a SUP yoga class It’s a fun way to work your abs and top up your tan without noticing Ruth Troughton / Unsplash Italy Trips and Tours Planning to take your holidays in Italy We have an incredible collection of multi-day tour packages all over the country Guides & Tips The Best Hiking Trails in Sicily Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July Guides & Tips A Guide to the 5 Most Dazzling Views in Catania See & Do The Best Hiking Trails in Italy See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips My Experience Road Tripping Around Sicily US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. ItalyChevron SicilyChevron Save this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links you’ll find the best beaches in Sicily wherever the shore meets the sea you must put your smooth and sandy Mediterranean beach preconceptions aside when visiting Sicily: Many of the island’s spiagge are fashioned from salt-lashed rocks where it’s all about the glassy and intensely turquoise swim spots you can snag a patch of sand on the classic lidos typically skirting the cities and towns where parasols and loungers line up with military precision Either way, with the temperatures warm enough for swimming from late May to early October it’s easy to see why locals spend half the year here diving off rocky outcrops and cooling off in the dramatic blues of the Ionian From the dolce vita classics to the hidden here are the best beaches in Sicily to seek out A version of this article originally appeared in Condé Nast Traveller UK those visiting Sicily earmark Agrigento solely for a day trip to the Valley of the Temples before hot-footing it to the Baroque South East or North West towards Trapani They’re missing a trick: Riserva Naturale Torre Salsa (under the watchful eye of the WWF) This patch of countryside rolls on to meet a blonde often empty stretch of sand flanked by cliffs There’s no competition for a spot on this gloriously pretty beach just a smug glance from fellow in-the-know folk you pass AgrigentoThis is one of Sicily’s most alluring natural rock structures On the south of the island near Agrigento is the moonscape of Scala dei Turchi (roughly translated to “Turkish steps”) a bone-white marl formation that has rippled into a wave-like shape after years of erosion from wind and sea spray Try climbing up the side for the best views of the sparkling indigo sea and flanking sandy beaches Turquoise and indigo-blue waters flood the surrounding bays so it’s easy to spend long sun-kissed days stretched out on the rocks CefalùJust over an hour by train from Palermo Cefalù is an idyllic spot for all-day bathing but its golden sandy crescent blends beautifully with the dusty browns and whites of the historic buildings behind it little stores and gelaterias for a welcome afternoon respite from hours of sunshine FavignanaOn the Aegadian island of Favignana there's a matrix of caves and quarries cut out from rows of golden tuff rocks Named after the monk seals who used to reside here Bue Marino is less a beach and more a smooth stoney surface the locals come to dive off Head here on a bike (one of the easiest modes of transport on the island) and follow the path to find secret caves to claim for the day LevanzoSun-bleached Levanzo is the smallest of the Mediterranean's three Aegadian islands This sleepy seaside port is seriously picturesque; a cluster of blue-and-white houses hug the harbor dotted with fisherman's boats but warm waters in the summer mean you'll spend more time in them than out TrapaniAt the foot of Monte Monaco (all scribbled in hiking trails) is the tropical-looking San Vito lo Capo The beach has an almost Brazilian feel with sweeping golden sands that tip gently into bright blue shallows and giant palms but the vendors who walk up and down all day selling fun floats and ice-cold granita remind sunbathers they’re in Italy TrapaniIt’s a quick drive along the coast from San Vito lo Capo to Caletta del Bue Marino This pretty cove is relatively undemanding; have a swim dry off in the sun and head on your way for lunch Bring comfortable walking shoes to reach the beach from the car Isola Bella is a semicircular pebble beach just minutes from the hilltop town of Taormina (via cable car) and bring a snorkel for the surrounding marine park and its crystal-clear waters once owned by British gardener and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan is only accessible from the mainland by a thin strip of sand during low tide LampedusaThe isle of Lampedusa (the largest of the Pelagie Islands) is actually closer to Africa than mainland Sicily bleached and brittle landscape resembles little of that typically associated with the Mediterranean all dazzling white and iridescent turquoise has kept its unsullied character as part of the surrounding the beach is one of the few spots in Sicily where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs The waters here are positively Caribbean—absurdly blue and gin-clear so pack a picnic and retreat into the dunes or under a parasol for a castaway-style lunch to reach the bright-blue waters of Sicily’s first nature reserve but it’s worth persevering as only a few locals and parasol-toting visitors actually make it to the beaches the sea here is crystal-clear and ideal for paddling throughout the day up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Witnesses tell of ‘absurd tragedy’ and a mother describes how she fought to save her child from drowning The 12 holidaying passengers had come from the UK, the US, Canada occupying six luxurious suites of Bayesian a 56-metre-long superyacht boasting the tallest aluminium mast in the world Among the 10 crew members were people from Sri Lanka which was built in 2008 by the Italian shipbuilder Perini and managed by Camper & Nicholsons left the calm blue waters of the Sicilian port of Milazzo on 14 August sailing for a few days around the Aeolian Islands and off the historic coastal village of Cefalù dramatically recounted how she fought to save her child from drowning in the dark and raging Mediterranean while hearing the piercing screams of fellow passengers “For two seconds I lost the baby in the sea then I immediately held her again in the fury of the waves,” she told Giornale di Sicilia the lifeboat inflated and 11 of us managed to get on it.” an Oxford graduate who works for Invoke Capital told Corriere della Sera she had left London with a group of nine people She said they were all “colleagues and collaborators” of the high-tech software firm extraordinary person who maybe they have not yet saved,” she added large boat” that had visited the Aeolian Islands Milazzo and Cefalù before the journey was disrupted by bad weather who is in the emergency unit of Termini Imerese hospital in Palermo province told doctors the boat began to tilt at 4am Both she and her husband were awakened by the incident Bacares then climbed up to assess the situation but the vessel suddenly started to capsize One witness described Bayesian as “a beautiful boat “A normal holiday spent happy at sea turned into a tragedy,” the witness told Ansa news agency the captain of the yacht who is also at the Termini Imerese emergency unit told La Repubblica: “We didn’t see it coming.” the captain of a boat nearby that rescued some of the survivors told Reuters that when the storm hit he had turned the engine on to keep control of the vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian “We managed to keep the ship in position and after the storm was over we noticed that the ship behind us was gone,” Borner said adding that the other boat “went flat on the water He said his crew then found some of the survivors on a life raft and took them onboard before the coast guard picked them up the manager of the Baia Santa Nicolicchia restaurant in Porticello described how he witnessed the tragedy unfold in front of him before the death of one of the passengers was confirmed: “The yacht on the left sank at 4:05am hit head-on by the hurricane 300 meters from the port of Porticello next to another sailboat that provided assistance A video clip of the tornado wreaking havoc on an area of beach was also shared on the restaurant’s Facebook page alongside the message: “In an instant the hurricane took everything!” Americans and Canadian missing after storm sinks yacht off Sicily – videoPietro Asciutto He told Ansa: “I was at home when the tornado hit I saw it suddenly sink.” He added that shortly afterwards he went to the bay of Santa Nicolicchia “The boat was still floating and then it suddenly disappeared Specialist divers arrived from mainland Italy on Monday morning as hopes of finding those still missing began to fade The coastguard said the wreck of Bayesian was lying at a depth of 49 metres Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation Bayesian is owned by a firm called Revtom Limited was named as the sole shareholder of the firm adding that Lynch’s PhD thesis and the software that made his fortune was based on Bayesian theory Regala o regalati un abbonamento al Giornale della Vela cartaceo + digitale e a soli 69 euro l’anno hai la rivista a casa e in più la leggi su PC Lo scorso 7 dicembre una barca a vela di 15 metri in buone condizioni ma senza equipaggio si è arenata nella spiaggia di Cefalù Dopo un’ispezione a bordo e una serie di accertamenti la Guardia Costiera ha identificato la barca coinvolta in un incidente in Sardegna a novembre Quando una barca a vela moderna e in buone condizioni ma senza nessuno a bordo finisce in spiaggia Sono domande che balzano subito in mente e la migliore cosa da fare è lanciare l’allarme Forse quei velisti erano ancora in pericolo magari ancora alla deriva su una zattera di salvataggio Dopo un’accurata ispezione a bordo e una serie di accertamenti gli uomini della Guardia Costiera hanno risolto il mistero era stata effettivamente protagonista lo scorso 21 novembre di un incidente Il tutto è successo a circa 30 miglia a Sud Est del porto di Arbatax A bordo del cabinato c’era un equipaggio di tre velisti In pratica durante la notte a causa del maltempo avevano avuto un’avaria alle vele e erano stati costretti ad accendere il motore per proseguire la navigazione in sicurezza e raggiungere la terraferma A causa delle particolari condizioni meteo avverse tuttavia l’imbarcazione avrebbe consumato in breve tempo tutto il carburante disponibile lasciando l’equipaggio senza governo dell’unità e nella pericolosa situazione: andare alla deriva con il mare mosso e con scarsa visibilità I tre uomini hanno quindi lanciato il may day alle 2 di notte richiesta di soccorso che è stata intercettata dalla Guardia Costiera di Arbatax che ha disposto l’intervento della motovedetta CP 811 Viste le condizioni meteomarine in peggioramento con mare molto mosso e raffiche di vento fino a 30 nodi i diportisti una volta raggiunti stati trasbordati sulla motovedetta e il Pogo 50 è stato lasciato alla deriva è stato formalizzato immediatamente il pericolo mediante la richiesta di emissione di un Avviso Urgente ai Naviganti In attesa di rintracciare l’armatore la barca è