Sicily

I recall the streets in the historic center being fairly level. The cathedral is on a rise so there was a little walking uphill. I enjoyed the day we spent there and I had a sprained ankle that made some walking difficult.

So there is no need to walk down to the beach, it's level or just view from up high?
Thanks for getting back so quickly,
Jean

The cathedral is well worth visiting…stunning mosaics….look for the beautifully decorated old pharmacy on the Main Street, I had forgotten sunscreen and went in to get some, it was like walking back into the early 1900’s shop but with all modern merchandise. Hope it is still there. There is also a bakery, I think near the cathedral square, with incredibly real looking marzipan fruit, a speciality in Sicily.

I also remember seeing the open air laundry in use for centuries and the interesting harbour and a small beach. Unfortunately my camera battery died and so have no photos. I know we thoroughly enjoyed the visit and I would recommend Cefalu as an add on.

It has been several years since I was in Cefalu, but I seem to recall that it was just up a few stone steps, through a flat stone passageway, then down several stone steps to the beach. You can see the beach fairly close up from inside the passageway. Once down to the beach, you can walk out a flat stone promontory that stretches out into the water. It is an easy walk, and my companion was using a cane.

Go to Cefalù on Google maps and look at the street view by the beach (Spiaggia Vecchio Molo ) and from Deposito Bagagli Piazza Duomo by the cathedral. That will give you a visual as to what you can expect.

Cefalu is pretty much accessible, except the Rocca di Cefalu, which is a long, steep hike up for beautiful views, but it's not necessary to do it in order to enjoy Cefalu. (Look at Google photos for pics of it and other parts of Cefalu.) There is a promenade along the beach, so no problems there. I'd say definitely go. It is a lovely little town. And, as noted earlier, the cathedral is awesome and easily accessible. Check on the hours, though, if you are coming on a bus tour, you'd want to make sure to fit it into the available time. As I recall, it was closed for a few hours mid-day.

Jean, as others have said, Cefalu is a lovely small town, probably very busy with tourists in May, especially during the heart of the day, with other day-trippers. The town, with various restaurants, the beautiful cathedral with ancient mosaics, and the beach area are all pretty flat and easy to navigate.
The town is dominated by the very nearby Rocca, which would be a long uphill trek and downhill descent, which yields beautiful views looking down over the old town and cathedral, and from the top, looking down over the sea in the other direction. The climb is likely not for you with a bad back and limited time. I did it in a few hours in 2013, but was just a kid of a senior back then. If you Google Cefalu, or look it up on TripAdvisor, most photos will show you what I mean by “the town is dominated by the nearby Rocca.”
As to your question, is a visit to Cefalu worth paying extra for, I would just say: What is the cost? Where does the day start from, and what are your alternatives for the day? Will you be visiting other small towns in Sicily? And finally, is the 5 hours time in Cefalu, or does that also include travel time to and from Palermo or somewhere else?
Short question, long answer, enjoy wonderful Sicily! Bring your appetite!

Hi, it's $59 per person USD. The 5 hours includes transport to/from Cefalu. It's an optional tour from Palermo in the afternoon. We are also visiting Montreale, Erice, Agrigento, Giardini Naxos, Siracusa, Mt. Etna & Taormina, Piassa Armerina then back to Palermo.
Thanks,
Jean

Since you mentioned Erice and Taormina I’ll advise you to ask the price of unmarked food items in the shops along the main streets through town. When we were there in 2018 prices went up when the tourists were in town and went down when they left. We paid one price for a granita di lemone one day In Taormina and the same vendor wanted 1€ more the following day for the same thing. We got the lower price when we called him on it.

As a frequent traveler, I do realize this; it happens very often, especially when cruise tourists land in, the prices go way up!
Jean

Well Jean, the price is certainly reasonable. I guess I would encourage you to take this tour to Cefalu, as long as it includes a visit to the cathedral, which appears to be closed daily from about 12:45 to 3:30 pm, and as long as you are spending enough days in Palermo that you are not skipping some of the many wonderful sites and experiences, like markets, in Palermo.

Yes, we get to tour the Cathedral... thanks,
Jean

The price is fair as those things go, and five hours is about right if you’re not climbing La Rocca.

Guess I would just say that it’s a very easy trip to do yourself if you wanted to get away from the group for a day. There are frequent trains between Palermo and Cefalu. Considering there’s not much to “see” an actual guide is nice but unnecessary.

It's about 1/2 mile from the train station to the cathedral, so arriving by bus (depending on where it parks) might be advantageous for those with mobility issues.

Rick Steve's members are amazing, thanks all!
Jean