The Rocca of Cefalù and the Temple of Diana
From the centre of Cefalù a stepped mule track climbs the Rocca that towers over the town: halfway up is the so-called Temple of Diana, and at the top the remains of the castle and a view from the Norman cathedral to the Madonie mountains and the Aeolian Islands.
- Difficulty
- T Tourist
- Length
- 1.8 km
- Elevation gain
- +170 m / −170 m
- Time
- 1.5–2 hours round trip, including the visit
- Route
- Out and back
- Altitude
- 49–244 m
- Season
- Spring Summer Autumn Winter
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The story
The Rocca has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Temple of Diana is a building of huge stone blocks, among the oldest monuments in the town, reworked several times over the centuries. Higher up are walls, cisterns and the ruins of the medieval castle. The climb follows stretches of the old fortifications that defended the town from above.
Why go
Because in just over half an hour from the sea you are above the rooftops of Cefalù, with the cathedral at your feet.
Practical information
- Start
- Salita Saraceni, near Piazza Garibaldi, in the historic centre of Cefalù
- Finish
- Castle remains at the top of the Rocca (about 270 m); return the same way
- Best time
- All year round; in summer early in the morning or late in the afternoon
- Parking
- Paid car parks on the edge of the historic centre.
- By public transport
- By train: Cefalù station is a 10–15 minute walk from the start of the trail.
- Water
- No springs on the Rocca: bring at least half a litre each.
- Shade
- Some stretches of pine wood, but mostly in the sun.
- Huts and refreshments
- None; bars and restaurants in the centre.
- With children
- Yes: a path of steps and hairpins with no exposed sections; tiring in the heat.
Weather at the start
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
What to see on the route and nearby
More hikes in Sicily
- 1Gran Cratere of VulcanoE 4.7 km · +260 m · 2–2.5 hours · out and back
- 2From Sortino to the necropolis of PantalicaE 3.9 km · +130 m · 1.5–2 hours · point to point
- 3★ The coastal loop of Monte CofanoE 7.8 km · +250 m · 2.5–3 hours · loop
Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.