The beach at Cefalù is one of the best on Sicily's north coast — a long arc of coarse golden sand sheltered by the great limestone rock at one end, with clear shallow water and an easy approach from the old town. The medieval streets open directly onto the lungomare, and the cathedral towers frame the view as you walk along the shore. In summer, the beach is lively without being unpleasantly overcrowded, at least outside July and August.
The western end of the beach is free; the central section in front of the main restaurants tends to fill up with sunbeds and umbrellas by mid-morning in peak season. The water is clean by Italian beach standards and good for swimming. May, June, and September give you warm water, lighter crowds, and the town at its best — the summer restaurant mark-ups disappear, and you can walk the beach at low season prices.