What People Say About Living in Cefalù

As part of our series “What People Say About Living in…”, today we’re focusing on Cefalù, a town of around 14,000 people located in Sicily, southern Italy.

Sicily is a popular choice for many of you, especially those who love the sea, a peaceful atmosphere, and the slower pace of life we often associate with Italy. In short, it’s the kind of place where you can feel like you’re on vacation all year round.

But what is it really like living in Cefalù? To give you a clear picture, we’ve combined our data with feedback from people who actually live there.

Life in Cefalù: What People Say

Cefalù is often described as a small, safe and welcoming town, which is ideal for families with children, retirees, and young couples alike.

“I’ve been living here for 7 years, and it feels like being on vacation all the time! Cefalù is a lively little town, yet it’s also a peaceful oasis compared to big cities. It’s very safe and incredibly welcoming.”– Stella P.

Even though it’s a small town, you’re far from isolated. In fact, Palermo is just an hour away, so if you ever feel like something’s missing – whether it’s job opportunities, schools for your kids, or access to bigger city services – you’re still close enough to get what you need. Plus, there’s a growing international expat community here, with people from all over the world:

“I moved here in December from London. I’m American and my partner is Sicilian. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the expat community here. July and August are crowded, but winter is wonderful! The tourism brings things you wouldn’t expect in a small town – like Japanese restaurants and a more international feel.” – Robert B.

Transport and Connectivity in Cefalù

For most expats, proximity to airports is a top priority. In this regard, Cefalù is well positioned: it’s just over an hour from Palermo’s airport and about 90 minutes from Catania, where you can find lots of domestic and international flights.

Train connections are pretty decent, and there’s a local station just about 15 minutes from the center. There are only regional trains, but they can get you to nearby cities like Palermo (50 mins) or Messina (1h50 mins) quite easily.

And if you’re someone who prefers not to rely on a car, you’ll appreciate that everything is within walking distance: supermarkets, restaurants, gyms, and even the hospital is just 10 minutes away.

“I live in Cefalù part time. I’m from Los Angeles and love that Palermo is just a 15 minute train right away when I need my “big city fix”. Because of our influx of tourists, we have wonderful restaurants. Much of the town closes down during the winter- so be warned. Cefalù is particularly safe, clean, and friendly. Plus, it’s gorgeous. And the sea & sand beaches are the envy of Italy.” – Linda C.

Where to Live in Cefalù: Housing & Cost of Living

Living in a coastal UNESCO heritage town obviously comes at a price. For a 70m² home in Cefalù, you can expect to pay around €115,000 to buy or about €800 a month to rent. That said, if you’re looking for more affordable options, there are several options just a 30-minute drive away, like Gratteri, Pollina and Castelbuono.

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

And if you’re worried about investing in a place that might go quiet or feel empty outside the summer season, don’t be, those quieter months might actually end up being your favorite. But actually, residents say Cefalù is very much alive year-round, with plenty of events and initiatives:

“Cefalù isn’t just a summer holiday village, it’s a real town with life all year round. Businesses stay open, and there’s a local community even in the off-season.” – Patricia R.

Challenges of Living in Cefalù

As we just mentioned, the biggest downside is the high cost of housing, particularly in the central areas. Plus, during the peak tourist months, the town can get very crowded, which can be stressful, especially when it comes to things like finding parking or simply getting around.

“It’s wonderful, but very crowded, the prices are very high for everything, it’s impossible to find a parking” – Maria Z.

Another challenge can be the job market. In fact, outside of tourism and hospitality, opportunities are fairly limited. So if you’re looking for work in fields like tech, education, or business, you might want to consider other options

“It’s not the best city for job seekers unless you’re in tourism or working remotely. But if you’re aware of that, everything else is easy and enjoyable.” – Lucia T.

Is Cefalù Right for You?

✅ Choose Cefalù if:

• You want to live by the sea in a place that’s lively all year round
• You prefer a walkable town where you don’t need a car every day
• You’re looking for good air quality and a safe and peaceful atmosphere
• You value proximity to airports and larger cities like Palermo

❌ Think twice if:

• You’re on a tight housing budget but want to live in the center
• You need year-round, fast public transport connections
• You rely on local job markets outside tourism or hospitality
• You’re not a fan of crowded places, especially in summer

Final Thoughts

Cefalù is a beautiful town and definitely a great option if you have a solid budget and dream of living by the sea year-round – all of this without giving up essential services or access to a big city like Palermo.

But if you’re not a fan of touristy places that get really busy in summer, or if you’re looking for specific job opportunities outside of tourism or remote work, then Cefalù might not be the best option. But don’t worry, Sicily has plenty of lesser-known seaside towns that are worth exploring.

Want to explore more options? 

If Cefalù hasn’t fully convinced you and you’d like to explore other options, use our search tools to explore over 1,500 towns and cities in Italy. You can filter by cost of living, transport, healthcare, or lifestyle factors to find the right place for you.