stata messa in sicurezza: sarà trasferimento in un rimessaggio e poi riconsegnata al proprietario Non capisco il mistero…si sapeva che la barca era stata abbandonata la Capitaneria sarda aveva recuperato l’equipaggio quindi quella barca o era affondata o doveva pur arrivare da qualche parte….buon vento e controllate quanto carburante avete a bordo ⛵ Trattandosi di una barca ‘da corsa’ ha un serbatoio di gasolio molto piccolo Il tuo indirizzo email non sarà pubblicato Iscriviti ora alla nostra newsletter gratuita e ricevi ogni settimana le migliori news selezionate dalla redazione del Giornale della Vela E in più ti regaliamo un mese di GdV in digitale su PC accetta la Privacy Policy e clicca sul bottone “iscrivimi” Riceverai un codice per attivare gratuitamente il tuo mese di GdV ex insegnante di educazione fisica originario di Modena che per 32 anni ha vissuto sull’isola di Budelli in completa solitudine come un moderno Robinson Crusoe regate e traversate al limite del verosimile Eppure la vela non è certamente estranea alla tradizione lacustre L’archeologa di 29 anni Karla Dana è morta nel corso della spedizione “Legendary Viking Voyage” dalle Isole Faroe alla Norvegia a bordo di una replica di una nave vichinga che si è ribaltata per il maltempo a bordo di un Van De Stadt 34 10,25 m) in acciaio del 1987 che ha messo a posto con le sue mani PER COMUNICARE CON LA REDAZIONE02 535 811111 – speciali@panamaeditore.it PER LA PUBBLICITÀSenior account:Guido De Palma:tel Cookie policyPrivacy policy 02 535811 111/200abbonamenti@panamaeditore.it vibrant season steeped in centuries-old traditions that blend Catholic customs with local folklore and unique flavors Christmas is more than just a holiday; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings family and communities together in celebration transforming the island into a lively mosaic of festive lights Here’s a closer look at the Sicilian way of celebrating this magical time of year One of Sicily's most cherished Christmas traditions is the “presepe,” or nativity scene Sicilians are renowned for their detailed and artistic nativity displays life-sized installations featuring real people and animals the presepe becomes a living re-enactment in caves showcasing a historically accurate depiction of the Holy Family and even artisans working as they would have in ancient times Many families build their own nativity scenes at home sometimes adding unique elements or figurines year after year the presepe is a central symbol of Christmas and remains more significant than a Christmas tree The Christmas season in Sicily officially begins on December 8 This day is marked by religious ceremonies in almost every town with processions and masses honoring the Virgin Mary with the midnight mass being a highly anticipated event Churches are filled with candlelight and hymns while towns are adorned with strings of lights that create a warm and festive ambiance Sicilian towns ring with the sounds of the “Novena,” traditional Christmas songs performed in the nine days leading up to Christmas roam from house to house or gather in town squares playing bagpipes The custom stems from ancient traditions of shepherds serenading the Holy Family it brings people out into the streets to enjoy the music and each other’s company known as the "Cenone," is traditionally a seafood feast Dishes vary by town but often include baccalà (salted cod) the table transforms with hearty dishes like lasagna with Sicilian Christmas desserts offering a taste of the island's ancient Arabic and Norman heritage and "pupi di zucchero" (sugar puppets) are among the many treats enjoyed by all ages Sicilians extend the festive season to January 6 known as the arrival of the "Befana," a witch-like figure in Italian folklore is celebrated with children waking up to small gifts or sweets left in their stockings the Befana remains an enduring symbol of Epiphany delivering gifts in exchange for good behavior and keeping the magic alive for children even after Christmas The island’s towns and cities come alive with Christmas markets and fairs and nativity scene figures are accompanied by food vendors offering Sicilian treats Visitors can savor “sfincione” (Sicilian pizza) and sweet nougat while browsing for unique holiday gifts The markets are a meeting point for locals and visitors alike to soak up the holiday spirit Christmas in Sicily is a time for families and friends This period is cherished by Sicilians as a way to keep cultural and religious traditions alive honoring their ancestors while passing down memories and customs to the younger generations Celebrating Christmas in Sicily is an enchanting experience the holiday season is more than just decorations and gifts; it is a chance to honor faith Whether it’s the ringing of church bells on Christmas Eve the smell of fresh pastries in bustling markets Sicily offers a Christmas experience that is both deeply spiritual and joyfully festive maze-like streets and ever-present sunshine it’s no accident that so many film-makers have used the town as a location SicilyThis article is more than 1 year oldWith its extraordinary architecture Compared with Sicily’s ritzier spots to me it feels more authentic and has a sort of relaxed old-school glamour It’s also easy to reach by train from Palermo (about 50 minutes); from Catania The place is full of extraordinary Arab Norman architecture and I found there were almost too many beautiful buildings and churches to take in as I wandered slowly through the streets towards the cathedral in the central square famed 12th-century Byzantine golden mosaics cover the domed ceiling Up close they are even more extraordinary than they look in the pictures and still shine brightly all these years later I continued through the maze of streets in search of something more prosaic Steps down from the street led to a series of low troughs each with a stone scrubbing surface at one end River water flows through bronze lion heads to fill the troughs before heading out to sea and the place was still used well into the 20th century I walked around the troughs getting my feet wet A short walk away is the picturesque Porta Pescara gate Behind the town is a steep cliff called the Rocca di Cefalù The path was closed for maintenance when I was here but it’s open again now and a brisk 45-minute uphill climb offers panoramic vistas over the town and surrounding coast There’s a ninth-century Temple of Diana on the way up (wear decent footwear as the path can be slippery) The chapel is so gloriously overdecorated it made me feel both dizzy and uplifted One of the things I like most about Cefalù is that the beach is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the old town it’s a generous crescent of soft golden sand it’s one of the reasons the town is so popular with Italian tourists In spring you’ll need a jumper and light jacket as you walk along the promenade I enjoyed the blast of endorphins when I plunged beneath the waves The Palatine Chapel in Ventimiglia castle Photograph: AlamyAnother day I walked 30 minutes east along the coast road to swim at Cala Kalura a sweet pebbly cove with swimming-pool ladders down into the sea you might see a pair of kingfishers hunting for fish as the dusk falls The Cefalù food scene can be a little touristy but there are some lovely places. My favourite was La Brace, where the service is friendly and the menu includes traditional swordfish rolls and other delights. At the far fancier Triscele I ate beautifully presented gamberi crudi (raw prawns) served in a swirl of citrus risotto on the romantic terrace featured trips and local tips for your next break as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays Many other places are gorgeous but not as seductive You can feel life flowing hereBarbara De Gaetani winding up mountain roads towards Castelbuono a small town famed for its funghi di bosco It was a vertiginous route and I was very glad not to be driving Rita had suggested – insisted actually – that I come here to visit the Palatine Chapel inside Ventimiglia castle and is gloriously overdecorated: bright gold walls are covered in maximalist stucco depictions of allegories and religious figures in baroque style I’d read that there were hidden paintings inside the Matrice Vecchia church on Castelbuono’s main square but I couldn’t find the light switch and the dark steps down under the altar looked forbidding Eventually I gave up waiting for the priest and ventured down using my phone torch Houses line the beach in Cefalù Photograph: Roman Sigaev/AlamyThe crypt is covered with frescoes dating from the medieval ages to the Renaissance – including some alarming depictions of skeletons enthusiastically climbing out of their coffins on Judgment Day and spent a while sitting watching the donkeys walk up and down the narrow streets They’re used as rubbish collectors because the lanes are too narrow for dustbin lorries I stopped for lunch at Ristorante Nangalarruni where the charismatic owner I don’t like them at all but he was adamant that if I tasted his pasta I would completely change my mind pepe e funghi di bosco and watched anxiously as I twirled my fork and took a bite He was right: the dish changed a lifetime of bias and remains one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Sicily Later I caught the bus back to Cefalù and took a long siesta to sleep off all those carbs – another perfect day on Helius’s sunshine island Laura Coffey’s book, Enchanted Islands: Travels through Myth & Magic, Love & Loss (Summersdale, £16.99), is published on 2 May. To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com “I’ve had biology and psychology circling me my whole life so I grew up reading his medical journals and looking at his old flashcards for fun so I’ve always been interested in mental health I have wanted to be a geneticist for a long time Then I took an intro to psychology course my freshman year at Meredith because it was an Honors course how do I combine them?’ because on the surface there are not a lot of crossovers there are a lot of biological elements to psychology I was looking at genetic counseling for a while I’m looking at some lab work for neurological diseases so I’m trying to find that middle ground that lets me celebrate both I’ve learned not to be afraid of doing hard things ‘I don’t know if I can do another semester of this,’ but you can And then you make it through and you’re prepared for the next semester I think constant challenges and overcoming them helps build resilience and gain skills that make you marketable after college Andrus in the biology department for the past few months to help me navigate the job process and applications and offers so I’ve gotten close with a lot of faculty there and they helped me do some analyses beyond what you learn in research methods The one-on-one mentorship helped push me above in the rest of my classes and I can also put on my resume that I’ve done this advanced work I’m applying my passion for biology and mental health as an Analyst I at BioAgilytix in Durham They’re a large molecule