Castelmola is a stunning hilltop town in Sicily, Italy. It's located just a short distance away from Taormina. Castelmola is worth visiting because of its spectacular mountain top location, panoramic views, great restaurants, and friendly atmosphere.
Why visit Castelmola
Castelmola is a small hilltop village located above Taormina in Messina, a province in Sicily, Italy. It's one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Castelmola is famous for its panoramic views, winding streets, a castle, historical buildings, great food, and shops with ceramic displays.
Castelmola was originally built to protect Taormina from attacks. You can observe the remains of the Castello di Mola at the top of the town.
Things To Do in Castelmola
1. Piazza Sant'Antonio
The first thing you see when you step in Piazza Sant'Antonio is a gorgeous mosaic floor made of black and white stone. Piazza Sant'Antonio is a great place to enjoy beautiful views. There are also several restaurants around the Piazza.
2. Panoramic views
At many points in Castelmola, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, including the view of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, and Taormina. The village is perched above the bay of Giardini Naxos.
3. Castello di Mola
Castello di Mola is an old castle - these days there are only a few remains still standing. It's a great panoramic viewpoint at the top of the hill to observe the surrounding areas.
4. Main historical landmarks
Castelmola is a small town that offers breathtaking views and a taste of Sicilian culture. There are also several historical buildings in town, including Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, the Campanile (tower), the Church of San Girgio, the chapel of Madonna della Scala.
5. Sicilian ceramics
"Teste di moro" (Moor heads) are ornamental vases that Sicily is famous for.
6. Winding streets
This old hilltop town has the most charming narrow winding streets. Walking through this town will transport you back in time.
7. Walk to Taormina
The charming historical town of Taormina is just a short distance away, underneath Castelmola. You can take a path down to Taormina right from Castelmola.
8. Mandorla
Castelmola is a great place to taste some almond wine, Vino Alla Mandorla, - a traditional wine from Sicily.
Beautiful town
Castelmola is certainly known for its breathtaking views. It's also an incredibly cute town with beautiful architecture, cozy streets, great restaurants, and shops. It's not overcrowded with tourists, and it's a pleasure just to walk around the village and appreciate the beauty and the uniqueness of this town.
Where to stay
Hotel Villa Sonia is located only steps away from the main plaza of Castelmola.
The hotel offers stunning views of Mount Etna. The staff is friendly and attentive. The location is great - close to both Castelmola and Taormina. The pricing is excellent which makes this hotel a great value!
We arrived late at night at the hotel and received a very friendly welcome.
The breakfast room is spacious with a beautiful open terrace offering great views. The breakfast is a buffet with a great variety of choices. There is a good selection of cheeses, cold meats, delicious bread, cakes, desserts, rolls, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, and more!
The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town of Castelmola.
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