Beach · approx. 10 min
Cefalù · approx. 25 min
Palermo · approx. 50 min
Etna · approx. 2 hours,
Agrigento · approx. 2.5 hours.
AVVENTURA
Discover Sicily – Excursions near Cefalù and Palermo
Cefalù, Palermo, Mount Etna, and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento – Sicily's most famous sights are easily accessible from Casette di Calzata for a day trip. Nestled between Lascari and Campofelice di Rocella in the heart of northwestern Sicily, the property is just a 10-minute drive from the beach and is also the ideal base for exploring medieval mountain villages, nature parks, ancient temples, and open-air museums. Explore Sicily, return in peace and quiet in the evening.
Excursions
The most beautiful destinations in the area don't require a full day – a morning in Castelbuono, an afternoon in Cefalù, an evening in Pollina with a sea view. Campofelice di Rocella lies directly at the foot of the Madonie Mountains and is an ideal starting point for short excursions into the surrounding area. Whether a medieval mountain village, Norman heritage sites, or an open-air museum – everything is reachable within 20 to 45 minutes, without disrupting your holiday rhythm.
hiking trails
The Madonie Mountains behind the coast are crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead past waterfalls and wildflowers. From a short stroll to the Grattara cave above Gratteri to a challenging multi-hour hike to the Norman Abbey of San Giorgio, the trails cater to a range of fitness levels. The new Sentiero dei Borghi trail connects the villages of Scillato and Collesano over a distance of approximately 10 kilometers, passing ancient springs and Neolithic sites along the way. Sturdy footwear and water are essential; the best hiking season is from March to June and from September to October.
beaches
Directly in front of Casette di Calzata stretches a wide, 12-kilometer-long sandy beach along Sicily's northern coast, fringed by the turquoise, shallow waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Madonie Mountains at the rear protect the coast from strong African winds and ensure a mild, consistent climate. Those seeking quieter coves will find them towards Cefalù – for example, Spiaggia di Mazzaforno or the small Spiaggia di Settefrati, both largely untouched and without crowds.
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Half-day excursions
The most beautiful destinations in the area don't require a full day – a morning in Castelbuono, an afternoon in Cefalù, an evening in Pollina with a sea view. Campofelice di Rocella lies directly at the foot of the Madonie Mountains and is an ideal starting point for short excursions into the surrounding area. Whether a medieval mountain village, Norman heritage sites, or an open-air museum – everything is reachable within 20 to 45 minutes, without disrupting your holiday rhythm.
MEDIEVAL TOWN & GASTRONOMY
Castelbuono – the good castle
Castelbuono lies on the edge of the Madonie Mountains and owes its name to the Castello di Ventimiglia, dating back to 1316, which now houses a municipal museum. Inside, the Cappella Palatina Sant'Anna is a masterpiece of Baroque stucco work. However, the town is world-famous for the Pasticceria Fiasconaro – the Sicilian answer to Milanese panettone, refined with manna from the local ash groves.
NATURE & HIKING
Gratteri
Balcony overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea – 657 m high, with grotto, Norman abbey and the most original village scene in the Madonie.
MOUNTAIN VILLAGE & AMPHITHEATER
Pollina
800 meters high, with views stretching to the Aeolian Islands. The Teatro Pietra Rosa is carved into the pinkish rock – Greek and Sicilian at the same time.
MEDIEVAL & TARGA FLORIO
Collesano
Gateway to the Madonie Mountains. The Museo Targa Florio commemorates the oldest motor race in the world – right in the middle of the winding mountain roads.
OPEN-AIR MUSEUM & SCULPTURE PARK
Fiumara d'Arte
One of Europe's largest sculpture parks along the Tusa River – 12 monumental installations in the Sicilian landscape, as a symbol against indifference and forgetting. Starting point: Castel di Tusa.
COASTAL TOWN & NORMEN
Cefalù – the pearl of Sicily
Norman cathedral, medieval streets, sandy beach right in town and the mighty rock La Rocca – Cefalù is an absolute must-see on any Sicily holiday.
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Hiking trails in the Parco delle Madonie
The Madonie Mountains behind the coast are crisscrossed by hiking trails that lead past waterfalls and wildflowers. From a short stroll to the Grattara cave to a challenging multi-hour hike, the trails are suitable for all fitness levels. Sturdy footwear and water are essential; the best hiking season is from March to June and from September to October.
6-7 km · 2.5 hours. · ↑ 280 m
Bosco di Gratteri & Abbazia San Giorgio
Through oak forests to the Norman abbey ruins dating from 1140 – the only Premonstratensian monastery in Sicily. With panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and a side trip to the Grattara cave.
6.5 km · 2-3 hours. · 1,400 m above sea level.
Bosco degli Agrifogli Giganti
Over 300 holly trees, up to 15 meters tall and 350 years old – a natural phenomenon unparalleled in Europe. Starting point: Rifugio Crispi, Piano Sempria. Suitable for families with children.
7.5 km · 2 HRS. · 800 m above sea level.
Monte Gibilmanna – Pizzo Sant'Angelo
Start at the pilgrimage sanctuary of Madonna di Gibilmanna (of Norman origin). Circular route to Pizzo Sant'Angelo at 1,000 m – with views of the Cefalù rock, the sea and the Aeolian Islands. Ideal as a half-day hike.
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Beaches & Tyrrhenian Sea
Directly in front of Casette di Calzata stretches a wide, 12-kilometer-long sandy beach along Sicily's northern coast, fringed by the turquoise, shallow waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Madonie Mountains at the rear protect the coast from strong African winds and ensure a mild, consistent climate. Those seeking quieter coves will find them in the direction of Cefalù.
DIRECT FRONT SYSTEM
Lungomare Campofelice
A wide sandy beach with a long promenade and calm, shallow water – ideal for families. Several lidos with sun loungers, showers, and restaurants right on the beach. Breathtaking sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Approximately 10-minute drive
QUIET BAY
Spiaggia di Mazzaforno
One of the most beautiful and tranquil coves near Cefalù – a combination of sand and small pebbles, surrounded by rocks. Less crowded than Cefalù beach itself, clear water, natural charm.
Approximately 20-minute drive
Beach near the city
Spiaggia di Cefalù
Golden sandy beach directly below the Norman cathedral – a picture-perfect postcard scene. Busy in summer, but especially beautiful early in the morning or in the evening. A short walk to the old town for ice cream and dinner.
Approximately 25-minute drive
