CASA DEL FARO is in the complex of stone buildings under the lighthouse.
Location: Cefalu, Sicily, Italy, Europe (Easily Accessible By Train from Palermo (40 Minutes)) View Map
Accommodations: Townhome, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
Keywords: Townhouse
WELCOME TO CASA DEL FARO! This beautiful home is uniquely located directly across the street from a rocky Mediterranean beach and has a steep backyard of 80 square meters (800 square feet) leading to a 200-m (700 feet) massive cliff. It is one of several townhouses carved out of a restructured stone spaghetti factory in 2005.
The house has a total area of 60 square meters (600 square feet), evenly split between two floors. Downstairs you will enjoy a single large room with two sofas, TV and DVD player, coffee table, dining table with six chairs, and fully-equipped kitchen with hand-painted tiles from Caltigirone, along with a half-bath. Do you like antiques? Well, in Dec. 2010 we just brought in 4 matching pieces of living room furniture manufactured in the 1890s in Palermo by the Dacrot factory, including a sofa, two matching end chairs, and a marble-topped lamp table. The large living room window looks directly onto the Mediterranean, while the back-door looks out onto the famous Cliff of Cefalu. Upstairs you will also enjoy waking up to crashing surf and an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean from the master bedroom, with large double bed, armoire, and chest of drawers, decorated with nautical motifs. Enjoy the collection of lovely hand-painted, traditional Sicilian ceramics from the nearby town of Santo Stefano! There is also a junior bedroom decorated with Sicilian puppets, with two twin beds, armoire, and view of the cliff. The full bathroom has a shower, toilet, bidet, and sink.
Outside CASA DEL FARO boasts two beautiful areas for your dining enjoyment. Immediately outside the house is an outside kitchen, with gas grill, sink, and food preparation counter. Help yourself to fresh herbs you might find growing there! There is a picnic table with six chairs and umbrellas here, and it is a great place to enjoy a summer breakfast. Further up the hill in the backyard you will enjoy dining under the gazebo on the beautiful hand-crafted table of black Sicilian volcanic stone, decorated with an enamel surface painted with a fruit fantasy. From here you can look out over the top of the red-tiled roof toward the historic center of Cefalu or outward toward the Eolian islands, a volcanic archipelago most easily visible during the winter months.
Several kinds of beach experiences are available. Directly across the street from CASA DEL FARO is a stairway leading down to a rocky beach, which is a good place to sunbathe away from the madding crowds even in the summer. It is OK for swimming when the sea is calm. I personally prefer to go a half-kilometer (third of a mile) into town to the Old Port, where there is a small free public beach behind a jetty, where the water is always calm. Beyond this point lies a plethora of private beaches, where you pay to rent your chair and umbrella. The beach season lasts roughly from April through the first week of November.
Aside from good restaurants, Cefalu offers great opportunities for those who want to cook on their own. You can enjoy a cafe and wineshop in the same complex of buildings as CASA DEL FARO or you can walk 200 meters into town to satisfy most of your culinary needs.
CASA DEL FARO is a 15-minute walk from the train station, with frequent connections to Palermo. In the summer several ferries a day go from Cefalu harbor (only 200 meters from the house) to Palermo and the Eolian Islands. Parking is always available at the new harbor, but in many ways it is easier to enjoy Cefalu without a car, since the streets in the medieval quarter are quite narrow and tend to have heavy pedestrian traffic. No parking is available directly in front of the house. In town you can find many agencies happy to organize tours to Agrigento, Mount Etna, Monreale, and most other points of interest in Sicily. Don't forget to visit Cefalu's lovely twelfth-century cathedral with its famous Byzantine mosaics and the lovely Osterio Magno, with its Arab architectural influence!
PLEASE NOTE! THIS HOUSE IS NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE TROUBLE WITH CLIMBING STAIRS, but it should present no problem to someone with normal health.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : available at 7 euros per day
- Linens Provided : The first issuance of linens is included in the rental price. For guests who may be staying longer and requiring re-issuance, the charge is 12 euros per set per person, payable to the keyholder.
- Washer
- Off Street Parking : Free parking available 24 hours per day at the New Port, 250 m from the house. Although loading/unloading is permitted on the street in front of the house, parking there is restricted to permanent residents only by city ordinance.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (2)
- Crib : Available at additional cost upon request
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : CNNin English, with many Italian channels as well
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Gazebo : shaded by grapevines during the warmer months, but open to the elements during the winter
- View/Location
- Beach View
- Ocean View
- Water View : Beautiful view of the Mediterranean from the living room, master bedroom, and upper garden. When humidity is low you can see the volcanic Eolian Islands in the distance.
- Mountain View : In back of the house stands a steep cliff with medieval fortifications...the famous "rocca" of Cefalu.
