Cefalu Hike

Sicily & Southern Italy

Rick Steves Tour

July 2007

Cefalu Hike Up the "Rock"

Alfio, our tour guide had described this hike as moderate, consisting of a level, flat trail that winded back and forth up the steep hill to "The Rock". A small group of us, those who joined the tour solo and Alfio, set off at 7:30AM to attempt what appeared and turned out to being anything but a moderate, level hike. I consider myself in fairly good shape, but this hike was by far the most challenging and rugged while on this tour. Not only was the steep incline going up a challenge, but the smooth stones were slippery as you hiked down. As challenging as it was, I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and the good conversation I shared with Alfio, Margaret, and Peter. After the hike, Alfio took us to a place just off the coast, where we enjoyed a large cup of cold granita (like a snow cone), perfect after a good cardio workout.

Along the way to the top, we came across this ancient structure built before Christ. I was amazed at the size of the stones and wondered how in the world they were able to build such a structure that high up on the steep hill.



Looking down at Cefalu



My fellow tour buddies that also joined this tour solo, Margaret (from Canada) and Peter (from the N. East), and Alfio, our tour guide.
	We finally made it and spent some time enjoying the view and to rest up before the hike back down.


			Although we were all hot,sweaty, and tired from the hike up, we were all smiles and felt a sense of accomplishment.