gene and cell therapy company My dream job is to become a geriatric counselor I enjoy learning about their lives and wisdom so I hope to expose that generation to counseling and therapy I’ll probably live in a rural area where it’s needed a little more and I want to work with Alzheimer’s or dementia patients And having that biology background and understanding what’s going on in their brain and being able to help them psychologically This article will uncover the eight best towns in Italy for retirement ranging from $400 to $7,500 depending on the number of rooms For a single person hoping to rent a one-bedroom flat the cost of living in Alba is seven percent below the national average allowing you to stretch your budget on the finer things in life Bolzano Cathedral or Duomo di Bolzano aerial panoramic view costs roughly $1,470 for one person per month while a family of four may pay around $3,600 Italy offers everything you need to make your retirement dreams come true From historic towns to delightful weather and delicious cuisine Whether it's the sense of community in Orvieto or the Baroque architecture of Lecce retirees have a diverse range of options to consider and live out their best years photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com The best way to explore Sicily’s history and mosaic of cultural influences (alongside its layered architecture and enthralling rituals) is with the palate Thousands of years of conquest and occupation left its culinary mark on this sun-bleached island from Spanish chocolate-making prowess (pinched from the Aztecs) and North African couscous and chickpea recipes to the ancient Greeks’ vines and olive groves Sicilians are fiercely proud of this jumbled culinary heritage and unique dishes and rituals they can call their own: caponata plastic chair haunts that lure in the foodie pilgrims to high-octane theatrical affairs that elevate the island’s enviable produce to alchemical heights Locanda NerelloLocanda Nerello, EtnaOccupying one of the prettiest rooms at Monaci Delle Terre Nere, a bucolic wine estate and 18th-century baronial house reimagined as a boutique hotel Locanda Nerello tickles the bon viveurs before the photogenic plates are served or the wine poured into paper-thin glasses Contemporary art and furniture pair as beautifully with the room’s weathered splendour as the organic wines with the beef belly with wild fennel or the cuttlefish risotto The chefs are spoilt for treasure from the estate’s 60 acres of fertile volcanic soil along with the local (and typically superb) fisherman’s haul (expect ludicrously flavoursome scabbardfish ragout and ancient courgette parmigianta) while Monaci Delle Terre Nere’s viticultural foundation and trailblazing organic wine growing operation make for a wine list worth leafing through and inspecting Booking supper here well before you arrive is highly advised – Sicilians swing by for special occasions (perhaps the ultimate testimonial) Address: Via Monaci, 95019 Zafferana Etnea CT, ItalyWebsite: monacidelleterrenere.it NotoThere’s something wonderfully Sicilian about this Noto-based restaurant’s interiors chandeliers and industrial chairs shouldn’t gel but just like the island’s melting pot of cultures the refined jumble works to elegant effect On those olive green velvet banquettes sit a tribe of travellers and locals as elegantly dressed as the restaurant itself typically in the know as this bistro slips under most’s radars It is celebrated local artist Sergio Fiorentino’s favourite Owned and run by Norma Gritti and Salvatore Malandrino who extended a 2011 Sicilian sabbatical for the foreseeable Norma is a bistrot where locavore food is elevated to palatable heights – not the punitive 6-hour tasting menu gastronomically adept friend’s dining room Tuck into contemporary riffs on traditional pasta dishes (the seafood options are divine and all spanking fresh) or plates hailing from Northern Italy such as Milanese and risotto Begin with a glass of bollicine and end with a frosted glass of tiramisu Address: Via Rocco Pirri, 59, 96017 Noto SR, ItalyWebsite: instagram.com/norma_bistrot/ all blistered by the sun and brimming with tales from its noble past with Chef Guiseppe Raciti winning Zash its Michelin star in 2019 for his experimental spins of Sicilian classics perfumed drama associated with Michelin-starred haunts and the pared-down Sicilian classics that let the spanking-fresh ingredients lead the way Whether opting for the chef’s tasting menu or à la carte every plate feels like a little artwork – from the olive anise and fennel bread staggered on podiums to the sweet finale (expect imaginative combinations such as a white coffee ice-cream with meringue and coconut) The chef’s signature uovo poche croccante may sound basic but only a master of the culinary arts can poach an egg to perfection wrap it in a wafer-thin coat that cracks like the top of creme brulée then douse is in mulberries and provola cheese such as the roasted tuna in teriyaki (that slices like butter and sings with intensely flavoured aubergine and onions) are best eaten at a snail’s pace to relish every mouthful Address: Zash Boutique Hotel & Spa, SP2/I-II, 60, 95018 Riposto CT, ItalyWebsite: zash.it the setting here is as haunting as the food – film-set worthy vaulted cave (once stables for the church) in Ragusa Ibla’s old town Locanda Don Serafino’s restaurant is a five-minute shuffle down several steep streets from the Baroque town’s small-but-mighty boutique hotel You’re in the foothills of the Hyblaean Mountains here where the air is cooler and the houses more pastel-fancy and Hans Christian Anderson-esque than the resplendent honey-hued Baroques Long hemmed by the trailblazing Chef Vincenzo Candiano Locanda Don Serafino is one of those Sicilian restaurants that will print itself indelibly to your mind an experience that transcends the food with its brooding balletic waiters and serious wine cellar (over 200 labels) honouring the island’s vines Signature dishes include black spaghetti with sea urchins ricotta and cuttlefish and an unctuous pork-belly secondi; polished diners can choose from three tasting menus all elevating the island’s enviable produce without feeling too overpowering or molecular And once you’ve rolled your eyes in rapture at the solid then edge into the cigar lounge or nurse a Tasca D’Almerita red on a terrace wrapped in cashmere and flickering lanterns Address: Ristorante Locanda Don Serafino Via Avvocato Giovanni Ottaviano, 13, 97100 Ragusa RG, ItalyWebsite: locandadonserafino.it from the moreish beef carpaccio sprinkled with Sicilian black truffle and cuttlefish pasta with wild fennel to the creamy saffron and dandelion risotto With over 400 wines to choose from and Negronis shaken up in style from the bar evenings linger on here as the pianist veers into more lively territory pistachios and spices such as saffron and cinnamon feature across many of its restaurants’ menus Hostaria San Pietro’s is hand-written on a scruffy piece of paper The other dish to try here is the busiate (also cooked with seafood) a pasta which derives its name from its preparation technique Dough made from durum semolina flour is rolled round a wooden ‘buso’ stick to form a tight This is traditionally paired with pesto alla Trapanese (a Genoese import back when Trapani was a leading Mediterranean port) but the one to try here is with prawns and pistachio Address: Hostaria San Pietro, Via Porta Galli, 91100 Trapani TP, ItalyWebsite: facebook.com Hotel Signum, SalinaHotel Signum, SalinaCast adrift in the Tyrannean Sea between the dishevelled Sicilian port of Milazzo and Naples lies one of Europe’s best-kept secrets a cluster of volcanic islands that gurgle under the shallows and spurt molten lava from their craters whose volcanic slopes are carpeted in wild capers and whose lava houses and fishing villages appear cantilevered over the cliffs One of them is the family-run Hotel Signum refashioned as a boutique stay where the kitchen is powered by Martina Caruso’s wild creativity (the youngest Italian chef to receive a Michelin star) Her delicate tasting menu featuring bagna cauda with raw sea urchins and a delectable breaded scabbardfish with tiger milk rolls out along a tiled terrace caught in a wild tangle of jasmine and bougainvillaea Every step is an intensely flavoured (and refreshingly unfrothy) paean to Salina’s volcanic bounty as well as the surrounding Tyrannian plunder There’s a sense here that you’ve been invited to an aristocratic Italian’s island bolthole where oil lamps cast a sultry amber glow across table conversation and linen curtains swell like sails in the hot breeze The form here is to kick off the evening on the bistrot terrace scattered in old-world wrought iron benches and couples sipping the hotel’s signature Amarillo Brillo Mezcal cocktail who glides smoothly between guests with a glint in his eye Address: Hotel Signum, Via Scalo, 15, 98050 Malfa Salina ME, ItalyWebsite: hotelsignum.it Tucked away along a nondescript side street in pretty Cefalù Il Carretto is your authentic neighbourhood trattoria with a graciously priced ever-changing menu covering all the Sicilian classics mahogany chairs and old archways paint a homely traditional picture – with the clank of cutlery conversation and unfiltered laughter rebounding off the exposed brick vaulted ceilings is still a crucible of pride and local foodie culture with high standards of service Families tuck into platters piled high with muscles before moving on to ‘involtini di carne alla Siciliana’ (veal aubergine or swordfish rolls with a cheesy pine nut filling) – all served on lava stone You can’t go wrong with any of the buttery seafood pasta dishes try the cassata – a kitsch-looking sponge cake spiked generously with liqueur then decorated with the candied fruit you see painted across Sicilian pottery and fabrics Address: Il Carretto, Via Mandralisca, 66, 90015 Cefalù PA, ItalyWebsite: ristorante-il-carretto.webnode.it Noto has always been something of a Baroque heartbreaker and grand palazzi scrunched together in imposing fashion and its granita-sweet cafés spilling out onto a wide Amid all this antiquity is a modern spin on tradition Found in the upper part of the town’s historic centre Crocifisso is one of Noto’s finest restaurants colourful appetisers balanced on ceramic Moors’ heads and a subtly polished crowd sampling various wines in wafer-thin Marco Baglieri’s dogged commitment to Sicilian produce (and just generally eating well) keeps any of that moussey generous portions (for a Michelin-starred restaurant) of eggplant arancino with Ragusano fondue tuna steak with a pistachio and sesame crust and caponata and sea urchin spaghetti are all flawlessly cooked in an elevated traditional style without being overembellished Sommeliers recommend native labels from an extensive wine menu to wash down the seafood and few leave this establishment without scoffing at least one cannoli Address: Crocifisso, Via Principe Umberto, 46/48, 96017 Noto SR, ItalyWebsite: ristorantecrocifisso.it PalermoOccupying the brooding former