The upper-middle-range Hotel Kalura is a family-friendly property located outside of Cefalu's old town. It offers plenty of features for kids -- including sports courts and a children's pool -- as well as grown-ups -- think small gym, yoga studios, and a great wine list. The 82 rooms are clean and individually decorated, which can be a coin toss in terms of decor, though all have flat-screen TVs, balconies, and minibars. The property also has a private beach-like area, with a concrete platform (it's better than it sounds) providing access to the water and a spot for sunbathing. Although it's a reasonable walk or quick drive into town, guests who want a little more to do in the immediate area should look at the three-pearl Astro Suite Hotel, which is about a 10-minute walk into the town center.
The upper-middle-range Hotel Kalura is a family-friendly property located outside of Cefalu's old town. It offers plenty of features for kids -- including sports courts and a children's pool -- as well as grown-ups -- think small gym, yoga studios, and a great wine list. The 82 rooms are clean and individually decorated, which can be a coin toss in terms of decor, though all have flat-screen TVs, balconies, and minibars. The property also has a private beach-like area, with a concrete platform (it's better than it sounds) providing access to the water and a spot for sunbathing. Although it's a reasonable walk or quick drive into town, guests who want a little more to do in the immediate area should look at the three-pearl Astro Suite Hotel, which is about a 10-minute walk into the town center.
This elegant waterfront hotel provides a relaxing getaway, with its highlight being sweeping ocean vistas. Highlights here include the tranquil outdoor pool, surrounded by luxe loungers, an array of dining options (including a free breakfast buffet), and children's amenities such as a playground. The rooms are simple, yet comfortable and offer stunning views from their private balconies. Both families and couples are attached to this resort for its small beach and peaceful atmosphere.
This elegant waterfront hotel provides a relaxing getaway, with its highlight being sweeping ocean vistas. Highlights here include the tranquil outdoor pool, surrounded by luxe loungers, an array of dining options (including a free breakfast buffet), and children's amenities such as a playground. The rooms are simple, yet comfortable and offer stunning views from their private balconies. Both families and couples are attached to this resort for its small beach and peaceful atmosphere.
Hotel Santa Lucia e la Sabbie d'Oro (golden sands) is a value pick with a lovely outdoor pool and basic rooms with balconies and sea views. This property is quiet and peaceful, with fast access to the beach (via a steep set of stairs) and Cefalu, a tiny town that hosts numerous visitors each year on Sicily's northern coast. There is an English pub inspired bar and room service is available, but some guests have complained about food quality. Rooms could use some upgrades, but there is convenient entertainment for kids in the summer.
Hotel Santa Lucia e la Sabbie d'Oro (golden sands) is a value pick with a lovely outdoor pool and basic rooms with balconies and sea views. This property is quiet and peaceful, with fast access to the beach (via a steep set of stairs) and Cefalu, a tiny town that hosts numerous visitors each year on Sicily's northern coast. There is an English pub inspired bar and room service is available, but some guests have complained about food quality. Rooms could use some upgrades, but there is convenient entertainment for kids in the summer.
The Hotel Alberi Del Paradiso is a simple, charming property located a 15-minute walk outside of Cefalu. Common areas and mature gardens are attractive and welcoming. There is a lovely outdoor pool with lounge chairs, tennis courts, small spa, and a sunny fitness center all on-site. The hotel runs a shuttle into town and to the beach several times a day; the walk back to the hotel is an uphill stroll. Room decor varies according to price point; smaller rooms are on the basic side while suites are handsomely updated.
The Hotel Alberi Del Paradiso is a simple, charming property located a 15-minute walk outside of Cefalu. Common areas and mature gardens are attractive and welcoming. There is a lovely outdoor pool with lounge chairs, tennis courts, small spa, and a sunny fitness center all on-site. The hotel runs a shuttle into town and to the beach several times a day; the walk back to the hotel is an uphill stroll. Room decor varies according to price point; smaller rooms are on the basic side while suites are handsomely updated.
This funky, modern seaside hotel stands out amongst its traditional Mediterranean-style competitors with clean rooms and interesting decor. Though rooms aren't particularly upscale, they are large and feature balconies. Families may enjoy the large pool and location across the street from the beach, but the Sea Palace mostly attracts couples with its on-site spa, elegant restaurants, and waterside bars.
This funky, modern seaside hotel stands out amongst its traditional Mediterranean-style competitors with clean rooms and interesting decor. Though rooms aren't particularly upscale, they are large and feature balconies. Families may enjoy the large pool and location across the street from the beach, but the Sea Palace mostly attracts couples with its on-site spa, elegant restaurants, and waterside bars.
With numerous on-site activities -- including tennis courts, a large pool, and a small beach -- this 188-room vacation village feels like spending the week at camp, making it a solid choice for families with kids and groups of friends. The bungalow-style rooms have all the essentials -- some even include kitchens -- but feature basic decor and lack ocean views. Located off a quiet, residential street, the resort is just a 12-minute drive from the nearby town of Cefalu. With freebies such as breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently low rates, it offers a good value. The Sporting Club is closed from late September to early April.
With numerous on-site activities -- including tennis courts, a large pool, and a small beach -- this 188-room vacation village feels like spending the week at camp, making it a solid choice for families with kids and groups of friends. The bungalow-style rooms have all the essentials -- some even include kitchens -- but feature basic decor and lack ocean views. Located off a quiet, residential street, the resort is just a 12-minute drive from the nearby town of Cefalu. With freebies such as breakfast and Wi-Fi and consistently low rates, it offers a good value. The Sporting Club is closed from late September to early April.