- Monument View
- Communications
- Telephone : A fixed line phone is available for you to receive incoming calls and to make free local calls to other fixed lines in Cefalu only.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Connection available at no extra charge to you through Alice Telefon Italia. It connects with almost all modems.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Cleaning surcharge of 40 euros.
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Allowed
- Activities
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- In warmer months you can catch a ferry out to the Eolian Islands and explore the volcanoes of this archipelago.
Rate Details (In Euro)
Nov-Mar .................. €390/week. (Ask about bargain winter monthly rates!)
Apr, May, Jun, Sept., Oct .. €590/week.
July,. ......... €690/week.
Aug ................. €790/week.
10% Discount for Active US Military and SFO's
Discounts available for longer stays. Ask about last-minute specials.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose Cefalu
I fell in love with Cefalu on my first visit to the town in 2004. At that time, Casa del Faro was being renovated after decades of neglect. It was such a unique site, right between the Mediterranean and the cliff and so close to a gorgeous historical town, that I couldn't wait to sign the contract and get my name on the property register! Owning my own Italian home has been one of the best experiences in my life, and I'm thrilled to share the house with visitors!
The Unique Benefits at this Townhome
Help yourself to vegetables, herbs, or fruit growing in the backyard! Right in the same complex are two wonderful places to dine: La Trinacria, which is a year-round restaurant with a delicatessen, and Bar del Faro, which serves lighter fare. Before heading to the grocery store ask about the location of the Saturday open-air market (which moves around town depending on the time of year). It's a great place to get quality produce, meats, fish, cheese, etc. at a low price.
The living room window looks northward with an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean and the Eolian Islands. The house is located 200 m from the new port and 400 m from the marvelous cathedral and town square.
Owner's Map of Cefalu
My name is Mark Meeks. I teach high school algebra in San Francisco, California. I look forward to occupying the house full-time when I retire in a few years.
Property Photos
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- CASA DEL FARO is in the complex of stone buildings under the lighthouse. - Cefalu Vacation Rental
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- CASA DEL FARO, view from the street. - Cefalu Vacation Rental
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- Enjoy this unobstructed ocean view from the living room window! - Cefalu Vacation Rental
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- Enjoy dining on this gorgeous hand-painted table while enjoying the sea view!
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- master bedroom with window looking out onto Mediterranean
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- Kitchen with hand-painted ceramic tiles from Caltigirone, Sicily
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- outdoor kitchen and terraced garden immediately outside CASA DEL FARO
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- Living and dining area on first floor
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- antique living room set from 1890s Palermo
Traveler Reviews (7)
A Warm Trinacria Welcome!
Guest: MBE
(Bellevue, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/16/11
Review Submitted: 10/29/11
Casa del Faro is located in a pretty spot & a quick walk into the heart of Cefalu. The US based owner was very responsive to all questions & we knew he was readily available via email. It's great having internet access in the apartment. Our group of 4 was in the apartment for a week. The first night we ate downstairs at "La Trinacria" (which is the name of Sicily's 3-legged symbol), owned by Salvatore. By the end of the evening, we had met his buddies, and he has taken us under his wing, as if we were part of an extended family. We ended up having several more meals there, and at least cappuccino, if nothing else. Salvatore and his family are delightful people. We also very much enjoyed his friend, Nicola's restaurant, "Kentia", an easy walk. "Le Chat Noir" had a pasta dish, which was one of the best we had during our three weeks in Italy. Mussels were excellent everywhere. Since we had a car, we were able to take side trips. Our longest day trip was to Agrigento, to the Valley of the Temples. Definitely worth it, however, we would recommend staying a few days on the east/south side of Sicily and doing those sights from a home base on that end, rather than making the drive from Cefalu. The roads are windy, and it's a long day. Don't plan on finding lunch in the small villages along the way; everything closes up during "siesta". Taking the train to Palermo for the day was hassle-free. Buy a good, detailed map of Palermo when you get off, at the train station. You will be glad you paid the 5 Euro. The small maps in tourist books are not adequate, if you are adventurous. Palermo was not "scary", as it is portrayed by some. It's chaotic, busy, fast-paced, interesting. We are experienced travelers so we were fine with it. You have to be good at dodging Vespas and cars. Sometimes you have a sidewalk, and then you don't. Be sure to visit the outdoor market -- a feast for the senses! The catacombs are bizarrely fascinating. Take the car into the hills & visit Sant' Gibilmana & Castelbuono. A matter of taste, but we found the ceramic shop in Cefalu (on Corso Ruggero) to have finer quality than the ceramic factories in S. Stefano. We'd planned to some prepare meals in the apartment; this wasn't as practical as we had hoped. The kitchen is tiny. One shower & the smaller second bedroom make it "tight" for 4 adults. It's fine, just know it's not spacious. We'd recommend it to friends who are in good physical shape, & who enjoy a "local" feel.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Under the Rock
Guest: Susan
(Colorado)
Date of Stay: 05/05/11
Review Submitted: 05/21/11
We recently stayed at this apartment for 4 nights. The listing description was accurate and it is a great location (within easy walking distance to town) and the photos do reflect the actual place. It was clean and well equipped and the owner was very thorough with directions, instructions etc. The only improvement we would recommend is to have more counter space, perhaps by putting the microwave under a cabinet. We ate at;one of the restaurants below (the one run by the store below) and it was excellent. The store has just about everything you would need. I would definitely recommend this property. Thanks Mark.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Very nice place in an amazing little town!