studio of the 16th-century sculptor Antonello Gagini this Palermo restaurant’s antiquity greatly contrasts the modern communal banqueting tables for chef Angelo Gennaro’s inventive combinations that nod to Sicilian classics with the island's finest produce –Nebrodi pig neck with celery puree and black cabbage; tortellini stuffed with musky octopus and Sicilian broccoli… The ancient stone walls and wrought iron candlesticks create a dramatic setting for these ambitious spins on the classics all of which arrive on oversized statement plates or dark Palermo’s energetic centre may buzz and sweat in the afternoon sun just outside but in Gagini there’s a sense that you’ve slipped into a slower more elevated dimension of raw squid and salted cedar washed down superbly with small-but-mighty Sicilian wines Address: Gagini, Via dei Cassari, 35, 90133 Palermo PA, ItalyWebsite: gaginirestaurant.com Along with its faded and somewhat melancholic baroque splendour, and its dishevelled sensibility compared to the more polished Palermo or golden-hued Syracuse, Catania is best known for its superb street food. Once you’ve ticked off the cathedral, the fishmarket and a few museums it’s really all about the Tavola Calda Catanese – Catania hot tables where slightly scruffy restaurants or vendors churn out their specialities hiding delectable morsels from tourists who beeline for the TripAdvisor haunts a nondescript hole-in-the-wall whose decor is never going to win any prizes but whose crispelle is legendary Allegedly discovered by the Benedictine nuns of Catania these Sicilian pastries are made from Semolina dough slathered in honey and citrus peel which is then stuffed either with ricotta (in pastry balls) or anchovies (in a long shape) Work up an appetite at the nearby Collezione di Pupi Siciliani before pulling up one of Orazio Cordai’s terrace chairs (the dense crispy arancini are also remarkably tasty) Address: Orazio Cordai, Viale Libertà, 13, 95024 Acireale CT, ItalyWebsite: lnx.savia.it right in the heart of Ortigia’s buttermilk antiquity with bags of vaulted ceiling and wrought iron chandelier character Diners inspect the catches of the day amid the 15th century It’s worth noting that there’s a two-course rule here – far from a scoff-and-dash haunt before ticking off San Francesco d'Assisi all'Immacolata Don Camillo demands a good two hours of your day to fully appreciate each mouthful of Chef Guarneri’s reliably classic great emphasis is placed on the wine pairing and the beauty of each dish for the three tasting menus with highlights including the tuna steak with Nero d’Avola a shrimp spaghetti with sea urchins (gracing the menu since 1986) and a Nebrodi black swine roast meticulous and charismatic service that’s found in its purest form in old Italian restaurants and the most divine selection of Sicilian puddings and gelato for a sweet-toothed finalé Address: Don Camillo, Via della Maestranza, 96, 96100 Siracusa SR, ItalyWebsite: ristorantedoncamillosiracusa.it LA 70538Phone: 337-828-3706Fax: 337-828-2874 LA 70380Phone: 985-384-8370Fax: 985-384-4255 Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Cefalù beach packed with sunbeds and parasols When the summer sun shines down on Sicily An island between three seas, home to a wealth of islets ripe for exploration and some of the most crystalline and blue waters you’ll find in all of Europe, Sicily’s beautiful beaches offer something to suit everyone. Here, family-friendly beach towns alternate with secluded swimming holes only accessible by intrepid hikers The water is unbeatably blue, but you can expect a rocky terrain on the majority of, but not all, beaches in Sicily. To really dig your toes in the sand, stick to the western side of the island and the beaches around Palermo and Trapani but don’t expect these spots to be a secret You’ll have more space to yourself if you venture towards the harder-to-reach strands, on foot or by ferry but there’s nothing wrong with renting a lounger from the lido and letting the whole day get away from you A long sandy beach with an expansive and shallow lagoon in the shadow of a picturesque mountain – no, it’s not Waikiki, it’s San Vito Lo Capo With 3km (1.8 miles) of white sand located on the tip of the cape this beach town is a summer hotspot popular with Italian families on vacation and Sicilians looking to get a break from the heat you’ll find plenty of room to spread out in the calm blue sea where you can walk a long way with the water at hip or chest level Detour: For a wilder beach experience, the legendarily beautiful trails and swimming coves of the Zingaro Reserve are located on the eastern side of the cape It’s just one hour from Palermo to Cefalù, where a charming medieval village is pressed right up to the sea along a sandy beach. Not only are there plenty of opportunities for meals with a view (try Vecchia Marina for sunsets and seafood) but you can explore the historic landmarks in town or take a hike up to the hilltop castle for a vista of the city and the water You’ll find lidos to rent chairs and every convenience you need in this buzzy beach town now basking in its recent fame as a filming location in HBO’s The White Lotus but that doesn’t mean the schedule is forgiving for under-planners Make sure you buy your return ticket in advance if you plan to head back to Palermo On the southern coast of Sicily facing the Mediterranean Sea, Scala dei Turchi is a stony formation defined by the articulated layers of natural rock Although you used to be able to walk on top of the rocks access was closed off to visitors to prevent further erosion at one of the lidos nearby – just prepare yourself for the stairs before the stairs It’s a long walk down to the water from the road and a big climb back up to the top Detour: From here, you are only a 20-minute drive from the Valley of the Temples an enormous archaeological complex where you’ll find the massive Greek ruins still standing tall and proud on the horizon Frequently topping the lists of Europe’s dreamiest beaches, the island of Lampedusa is considered part of Sicily but is technically over 200km (124 miles) away and technically closer to the North African coast than it is to any European landmass This white sandy beach doesn’t have any rabbits but it does have fluorescent aquamarine water protected on both sides by the land that forms a natural pool Planning tip: Direct flights from Lampedusa are only available from either the Palermo or Catania airport Although the Aeolian Islands are more popular with the jet-set crowd the Egadi Islands offer some of Sicily’s most cerulean vistas The largest of the island trio has a mix of sandy and rocky beaches but the most stunning view requires a bit of scramble down the trail to the rocky outcrop of Cala Rossa so you will have to sit on the rocks (and be prepared to swim in deep water) but the view is well worth the long journey Detour: There are beautiful swimming spots all over Favignana but you’ll find more accessible and family-friendly facilities and white sand at the beaches of Lido Burrone and Cala Azzurra The beloved beach day destination of Palermitans Mondello is a city beach that delivers beautiful water with a retro twist the main landmark is the yellow art-noveau pavilion that dates back to the early 20th century you can access the seafront trail of Capo Gallo right from town Local tip: In the summer – and especially on the weekends – Mondello can become the most crowded beach in Sicily so do your best to go on a weekday or come early to claim your spot Planning tip: It seems like a long way to the beach from all the way up in Taormina, but there is a cable car that regularly shuttles visitors up and down the mountain until 1:30am in the summer and 8pm in the winter. A peaceful vacation in beautiful Cefalù turned tragic for a German family, echoing a previous incident from August 2016 in Trapani where a Tuscan tourist met a similar fate. These events underscore the critical importance of safety standards in accommodation facilities. Owner's Devastation Carmelina Ricciardello, the owner of Villa Deodata, was in Tuscany when the tragedy occurred. Returning immediately to Sicily, she expressed shock and disbelief about the event. "The property has always complied with all necessary certifications," she emphasized, noting that the villa had consistently received positive reviews from guests. Ricciardello has pledged full cooperation with authorities to clarify the circumstances. Previous Incident in Trapani Unfortunately, this is not the first time a tourist has died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Sicily. In 2016, a young man died in Trapani while staying at the Orchidea Bed and Breakfast. The carbon monoxide emissions from a bakery's flue on the building's ground floor were to blame. The Cefalù incident has reignited the discussion on the necessity of carbon monoxide detectors, a simple device that can indeed be life-saving. Nel cuore della tradizione cattolica, i paramenti sacri rivestono un ruolo di primaria importanza. Non sono semplici indumenti, ma simboli tangibili di fede, devozione e rispetto per il sacro. Tra questi, i paramenti sacri fatti a mano si... Mancano pochi giorni all'inizio del 72° Raduno Nazionale dei Bersaglieri, che dall'8 all'11 maggio 2025 trasformerà Marsala in un palcoscenico di storia, musica e valori, dedicato a uno dei corpi militari più rappresentativi... The southern Italian region is a year-round holiday destination The summer months can get very hot – July and August are probably best spent sipping an Aperol spritz by the beach – while the less stifling temperatures in the low seasons are ideal for visiting festivals exploring the many archaeological sites and maybe even taking a hike up Mount Etna Europe’s tallest active volcano is one of seven Unesco sites which also include Roman palace Villa Romana del Casale near the central town Piazza Armerina and the eight Baroque towns of the Val di Noto in the southeast We’ve rounded up the best places to visit and where to stay during your Sicily trip Capital city Palermo is a diverse destination with architectural nods to the Phoenicians who have all inhabited the area throughout its history One of these buildings is Palermo Cathedral Ballaro market and Vucciria market are both popular for street food and there are various culinary-based walking tours where you can tuck into gelato Read more on Italy travel: where you’ll see a tiny hummingbird picking up a huge rock with its wings There are theatres and cinemas in the industrial area Cantieri Culturali della Zisa and the Old Town is a hub for nightlife with Piazza Rivoluzione and Piazza Sant’anna both offering a buzzy atmosphere Mercure Palermo Centro is situated in the centre of Palermo only 350 metres from the Teatro Politeama theatre a 10-minute walk from the harbour and a 15-minute walk from Palermo Cathedral Read more: Best Sicily hotels Agrigento in the southwest is built on a hilltop and is home to the archaeological wonder of the Valley of the Temples The ruins are an impressive site to behold Excavations