The view along the coastline snaking east from the old fishing town of Cefalú, on Sicily’s northern coast, is an enchanting sight. On a rocky promontory projecting into the clear waters of the Mediterranean sits a cluster of picturesque houses spilling down towards the sea: the delightful village of Sant’Ambrogio.
With some 200 inhabitants, Sant’Ambrogio seems to have bypassed time itself. Dating from the 16th century, the village was that once the home of peasants and fishermen, and even today it retains its old-fashioned ambiance, and its ancient customs and traditions.
At only 5km from Cefalú and just 50m above sea level, Sant’Ambrogio is a haven of tranquillity. Standing in the small piazza at the centre of the village, where locals gather to gossip and pass the time of day as they have done for centuries, you catch glimpses down narrow, winding alleyways over terracotta-tiled roofs to the turquoise sea beyond. The village has just about all you need for a everyday life: on the main street there are two restaurants, where you can sample good Sicilian home cooking, a pizzeria, two bars, a small supermarket and a post office. The terrace at the top of the village has views over the sea and towards Cefalú on its massive outcrop, and from the piazza a stepped pathway leads gently down to a secluded cove with a beach of sand and pebbles.
From Sant’Ambrogio you can easily reach many of the region’s most attractive areas, such as the National Park of the Madonie, where you can walk in the green hills and lush meadows or visit historic towns such as Castelbuono and Pollina, places which have held on to their medieval character. And the bustling town of Cefalú, with its magnificent Arab-Norman cathedral, working fishing harbour, fortress and excellent shopping, is only 10 minutes drive from the village centre.
In only 2 - 2 1/2 hours boat ride you can reach the Aeolian Islands of Lipari, Vulcano or Alicude, Filacudi.
Other Activities:
Snorkeling, trekking, enjoy shopping in Palermo and Cefalú, wine tasting, exploring historical hill top villages and the Aeolian Islands.
