Palermo to Cefalu and Agrigento: Private day trip

Founded by the ancient Greeks, Cefalu was originally an agricultural settlement. In the 12th century, King Roger II of Sicily shaped the town as it stands today, having it moved to the shore to take advantage of the excellent harbour, and had the Byzantine-style cathedral built. Today, the cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the town’s unique Byzantine, Arabic, and Christian heritage be combining all three styles in its beautiful mosaics and elegant architecture. After admiring the cathedral, visitors can work their way down through the medieval alleys to the picturesque harbour. En route are several historic landmarks, such as a 16th century bath house, and part of a huge 13th-century palace. In the Museo Mandralisca, a relatively small collection showcases the town’s rich history through artefacts like a 4th century BC vase decorated with a fishmonger chopping a tuna.

Founded in the 6th century BC, Agrigento was one of the largest and richest Greek colonies of Magna Graecia. After being sacked by the Carthaginians in 406 BC, the city never fully recovered, and passed under Roman, Vandal, Goth, Byzantine, Arab, and Norman rule in the following centuries. Overlooking the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Temples, modern Agrigento is ringed by unattractive residential towers. However, break through this shell and you’ll find the city has managed to preserve some of its historic charms. Walking the via Atenea, you’ll be treated to plenty of picturesque buildings and shops selling the city’s signature sheep ricotta ice-cream. The city’s 11th century Norman Gothic Cathedral presents in interesting amalgam of Arabic, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, and houses a museum stocked with rich relics and art. In the Agrigento Regional Archaeological Museum, Grecco-Roman artefacts from the nearby archaeological site, and relics from the even older indigenous civilization are on display.