uncovered a network of aqueducts below the area and there are also thought to be further areas of unexcavated archaeological significance in the fields below The Petro Griffo Archaeological Museum is in modern Agrigento where you can view Hellenistic and Roman artefacts and Attic and Italiot pottery dating back to 430 BC Just a 25-minute drive from the city you’ll find Scala dei Turchi – a dramatic white rocky cliff overlooking a sandy beach where you can soak up some sunshine and swim in the azure waters Colleverde Park Hotel is a 15-minute walk from the Valley of the Temples Castellammare del Golfo translates into English as “sea fortress on the gulf” because it is built around an Arab fortress constructed in the 11th century (and later developed by the Normans) This history makes the coastal destination an incredibly interesting place to explore Further appeal lies in it being a relatively quiet coastal town known for its pretty harbour filled with restaurants offering a picturesque view while nature reserve Lo Zingaro is just a 15-minute drive Hotel Cetarium is close to the town’s fortress and just a short walk to a sandy beach It has a terrace and outdoor pool for enjoying the scenery too Read more: Best boutique and luxury hotels in Sicily Medieval town Erice is in the province of Travani and is best known for its Norman castle and ancient temple The town is set 750 metres above sea level on Mount San Giuliano and the ruins of the Venus Erycina temple suggest that the town was a tribute to the Roman goddess of love there are craft shops and bakeries selling cannoli Tourists can visit the medieval church Chiesa Madre which was built in 1312 and overlooks the main square a cable car links Erice with nearby city Travani Former monastery Il Carmine Dimora Storica is unique accommodation situated beside the town walls with an airport shuttle and family rooms available Read more: Best cheap hotels in Sicily Modica is set within the Hyblaean Mountains It’s one of the eight Val di Noto Baroque towns with Unesco world heritage site status and was originally all carved into rock This means the climb to Upper Modica is a steep one – or you can catch a bus You’ll find boutique shops and 19th-century theatre Teatro Garibaldi on Corso Umberto nearby museum Museo Civico is situated in Palazzo della Cultura and is home to archaeological pieces from the Neolithic period made using a traditional Sicilian technique where ingredients are never warmed to more than 45C meaning the sugar doesn’t dissolve so it has a unique taste Pietre Nere Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel on the outskirts of Modica and nearby beach Cava di Ispica can be reached by car in less than five minutes Taormina is a coastal hilltop town in the east of Sicily One of its most impressive attractions is the ancient Greek and Roman theatre which is carved into rock – as well as being a tourist attraction Mazzaro Funivia is a cable car running down to Isola Bella Beach a strip of pebbled beach linked to the Isola Bella nature reserve that is particularly popular with Instagrammers Mazzaro Beach on the other side of Isola Bella Beach is a small bay with sand and shingle Well-located Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina are situated near the city centre main bus terminal and just beside a cable car taking you to the beach Catania is an ideal base for making a trip to Mount Etna and you’ll find plenty of choice for guided tours up to the volcano Other tourist attractions include the Cathedral of Saint Agatha It has been rebuilt several times since being originally constructed in the 11th century you can expect to find delicious street food on offer Fish market La Pescheria is a weekly event known just as much for being a fun and rowdy spectacle as it is for supplying seafood to nearby restaurants Katane Palace Hotel is situated close to the train station and features classic Sicilian decor It’s just a 20-minute walk from the cathedral and trips to Mount Etna can be arranged with the hotel has airy aristocratic squares laden with carved gargoyles Noto’s reconstructed 18th-century cathedral dominates the skyline with its elaborate domes and facades – visit during the annual feast of San Corrado in February to attend mass alongside a lively procession through the city opposite the cathedral on Corso Vittorio Emanuele for famed sweet Sicilian classics including cannolo ricotta pastry tubes and cassata marzipan cake At Seven Rooms Villadorata on the 18th-century Palazzo Nicolaci chandeliers and Baroque frescoes greet guests There are also tasty buffet breakfasts of cakes all just a 15-minute drive from the fine sands of Lido di Noto medieval Cefalu balances some of Sicily’s finest sands with impressive Baroque architecture Celebrated for its Unesco-listed Arab-Norman cathedral the antiquities of Mandralisca Museum and laid-back beach culture on spiaggias Mazzaforno and Settefrati Cefalu rivals Palermo for a Sicilian holiday Try local delicacy pasta a taianu (pasta in a pan) for flavours of aubergine meat and pecorino cheese served in an earthenware pot or hike to the mountaintop ruins at Rocca di Cefalu for views over the sparkling Tyrrhenian coast Coastal hotel Le Calette is just a shuttle bus away from the sandy swathes of Cefalu a restaurant serving sea urchin spaghetti and five rocky coves complete with a beach club it’s a dream for swimming and tasting sumptuous local cuisine Read more: Why you should wait until the off season to visit Venice Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-1126847816 (4).jpg","description":"Cefalu, Sicily - September 24, 2018: Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo, Italy","caption":"The Mediterranean island is a tourist-favourite thanks to enchanting towns like Cefalu The Mediterranean island is a tourist-favourite thanks to enchanting towns like Cefalu architecture and Italian charm","description":"The southern Italian region is a year-round holiday destination Renowned and celebrated Jazz Saxophonist Anthony Bruno returns with the hotly anticipated new album ‘Cefalù.’ Renowned Jazz Saxophonist Anthony Bruno returns with the hotly anticipated new album Cefalù Celebrated for his innovative blend of jazz Anthony Bruno has already experienced several successes including placements across Spotify editorial playlists Bruno has firmly established himself as an icon in the contemporary music scene and composition has been evident since his earliest days promises to be a captivating sonic exploration of real and imagined places woven together with melodies that emanate from the depths of the soul which garnered critical acclaim and earned him invitations to prestigious festivals such as the Chicago Jazz Festival and Logan Square Arts Fest Bruno’s musical prowess continues to evolve with Cefalù Featuring a stellar lineup of Chicago’s finest talent and jazz influences into a captivating tapestry of sound Reflecting on the inspiration behind the album “Cefalù is a sonic story about places known and fantasized reflecting on the sights and sounds both real and imagined It’s an exploration of instrumental improvised pop music infused with the raw passion and authenticity that defines my approach to music.” Bruno has collaborated with a myriad of musical luminaries His extensive festival performances and residencies at iconic venues like Andy’s Jazz Club and Dorian’s have solidified his reputation as a captivating live performer he eagerly anticipates sharing his music with audiences worldwide with plans to embark on international tours in Europe and South America With a deep appreciation for languages and cultures resonating with listeners on a profound level Highly Suspect Announce Forthcoming LP ‘As Above Psychic Graveyard Drops Single “Sword Through My Neck” Joe Stump’s Tower of Babel Announce Album ‘Days Of Thunder’ DJ Hydra Set to Release Afro House Album ‘Moyo Wa Upendo’ via OVAVA Music Halestorm Return with ‘Everest’ Album & Massive “nEVEREST” Global Tour Signs Of The Swarm Detail New Album ‘To Rid Myself Of Truth’ KING 810 Reveal ‘Rustbelt Nu Metal’ Album Details & European Tour Firmament Releases Sophomore LP ‘A New World If You Can Take It’ it was like monsters with guitars and I was blown away.” Mark Morton: “I was starting to break out of the clouds I could tell that was happening and it felt really free to be creative.” Shadows of a Silhouette Premiere Energetic New Single “No Matter Where I Go” Dawn Of Ouroboros Announce Extensive Spring & Summer US Tour Dates Headliner to Date at Boston’s MGM at Fenway Diablo® and Berserk Join Forces with Beast In Black for Epic Collaboration Deafheaven – ‘Lonely People With Power’ [Album Review] ©2025 V13 Media is part of V13 Media Group, owned by V13 Ventures. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy // Terms of Use The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers When you purchase through links on our site From a luxury beach resort to an off-grid spaceship-like hideout here’s our pick of the best hotels in Sicily for 2025 I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice For those looking for history and culture, cities like Taormina Ragusa and Syracuse show off the foundations of Sicily through its architecture and museums Active travellers will find the wilderness of the Madonie mountain range perfect for hiking and cycling Eating will always be an intriguing activity in Sicily where ‘Italian’ cuisine is influenced by Greek Jewish and Arabic flavours through the conflicts and conquest of past centuries The island’s popularity has seen a surge in hotel openings From ancient monasteries and century-old family farmlands restored palaces and luxurious seaside resorts there is a place for everyone visiting Sicily – here are the best hotels to stay in Monaci delle Terre Nere began as an Augustinian monastery in the 17th century and it has become the passion project of its owner to restore the property from ruin to its former glory Guido had added personal touches to the interior by combining the rustic foundations with dashes of fine contemporary art among the antique pieces ingredients for the on-site fine dining restaurant Locanda Nerello are mostly sourced from the 25 hectares of the estate’s own farm and organic vineyard on the slope of Mount Etna Read more: Where to visit in Sicily One wouldn’t imagine a more picturesque place than Cefalu with its sandy beach and bustling town centre flanked by mountains that dip dramatically into the sea follow the rocks into its coves and you get a completely different perspective and this is where Hotel Le Calette sets itself apart Wedged into the coves (calettes) of the rocks at one end of Cefalu hidden behind a bay are two parts to the hotel – one five-star wing Both share an excellent beach club with a bar and restaurant as well as a separate dining area called Gourmet Cala Luna for a more romantic dining experience There is also an excellent spa and wellness area for all that important pampering after a day out exploring Read more: The best places to cruise in Italy If trying to disconnect and