The 22-room, mid-range Astro Suite Hotel’s name conjures futuristic visions, but this hotel has a laid-back, boutique charm that embraces its seaside location at every turn. Spacious guest rooms, all of which are suites, have a beachy vibe and include separate bedrooms and terraces, many with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or Cefalu’s iconic La Rocca mountain. Cefalu’s historic town center is a five-minute walk from the hotel and a private beach, outdoor pool, fitness center, and free breakfast make this hotel an amenity-packed value. Guests looking to stay right in the heart of the old town may want to try La Finestra sul Duomo for spacious full-service apartments that are slightly cheaper, but it lacks a pool and beach.
The 22-room, mid-range Astro Suite Hotel’s name conjures futuristic visions, but this hotel has a laid-back, boutique charm that embraces its seaside location at every turn. Spacious guest rooms, all of which are suites, have a beachy vibe and include separate bedrooms and terraces, many with views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or Cefalu’s iconic La Rocca mountain. Cefalu’s historic town center is a five-minute walk from the hotel and a private beach, outdoor pool, fitness center, and free breakfast make this hotel an amenity-packed value. Guests looking to stay right in the heart of the old town may want to try La Finestra sul Duomo for spacious full-service apartments that are slightly cheaper, but it lacks a pool and beach.
Baia del Capitano is a dated, mid-range property, located a 14-minute drive from the Sicilian town of Cefalu. An outdoor pool offers daytime relaxation, and a garden restaurant turns romantic in evenings when lawns are lit up, however some features are only available in the summer. Additional bonuses include two nearby beaches, on-site tennis court, a great roof terrace, and free shuttles. The 52 rooms are dated and in need of a refresh, and not all have outdoor spaces, but some have gorgeous views and all come with flat-screen TVs and hairdryers. Interiors are tired-looking, but guests don't tire of the pretty views, plus the free breakfasts are superb. Less remote, the Astro Suite Hotel is a good downtown alternative.
Baia del Capitano is a dated, mid-range property, located a 14-minute drive from the Sicilian town of Cefalu. An outdoor pool offers daytime relaxation, and a garden restaurant turns romantic in evenings when lawns are lit up, however some features are only available in the summer. Additional bonuses include two nearby beaches, on-site tennis court, a great roof terrace, and free shuttles. The 52 rooms are dated and in need of a refresh, and not all have outdoor spaces, but some have gorgeous views and all come with flat-screen TVs and hairdryers. Interiors are tired-looking, but guests don't tire of the pretty views, plus the free breakfasts are superb. Less remote, the Astro Suite Hotel is a good downtown alternative.
Hotel-Museum Atelier sul Mare is a truly one-of-a-kind waterfront property in the tiny Sicilian fishing village of Castel di Tusa. Of the hotel’s 40 rooms, more than half are totally unique, highly conceptual “art” rooms designed by artists from around the world, like Italian sculptor Paolo Icaro and Chilean filmmaker Raul Ruiz. There are also standard hotel rooms for more traditional travelers -- these too are exceptionally expressive, with Sicilian tiled floors and walls painted various bold colors and covered with original art. No rooms have conventional amenities like minibars, TVs, or coffee/tea facilities, though some rooms do have private balconies facing the pretty Tyrrhenian Sea. The rooms are most notable aspect of the hotel, though there is also a free breakfast served daily and a lounge filled with books, ceramics, and, of course, tons of contemporary art. For a Sicilian beach stay in a livelier area, consider booking a hotel in Cefalu, a 35-minute drive to the west.
Hotel-Museum Atelier sul Mare is a truly one-of-a-kind waterfront property in the tiny Sicilian fishing village of Castel di Tusa. Of the hotel’s 40 rooms, more than half are totally unique, highly conceptual “art” rooms designed by artists from around the world, like Italian sculptor Paolo Icaro and Chilean filmmaker Raul Ruiz. There are also standard hotel rooms for more traditional travelers -- these too are exceptionally expressive, with Sicilian tiled floors and walls painted various bold colors and covered with original art. No rooms have conventional amenities like minibars, TVs, or coffee/tea facilities, though some rooms do have private balconies facing the pretty Tyrrhenian Sea. The rooms are most notable aspect of the hotel, though there is also a free breakfast served daily and a lounge filled with books, ceramics, and, of course, tons of contemporary art. For a Sicilian beach stay in a livelier area, consider booking a hotel in Cefalu, a 35-minute drive to the west.
For families and vacationers who want easy access to dining and activities, Baia Samuele is a solid choice. This all-inclusive property gets crowded and is particularly popular with Italian families. Even when the lobby or breakfast buffet is packed, there is always a respite to be found somewhere. The property has beautiful patios, an Olympic-sized pool, getting a spa, and a huge fitness area, as well as a private beach. Rooms are clean and cheerful, though they don't live up to the four-star advertising. Note that the hotel is rather isolated, with the nearest town a 10-minute drive away.
For families and vacationers who want easy access to dining and activities, Baia Samuele is a solid choice. This all-inclusive property gets crowded and is particularly popular with Italian families. Even when the lobby or breakfast buffet is packed, there is always a respite to be found somewhere. The property has beautiful patios, an Olympic-sized pool, getting a spa, and a huge fitness area, as well as a private beach. Rooms are clean and cheerful, though they don't live up to the four-star advertising. Note that the hotel is rather isolated, with the nearest town a 10-minute drive away.