Palermo · MONREALE & CEFALù DAY TRIPS
33 reviewed
Two of the easiest half-days out of the city: Monreale, whose cathedral is a hillside of gold Byzantine mosaic, and Cefalù, a golden-stone town under a great rock with a swimmable beach. Below are the best trips that pair them, with prices, timings, which include the cathedral tickets, and which leave you free to swim.
Half-day minivan trip from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalù, featuring Norman mosaics, Greek/Arab pottery, Duomo audio, and sea views.
“Monreale's cathedral is impressive and Cefalù is stunning, you should definitely go. Please do keep in mind that this is not a guided tour, it's pretty much just the transportation.”
1.5-hour Cefalù walking tour with Ambra: top views, history and legends, plus a winter sfincione or summer granita snack.
“Enjoyed the delivery of local Information and meeting Salvatore. The legends were very interesting. No suggestions for improvement.”
Tandem paragliding over Cefalù with an instructor and GoPro13 footage, plus pickup from town and a gentle beach landing in a small group.
“Never done this before but the team were friendly and professional putting you at ease. Once airborne the views are exceptional and all recorded with video and photographs. Highly recommended.”
Sail Cefalù by mini yacht with snorkeling at Mazzaforno and Kalura, scenic passes, and an on-board aperitivo with prosecco.
“Took our 5 & 6 year olds out on the water and it was great. They had life jackets and felt very safe the entire time. Highly recommend.”
A small-group sunset boat ride along Cefalù’s coast with swimming stops, seabed masks, and a prosecco aperitif.
“The most adorable father/daughter duo took us on a lovely ride along the coast of Cefalu. We stopped to take a dip in the crystal clear water, we had music and an audio guide along the way and towards the end, we had snacks and a very good Prosecco. It was a very enjoyable outing. I’d recommend!”
Half-day ride from Palermo to Monreale and Cefalù for UNESCO cathedrals, famous mosaics, a medieval wash house, and sea views.
“Vincenzo was an excellent driver and very personable. He kept us entertained on the road to our destinations. The two sites we visited were incredible. A perfect day.”
Day trip from Cefalù to Mount Etna and Taormina with a multilingual guide, guided volcano stop at 2,000m, and free time in town.
“Exceeded expectations!! Driving by Fabio very smooth , and quite talented driver, the coach lovely, clean a comfortable. Carmen the guide was very welcoming, hospitable and has the patience of a saint. Tour itself was amazing, saw and learned an awful lot. Love the juxtaposition between Mt Etna and Taormina . Would highly recommend!”
Hotel pickup to Corleone and Monreale for mafia stories, cannoli breaks, and the golden-mosaic Duomo with panoramic Palermo views.
“Fascinating look into the REAL history of the Godfather and mafia. Michael was a knowledgeable and informative guide. Be aware that this is not a tour of the movie locations or anything associated with the Hollywood version. This tour is a historically correct version and a true look at the place of the mafia’s birth.”
Boat day trip from Cefalù to Salina, Panarea, and Stromboli, with Stromboli eruptions at night and granita on Salina.
“no trip ever came, no one called or informed us, 197 euros paid for nothing, Still waiting for some knowledge. waited for one hour and half at bus stop. disappointed so”
Private day trip from Palermo to Castelbuono and Cefalù with A/C pickup, UNESCO cathedral sights, beach time, and sweet tastings.
“An absolutely fantastic day. Umberto, our driver, was very friendly and informative. He shared interesting history and knowledge of the area and showed us the sights without being intrusive. An absolutely lovely gentleman. Castelbuono is steeped in history and local customs and you get to try some of the local produce, which tastes amazing. The castel itself is also a must see. In celafu we were left to our own devices and we spent our time having lunch at a restaurant overlooking the sea, wandering up to the cathedral and the paddling in the sea! Overall an excellent day. Would highly recommend.”
Private 3-hour tour from Palermo to the Capuchin Catacombs and Monreale Cathedral, with skip-the-line access and a Norman cloister stop.
“Patricia was a excellent guide and excellent cook. The food was amazing.”
Daily van shuttle from Palermo to UNESCO Cefalù. 3 hours to wander, Cathedral streets, beach photos, and an easy return.
“Guide was great! Ample time in Cefalù! No complaints :)”
3-hour guided boat cruise from Cefalù with underwater masks, swim stops at Mazzaforno and Kalura, and a prosecco aperitif.
“A fabulous morning that was so relaxed it felt like we were out all day, anchored 3 times to swim in the beautiful clear water with fabulous scenery. The boat was lovely and the host Mario and his daughter were beautiful people. Highly recommend.”
From Cefalù, visit Gratteri and Castelbuono in the Madonie: sea views, Ventimiglia Castle, and happy hour with panettone Fiasconaro.
“The tour guide was amazing and very helpful with accommodating my kids! She was wonderful with a great sense of humor and enthusiasm”
90-minute Cefalù street food tour with tastings and local stories. Walk the old town, sample bakeries and bars, vegan options too.
“We didn’t expect so much good, it was lovely and tour guide very informative.”