disappear is one of your reasons to come to Sicily on the quiet south coast surrounded by wilderness Its architecture is designed to blend into the hills of the surrounding nature reserves – it seemingly disappears into the curves of the landscape Guests are invited to join daily guided hikes to learn about the flora and fauna of the area A white sandy beach can be reached just at the base of the hill via a walking track or with a quick buggy transfer where a rejuvenating massage is perfect way to spend a couple of hours before a scrumptious dinner at the end of the day Read more: The best holiday destinations in Italy TheWhite Lotus did not choose this hotel to be its backdrop for no reason The San Domenico Palace is a stunning hotel It has the charmed location of being close to all of Taormina’s historical sights at the same time feeling a world away from the crowds on its clifftop position with sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna Other than the modernised interior of the rooms according to the Four Seasons standard much of the historic monastery ambience has been carefully preserved It is worth trying to stay in the smaller bedrooms found in the original wing of the building where monks used to live Read more: Best luxury and boutique hotels in Sicily La Foresteria Wine Resort is among the best boutique hotels in Sicily Its 14 rooms may not have the slick decor of many high-end properties but the welcome here is akin to being inducted into the family Guests can sign up for vineyard tours and tastings of the Planeta family’s award-winning wines or choose to do very little and simply relax olive groves and a garden of flowers and herbs the outlook from the terrace is perfect for enjoying dolce far niente – sweet idleness La Foresteria is a short trip away from the beautiful Blue Flag Fiori Beach and has its own beach club that guests of the resort have free access to Read more: Best cheap hotels in Sicily Glamourous Villa Igiea is a long-time favourite of royalty dignitaries and celebrities from around the world this 19th-century palazzo is a step away from the hustle and bustle of Palermo and remains one of the best hotels around the Sicilian capital The Art Nouveau interior is impressive and the elegant garden shaded by umbrella pines and perfumed by citrus trees is close to the marina and the indigo waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea The highlight is dining in the original Louis XVI hall that is home to Florio Restaurant which serves up a menu of modernised Sicilian flavours Read more: This ivy-clad Rome neighbourhood is where the locals come to eat fortress and museums of the small island Ortygia where original Syracuse was founded in a grand hotel that was once part of the iconic Grand Tour of Italy you can – the Grand Hotel Des Etrangers is one of the best luxury hotels in Syracuse The property embraces its past – you won’t miss its classical palatial façade – but it brought up to date with its modern guest facilities The views from the terrace towards the Ionian Sea are perfect for that sunset aperitif after a couple of hours of pampering in the spa Read more: Best luxury and boutique Sicily hotels A historic hotel that was born from an 18th-century summer residence of the Di Lorenzo family barons of Granieri and marquises of Castelluccio – and it’s still managed by the same family Hotel Villa Favorita retains much of the grandeur of nobility with a beautiful Italian garden and ancient almond trees; the latter line the entrance and the pool which overlooks the Unesco-listed Baroque city of Noto The Villa’s own production of olive oil and wines as well as a small farm with citrus fruits Read more: The best destinations in Italy for a city break Ancient Ragusa Ibla is commonly described as an island within the island San Giorgio Palace seems to be carved into the island’s ancient rocks The surprise comes not from the modern bedrooms that retain part of the stone foundations nor the private garden with colours and aromas that sends guests into an sensual bliss It is the hotel’s vast array of Sicilian art celebrating Sicilian culture and heritage through visual interpretations that are displayed in every corner of the Palace Read more: The ultimate Italy travel guide If you think there is an English colonial feel to this hotel The Ashbee was built in 1908 by Colonel Shaw-Hellier – alongside his friend and architect Charles Robert Ashbee a lead figure in the Arts & Craft movement – as his residence in the last four years of his life is considered one of the “most desirable and exclusive locations” by the prestigious guide Step outside and you’re in the heart of Taormina with easy access to the Teatro Antico di Taormina and many of this city’s other attractions Read more: Best hotels on the Amalfi coast Located within the Unesco World Heritage Valley of the Temples of Agrigento Villa Athena Resort is the ideal hotel for visiting this Italian Capital of Culture in 2025 This 18th-century villa is the only five-star property within the compound offering an unobstructed view of the ancient Temple of Concordia from its restaurant and some of the rooms; the quiet surrounds of the olive groves and farm create an illusion of being the only house among the ruins Recently renovated rooms are spacious and furnished with all the essentials for a comfortable stay that feels like home for travellers plus a separate living space in the suites have picnics on the farm or simply unwind at the spa Read more: Five of the best views in Rome Surrounded by Sicily’s bio-diverse Madonie mountain range and 600 hectares of farmland Susafa is a little luxury retreat from the world This farmhouse has been owned by the Saeli-Rizzutos since the 19th century and the family has transformed the farmhouse into a cultural experience destination in Sicily Each room had a traditional function in the past and now are tastefully decorated with modern facilities The property still maintains a working farm producing many of the ingredients for the seasonal menu at Susafa’s Il Granaio restaurant Cuisine is at the centre of the Susafa experience For those who are seeking a slightly cooler holiday visiting in May or October sees average highs of around 26C Read more: Best things to do in Milan {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/in_travel/in_europe/image/gallery_mpu_sb","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"iStock-1126847816.jpg","description":"Cefalu, Sicily - September 24, 2018: Cefalu, medieval village of Sicily island, Province of Palermo, Italy","caption":"Sicily is one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Italy – here’s where to stay for the best Italian hotel experience Sicily is one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Italy – here’s where to stay for the best Italian hotel experience beach stays and family holidays","description":"From a luxury beach resort to an off-grid spaceship-like hideout I am going to be writing about our trip to the beach town of Cefalù idyllic small town nestled between the sea and mountains and you have a pretty good image of Cefalù Our first order of business in Cefalù was going to the Norman cathedral Part of what we have been learning about on our 4-day trip to Sicily is the multicultural nature of Sicilian rule under the Norman kings during the Middle Ages and the cathedral we visited was a great artistic and architectural example of this cultural blending the main area of mosaics was under renovation but we were still able to visit the bell tower and outdoor cloister area we were free to spend the rest of the day in Cefalù directly above the town was an amazing hike leading to an old Norman castle and an ancient Roman archaeological site A friend and I decided to make the climb after a short stop at a nearby cafe The climb was difficult and it was very hot but we stuck with it and eventually made it to the top The view at the top was absolutely beautiful The striking blue color of both the sky and sea on one side and the gorgeous green hills on the other made for a picturesque scene Having a clear view of the town below was also very cool to see I can only hope the pictures in this blog can convey just how beautiful this all was but the historical structures we saw were super interesting It was fun to walk around the old Roman archaeological site knowing that some of what we were seeing is over 2,000 years old we decided to head down to the beach and enjoy the rest of the sunny day I forgot to bring a book but I decided to do some assigned readings for our group’s site visit the next day because learning about history never ends (I say lovingly as a history major) After a couple of hours reading and sunbathing on the beach I took the train back to Palermo with a great longing in my heart for Cefalù If any dear reader of this blog finds themselves in Sicily 507-222-4000 Sign In Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker « Back An official website of the United States government David Cefalu began his law enforcement career with the Wauwatosa Police Department in 2006 as a police officer He currently serves as a Detective in the Investigative Division David has served as an officer in the Patrol Division and the Special Operations Group where he investigated violent crimes and drug trafficking He has focused on evidence-based policing measures through academic partnerships on projects analyzing and implementing a harm-focused hotspot experiment and processes for recruiting and selecting police officers David is the department lead Defensive and Arrest Tactics Instructor and a Professional Communications Instructor He also served 15 years with the department’s Special Response Team.  