Guest: Happy Canadian
(Victoria, BC)
Date of Stay: 04/14/11
Review Submitted: 04/29/11
We stayed for two weeks in Mark's Cefalu townhouse and were very impressed. The town was full of surprises and the hike up "La Rocca" was amazing. The apartment was close to town but allowed some separation that we appreciated. There were two great restaurants below us (one with a great deli) as an added bonus. We can see why Mark wants to live full time in this place! Check out the Saturday market as it's a blast (currently located on the south side of La Rocca).
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Excellent Vacation
Guest: Kathi
(Egg Harbor Township,NJ USA)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10
Review Submitted: 11/19/10
I highly recommend this property except for individuals who cannot climb stairs. See the owner's note regarding access to the apartment. The location was perfect. It is within easy walking distance to the downtown but is quiet as it is along the sea. The view is gorgeous. The apartment was spotless and the owner was full of helpful information as to where to shop and general local information. The restaurant and shop downstairs was fantastic and the staff very polite and helpful. I give this apartment 4 stars.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Casa Del Faro Absolutely wonderful
Guest: Kathi
(Egg Harbor Township,NJ USA)
Date of Stay: 10/19/10
Review Submitted: 11/18/10
I would recommend this apartment to everyone. The location could not have been better. It was very close to the downtown but quiet with a beautiful sea view. I could not complain of one thing in the apartment. There was a very nice patio outside the apartment and another above the apartment. I am looking forward to a return visit.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, age 55+.
Casa del Faro a Great Location
Guest: Charles
(South Florida in the USA)
Date of Stay: 09/18/10
Review Submitted: 10/04/10
Casa del Faro is an excellent location for Cefalu in that it is right next to but just far enough from the center to be quiet and you have a sea view. The owner has decorated this town house in traditional Sicilian style. It is comfortable and well equipped. Although residents can park in front, a holiday renter must park in a free, safe and well lighted parking lot at the port about a 10 minute walk down a steep road. If you have trouble with steps you should know that there are 60 steps getting in and out of the apartment. Just below the apartment is the Bar del Faro. We ate there 5 out of 7 nights. The cooking was extraordinary and very reasonable. It was the best and most authentic food we had anywhere. If you have a car you will find that you cannot drive in the town during the day and therefore have to get to the parking by a round about way. Your GPS will want to take you through town but you cannot go that way. Get good directions. Cefalu is a good location from which to visit Palermo (avoid driving there), Monreale, Agrigento, Erice, etc. There are companies in town that provide excursions and drivers but except for Palermo driving yourself is quite easy. The train is handy but it returns from Palermo no later than 8 PM. The cars are hot and stuffy. Cefalu itself is a beautiful and friendly town. I highly recommend it.
Owner response:To enter the house you need to climb two flights of stairs and then go down a flight. Although I don't recommend the house for people with mobility issues, it should pose no problems for people in good health. Although anyone can park in front of the house to load or unload passengers and suitcases, parking for more than a few minutes in front of the house on the street is limited to permanent residents of Cefalu; there is plenty of free parking at the new port about 200 m away. I'd say it is a five-minute walk downhill for most people. The climb back uphill should not be arduous except for people in poor health. It is true that the narrow streets of Cefalu's medieval center present challenges for drivers. That is the flip side of being a quaint medieval town. If you do rent a car, get a small one! Most of my guests find they don't need a car, or else need one only for a few days. It is just a five minute walk to the town center from the house, and 1 km to the train station.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, adventure seekers, families with teenagers.
Three 4 fun
Guest: three 4 fun
(San Clemente, California/USA)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10
Review Submitted: 05/19/10
We really enjoyed our stay at this property, it was very accurately described in the listing and the pictures were right on. This property was in a great location we could walk everywhere; it was also very clean and comfortable. There is a great little cafe and market downstairs. I would not hesitate to recommend this property.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, families with young children, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #115300
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