Private Tour in Castelbuono with Cheese Farm Experience
Active
6h - 7h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
You’ll visit Castelbuono (half hour drive from Cefalù), a charming town nestled in the heart of the Madonie Natural Park, where history, culture, and culinary delights await. Today, we invite you to embark on a journey through this picturesque Sicilian destination, beginning with a visit to the iconic Castelbuono Castle.
No visit to Castelbuono would be complete without a stop at Fiasconaro, a renowned pastry shop that has become synonymous with Sicilian sweets.
After immersing yourself in history, it's time to delve into the culinary traditions of the region with a cheese farm experience - Slow Food site - in the Madonie Natural Park. An hour drive from Castelbuono takes you deep into the picturesque countryside, where rolling hills dotted with grazing cows set the scene for an authentic Sicilian adventure. You'll have cheese making demonstration and lunch with the farmer.
Available options
Private tour Castelbuono & cheese farm experience from Cefalù
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
local wine
Tasting at the Fiasconaro pastry
Lunch based on fresh and aged cheeses, local meat, seasonal vegetables
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
To reach Castelbuono we will travel along the state road 113 along the north coast of Sicily, where you can admire the beautiful panorama.
2
Walking tour of the ancient castle of the Ventimiglia family.
You can admire the Chapel of St. Anne
The holy skull of St. Anne, the Holy Mary's mother, arrived in town in 1458 when the Ventimiglias decided to settle in Castelbuono.
Originally from Ventimiglia, Liguria they mysteriously received the relic from the Duke of Lorraine, France.
Today it's possible to admire the relic secured in a silver reliquary bust in the chapel behind a grate with several locks.
3
The church was dedicated to Holy Mary of the Assumption and its construction dates back to the middle of the fourteenth century.
The Matrice Vecchia displays a majestic Polyptych on the high altar, attributed to Antonio De Saliba, the nephew of Antonello da Messina. The work depicts the Virgin Mary with the Eternal Father holding up the world above. The painting shows a Patriarch with glasses, which makes it particular and rare in the sacral context. Then, under the feet of the faithful there is a crypt containing in turn a marble ciborium, made by Giorgio da Milano.
Then, a niche includes the statue of Santa Maria degli Angeli, placed in the structure around 1520 and made by Antonello Gagini.
4
Famous pastry shop well known in all over the world, because of the Panettoni Christmas cakes.
Tasting included during the opening days
5
The first village we will encounter along the road that crosses the Madonie Park from Castelbuono to the dairy will be the medieval village of shepherds and farmers of Isnello
6
The second medieval village that we will encounter along the way is Collesano.
We will then head to a dairy, where we will learn how Madonie provola is made according to the southern tradition of stretched-curd cheeses, and we will conclude the visit with a casual lunch prepared by the cheesemakers.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Cefalù
Cefalù is a charming coastal town in Sicily, known for its stunning beaches, medieval architecture, and rich history. The town's Norman cathedral and medieval streets offer a glimpse into its past, while its beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters provide a perfect setting for relaxation and water activities.
Top Attractions
Cefalù Cathedral
This stunning Norman cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit in Cefalù. Built in the 12th century, it features beautiful mosaics and a mix of architectural styles.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
€4
La Rocca
La Rocca is a rocky promontory offering panoramic views of Cefalù and the surrounding coastline. At the top, you'll find the ruins of a medieval castle and the Church of San Giorgio.
Nature/Historical
1-2 hours
Free (€2.50 for the Church of San Giorgio)
Cefalù Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily, Cefalù Beach is known for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Beach
Half-day to full day
Free (lido facilities may charge)
Mandralisca Museum
Housed in a 16th-century palace, this museum features a collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens, including a famous painting by Antonello da Messina.
Museum
1 hour
€6
Osterio Magno
An ancient quarry turned into a religious site, Osterio Magno features a series of rock-cut tombs and a small church. It's a fascinating glimpse into Cefalù's past.
Historical
30 minutes
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pasta alla Norma
A classic Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata, and basil
Main Course
Vegetarian
Arancini
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta
Swordfish cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, and pine nuts
Main Course
Gluten-free
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Madonie Regional Park
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Sunbathing and swimming at Cefalù Beach
Strolling along the lungomare
Enjoying a spa day
Visiting historical sites and museums
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the best time to visit Cefalù for beach lovers, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. However, it's also the busiest time of the year.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, Sicilian dialect
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Cefalù is generally safe for tourists, with low levels of violent crime. However, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport • 70 km
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 200 km
By train
Cefalù Train Station
By bus
Cefalù Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary public transport in Cefalù, with frequent services within the town and connections to Palermo and other nearby towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: N/A
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Historic Center
Marina
Capo Playa
Day trips
Palermo
70 km • Full day
Sicily's capital city offers a wealth of historical sites, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine.
Castelbuono
30 km • Half day
A charming medieval town known for its castle and local festivals.
Madonie Regional Park
30 km • Full day
A beautiful natural park offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and stunning landscapes.
Festivals
Festa di Sant'Efisio • May 20th
Cefalù Film Festival • July
Sagra del Pesce • August
Pro tips
- Visit the Cefalù Cathedral early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the beautiful mosaics in peace
- Explore the historic center on foot to discover hidden alleys, charming squares, and local shops
- Try local specialties like pasta alla Norma, pesce spada alla ghiotta, and cannoli at traditional trattorias and osterias
- Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Palermo, Castelbuono, or Madonie Regional Park for a variety of experiences
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