David is also a Major in the Wisconsin Air National Guard with 23 years of service ranging from Security Forces to Inspector General He currently serves as a Wing Executive Officer He holds a Doctorate of Business Administration in Management from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater David holds a Masters of Business Administration in Public Administration from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a Bachelors of Criminal Justice from Troy University His research interests include place-based harm-focused policing,  and personnel recruitment and the reintegration of military veterans we can't find that page The page you're looking for might have been removed Cefalu will set the division’s scientific priorities and interact frequently with the leaders of national professional societies The division provides research funding and support for basic and clinical research and research training in diabetes and other metabolic and endocrine disorders Cefalu comes to the NIDDK from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Cefalu was executive director and professor at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center He has had research support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for 25 years and was the principal investigator for two NIH-funded research centers He has also held academic appointments at Tulane University School of Medicine and at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and leadership in the diabetes community to his new role promoting the mission of the NIDDK Division of Diabetes We welcome comments; all comments must follow our comment policy Blog posts written by individuals from outside the government may be owned by the writer and graphics may be owned by their creator or publisher to obtain permission for reuse News | Oct 23 I am running for re-election because there is no substitute for experience The District is facing the challenge of an aging infrastructure we will be able to pinpoint the areas where we can extend the life of our assets and where they must be replaced One candidate would like to impose double digit rate increases while another believes that green energy is the answer to our problems Neither are realistic solutions for the District or the rate payers I am a lifelong resident of South Lake Tahoe; I have a B.S in managerial economics from the University of California at Davis I have owned and operated successful business in South Lake Tahoe for over 35 years I currently serve as a director on the South Tahoe Public Utility District board I have nine years of sound decisions as a director representing the rate payers of the District 1 issue facing the District is how to fund necessary replacement of the nearly 60 year old sewer and water system over the next decade The answer to this question is that we are already in the process of solving this problem The District has instituted a fantastic process to assess the condition of the sewer and water system through an asset optimization program This will determine which linear assets are in good condition and which need replacement we can rehabilitate some water and sewer lines without actually digging them up and replacing them we will be able to pinpoint areas of weakness in the system and replace those areas systematically based on a prioritization schedule This is a very complex process but one that will save the District and its rate payers millions over time We can adjust rates responsibly to finance these improvements rather than throwing money at the system with giant rate increases that we cannot afford and which I believe are not necessary or in the best interest of the rate payers The District is always aggressively searching for funding through grants and low interest loans to off-set the cost of these projects the District will always look at ways to save money by making the system more efficient and therefore less costly to operate This includes green energy if and when it can be implemented with a cost saving to the rate payers which currently it cannot Why should voters select you to serve on the board Voters should select me to be on the board because I believe that given the same information they would make the same decisions that I have made and will make in the future My goals as a director have always been clear: Make sound decisions with ALL available information that serve the best interests of the rate payers This includes making decisions that allow the District to make necessary and vital repairs to the system and also to keep the same excellent level of service that we have become accustomed to from the District Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news Sign up for daily and breaking news headlines Manage Subscriptions Die Pay-TV-Sender The HISTORY Channel und Crime + Investigation sowie die Streaming-Services HISTORY Play und Crime + Investigation Play werden im deutschsprachigen Raum von Hearst Networks Germany betrieben und vermarktet Hearst Networks Germany wird vertreten durch die Hearst Networks Germany GmbH & Co. KG mit Sitz in München und ist Teil von Hearst Networks EMEA Die Programmangebote von Hearst Networks Germany bestehen zu einem Großteil aus eigenproduzierten Formaten des US-Medienunternehmens A+E Global Media einem international führenden Produzenten im Bereich Factual Entertainment mit exklusiven Serien und Doku-Reihen wie „Oak Island – Fluch und Legende“  und „The First 48“ die Hearst Networks Germany für das deutschsprachige Publikum realisierte „Guardians of Heritage – Hüter der Geschichte“ „The Invisible Line – Die Geschichte der Welle“ und „Im Angesicht“.  Weitere Informationen unter: history.de | crimeandinvestigation.de I hearstnetworks.com Start von „Kevin Costner’s The West“ am Sonntag um 20:15 Uhr als deutsche TV-Premiere auf The HISTORY Channel Kutak Rock LLP is ISO 27001:2013 certified Amanda Cefalu Kutak Rock attorney in the firm’s Minneapolis office District Court’s first remote jury trial involves federal civil rights litigation and is expected to last three days Since 2017, Ms. Cefalu has served as pro bono co-counsel on behalf of the ACLU-MN against the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office and the Coon Rapids Police Department for unlawfully arresting and jailing Myriam Parada after she was the victim of a traffic accident The ACLU-MN argued in their initial lawsuit that Ms Parada was unlawfully detained because of her race and national origin.  Tunheim denied a motion by the Coon Rapids Police Department and Coon Rapids Police Officer Nicolas Oman to dismiss Myriam Parada’s lawsuit against them the ACLU-MN won a partial summary judgment finding that the Anoka County jail’s policy of referring all foreign-born detainees to U.S Parada’s equal protection rights under the 14th Amendment.  Parada’s false imprisonment claim will be decided by a jury this week Attorneys working on this case include Amanda Cefalu and Nathan Boone of Kutak Rock LLP; Alain Baudry of Saul Ewing; and Ian Bratlie and Teresa Nelson of the ACLU-MN A new restaurant in Elk Grove Village was born out of a galvanizing family trip to Sicily Cefalù Seaside Sicilian owner Tom Cirrincione and his wife took their three adult children — Jodi Curry Ben Cirrincione and Carolina Eimerman — to visit Altavilla Milicia “They were so inspired by Sicily and the great food,” Cirrincione said “That’s how they came up with this new concept.” The restaurant with bar and patio seating meets the community’s need for a unique and more upscale eatery who runs the establishment with her siblings The pasta lineup includes cacio e pepe bucatini; orecchiette with mild Italian sausage garlic and ricotta salata; and mezzi paccheri with tomato sauce Other pizzas have ingredients such as black truffle while meats range from chicken to veal to chopped sirloin and more The lunch menu includes sandwiches like the “meatball bomber” and a Cefalù burger made with sirloin truffle boursin cheese and pecorino on brioche For more, click here Tags a neighborhood pizzeria and taverna from Boka Restaurant Group Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Click here for details Previous article page on designer Ernie Cefalu  THE ROLLING STONES – WHICH LOGO CAME FIRST There is nothing in the collective works of Ernie Cefalu that generates more controversy than the origins of the most famous logo in all of rock music: the Stones’ “Lips and Tongue” logo There are readers who might call bullsh*t right off the bat Cefalu has gotten quite a bit of that reaction over the years and the reason for it is that the Stones actually created two different images One was to have been used on the album Sticky Fingers and the other was to have been used to merchandise jewelry and T-shirts is that the Pasche version took off because it was in much wider use It appeared on the inner sleeve of Sticky Fingers and became known as the de facto image Cefalu himself believes Pasche created the better-looking logo “I like Pasche’s logo better than my own; it’s more animated and has more depth to it which by the way is great for business.” Original lip and tongue artwork by Ernie Cefalu.  it’s just a fire lit by the uber-fans on social media yelling at each other about who designed the real one they’re both real; even rollingstones.com features Cefalu’s design where it’s credited to Braun/Cefalu Final version of the controversial “Rockreations” lips and tongue logo credited by the Stones to 'Cefalu/Braun' In response to a 2015 profile I had written on Cefula Ernie did NOT create the Rolling Stones lips and tongue logo as he continually claims without a shred of truth in his tales This clearly shows a big ego mixed with drugs (he admits to being stoned most of the time!) and is not conducive to authenticity where there’s little or no fact-checking The Stones’ actual logo graces one side of the U.S which I designed for the “Sticky Fingers” LP COC59100 logo was inspired by an early concept sketch by John Pasche in London which was made into a rubber stamp for Rolling Stones Records inner sleeve version was art directed by myself and rendered by Walter Velez This ironically has become adopted by the Stones universally for any and all image applications… tours Cefalu refers to… is actually MY “Licks” logo which was also designed by me (and my jewelry resource) after I struck a merchandising deal with Marshall Chess and the Stones licensing co This ‘Licks’ logo was copyrighted and registered by Rockreations Google the New York Times article where they do check all the facts ‘The Art of the Rolling Stones: behind that zipper and that tongue.’” the man most people credit as the original designer of the logo here’s what he had to say in a letter: I believe that the ‘lesser-used’ design was based on an enamel badge which was produced in the early 70s shortly after my original design started being used I know it was liked and I guess the merchandising guys just used it for shirts at that time I assume that the artwork for what is the commonly known version of the tongue was redrawn in the U.S. based on my original design which would have been faxed over I cannot comment on who drew what at Ernie Cefalu’s agency as I just don’t know All I do know that I was briefed personally by Mick and created the logo as seen on the inner bag of Sticky Fingers The timeline around the whole process was very short — just a matter of weeks as they needed it urgently for their record label I don’t recall any deliberate attempt to create a controversy surrounding the designs — I certainly wasn’t involved in it myself I have attached a recent article which contains info on how the tongue logo came about there is Cefalu’s account of what happened “This all took place on my job interview As Craig kept looking at the label on Dolls Alive he finally turned to me and asked me if I could go upstairs to his art department and put a tongue on those lips He made it clear that this was for Marshall Chess and The Rolling Stones This was right around the time that Sticky Fingers [is coming] out but I had never seen The Rolling Stones logo this was 1970 and it was not in mass production at that time I was never really a fan of The Rolling Stones; I was always more of a Beatles guy and said he was going to show it to Marshall He hopped in a cab and was gone for about two hours you just designed the logo for The Rolling Stones.’ I got paid 50 dollars for it and was given a job That job led to a career in music and art that continues on to today.” produced artwork that was rumored to have been the inspiration for Pasche’s logo but neither Mick Jagger nor Pasche lend any credence to the claim Ernie Cefalu’s artwork for Dolls Alive Notice the lips around the center of the label This was also one of the first “interactive” albums with an octagonal sleeve that folded out like origami the world’s foremost collector of Rolling Stones memorabilia It is essentially a case of reverse engineering manufactured by none other than Marshall Chess I do believe that the first design came from Pasche after Mick Jagger showed him a drawing of the Hindu goddess Kali Jagger has said this on a number of interviews Marshall Chess took the image with him to Craig Braun’s agency and told him he wanted something similar to what Pasche had done Today this is a common practice known as “reverse engineering,” where you describe to someone the object you want copied Braun and Chess saw Pasche’s design and asked Cefalu to just “put a tongue on the Dolls Alive lips,” and the Rockreations’ Stones logo design was born Cefalu had not yet seen Pasche’s design The Hindu goddess Kali — a deity Mick Jagger had reportedly shown designer John Pasche to give him the inspiration to create the original logo Biswarup Ganguly / Eyepix Group/Future Publishing via Getty Images Cefalu was paid 50 dollars for what he did and never really thought much about it after that But it led to an amazing career doing album covers for Alice Cooper I went back and asked Gordon how he came to be in business with Cefalu It was the design of that logo that led to Cefalu’s lifelong partnership with Cooper “There’s still a controversy over that relationship and the tongue to this day but that tongue is how I was led to Ernie Cefalu and PEE.” Even members of Alice Cooper’s original band have an opinion “Ernie drew that idea and then somebody else has gotten credit for it all these years.” To end the debate on this subject if you visit The Rolling Stones official website which is fair because the agency and the artist both get credit.  Alice Cooper Band manager Shep Gordon’s letter to the NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) clarifying Ernie Cefalu’s part in the creation of The Rolling Stones tongue logo NEXT: THE ART OF ALICE COOPER & CO. Get a Ernie Cefalu Collector's Edition and pick the art print you want created by Cefalu's Pacific Eye & Ear design company there are two Collector’s Edition bundles: one for Soul Asylum and one that celebrates the 50th anniversary of Judas Priest’s 'Rocka Rolla' album Throughout history a long list of admirers have made their way to Sicily’s sunny shores considered the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea is best admired while sitting on a bench at the marina pier The turquoise sea washes up on the small beach dotted with wooden fishing boats and people wade in the shadow-cast water by the picturesque block of homes perched mere metres away Cefalù is one of the most beautiful seaside destinations in Sicily And beyond the marina is the extraordinary beauty of the medieval cathedral Overlooking the sea is Le Calette a delightful family-run hotel that is the ideal place from which to discover the seduction of Cefalù one that drew Gaia Miccichè back from Paris “I always knew I would return,” says the thirtysomething marketing manager “My heart has always been here.” The two-storey whitewashed structure has remained as it was in the 1960s when it opened (when guests would book three-month stays in summer) but the interiors were recently renovated for the modern-day traveller with rooms and public spaces accented with colourful Sicilian ceramics from the nearby town of Santo Stefano di Camastra This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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Your Ads Privacy ChoicesIMDb an Italian restaurant inspired by the city on the northern Sicilian coast opened its doors in Elk Grove Village on Wednesday has a similar concept as that presented to village officials about a year ago when owners asked for and received tax increment financing district funds for renovation costs Mayor Craig Johnson said the only difference is a change in name which was to be in tribute to a different Italian coast: Amalfi Entrees include eight different pizzas in the $20 range Steaks range from a 10-ounce chopped sirloin for $24 to a 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye for $62 who also own and operate the neighboring Real Time Sports Bar and Belvedere Events & Banquets upgraded the 7,500-square-foot restaurant that had been vacant after the abrupt closure of Jimmy's Charhouse in November 2019 A different owner leased the restaurant space from the Cirrincione family Village officials agreed last May to provide the public financial assistance - $450,000 of an estimated $1.1 million in renovation costs - in hopes of having an upscale restaurant to serve residents The money came from a special fund controlled by the village in which property taxes above a certain level are diverted from schools and other taxing bodies into development projects The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information Arab-Norman Palermo includes a series of nine civil and religious structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194): two palaces as well as the cathedrals of Cefalú and Monreale they are an example of a social-cultural syncretism between Western Islamic and Byzantine cultures on the island which gave rise to new concepts of space They also bear testimony to the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins and religions (Muslim une cathédrale et un pont) et les cathédrales de Cefalú et Monreale constituent une série de neuf structures civiles et religieuses datant de l’époque du royaume normand de Sicile (1130-1194) ils illustrent un syncrétisme socio-culturel entre les cultures occidentales islamique et byzantine de l’île qui fut à l’origine de nouveaux concepts d’espace Ils témoignent également de la coexistence fructueuse de peuples d’origines et de religions diverses (musulmanes تمثل باليرمو العربية النورمانية (قصران وثلاث كنائس وكاتدرائية وجسر) مع كاتدرائيتَي تشيفالو ومونريالي، على الساحل الشمالي لصقلية، موقعاً يشمل تسع منشآت مدنية ودينية يعود تاريخها إلى حقبة المملكة النورمانية في صقلية (1130-1194) وتجسد هذه المنشآت مجتمعةً التوافق الاجتماعي والثقافي بين الثقافات الغربية والإسلامية والبيزنطية في الجزيرة، وهو توافق انبثقت منه مفاهيم جديدة خاصة بتنظيم المساحات والبناء والديكور ويقف الموقع شاهداً على التعايش البنّاء بين عدد من الشعوب الأصلية والمجموعات الدينية (إسلامية وبيزنطية ولاتينية ويهودية ولومباردية وفرنسية) Arabisch-Normandisch Palermo is gelegen aan de noordkust van Sicilië en omvat een serie van negen religieuze en seculiere gebouwen daterend uit de tijd van het Normandische koninkrijk van Sicilië (1130-1194): twee paleizen evenals de kathedralen van Cefalù en Monreale Samen zijn zij een voorbeeld van een sociaal-culturele samensmelting tussen de westerse islamitische en Byzantijnse culturen op het eiland Het erfgoed getuigt ook van het vruchtbare samenleven van mensen van verschillende afkomst en religie (moslim Located on the northern coast of the Italian island of Sicily Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale is a series of nine religious and civic structures dating from the era of the Norman kingdom of Sicily (1130-1194) and two cathedrals are in the municipalities of Monreale and Cefalù they are an outstanding example of a socio-cultural syncretism between Western This interchange gave rise to an architectural and artistic expression based on novel concepts of space and decoration that spread widely throughout the Mediterranean region The monuments that comprise this 6.235-ha serial property include the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel; Zisa Palace; Palermo Cathedral; Monreale Cathedral; Cefalù Cathedral; Church of San Giovanni degli Eremiti; Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio; Church of San Cataldo; and Admiral’s Bridge Each illustrates important aspects of the multicultural Western-Islamic-Byzantine syncretism that characterized the Norman kingdom of Sicily during the 12th century The innovative re-elaboration of architectural forms and iconographic treatments – most conspicuously the rich and extensive tesserae mosaics and fittings – celebrate the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins Criterion (ii): Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale bears witness to a particular political and cultural condition characterized by the fruitful coexistence of people of different origins (Muslim This interchange generated a conscious and unique combination of elements derived from the architectural and artistic techniques of Byzantine This new style contributed to the developments in the architecture of the Tyrrhenian side of southern Italy and spread widely throughout the medieval Mediterranean region Criterion (iv): Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale is an outstanding example of stylistic synthesis that created new spatial and decorative concepts through the innovative and coherent re-elaboration of elements from different cultures The serial property includes all the elements necessary to express its proposed Outstanding Universal Value and is therefore of adequate size to ensure the complete representation of the features and processes that convey the property’s significance The property does not suffer unduly from adverse effects of development or neglect The cultural value of the property and of its individual components is truthfully and credibly expressed through attributes such as their locations and settings The authenticity of the mosaics in particular has been confirmed by experts in the field of Byzantine mosaics The nine components of the serial property are under the ownership of various governmental and religious bodies They have been given the highest level of protection established by national legislation under the 2004 Italian Code of the Cultural and Landscape Heritage Church of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio (Church of the Martorana) and Monreale Cathedral have been designated individually as National Monuments The Level I and Level II buffer zones are protected by virtue of the regulations and planning directions in the territory’s current planning tools A management system and Management Plan for the serial property as a whole have been laid out in a Memorandum of Understanding The Memorandum establishes a Steering Committee comprised of representatives of the owners and institutions that are responsible for the nine components This Committee will specify the activities to be carried out annually and the Sicilian UNESCO Heritage Foundation will implement the Committee’s decisions The Management Plan includes a description of the serial property and its components; the system of protection and setting; existing planning at the civic and regional levels; the management system; the territorial context; and action plans.