Castelmola, Italy

Castelmola, Italy

Castelmola Italy

Perched high above Taormina in Sicily, Castelmola is a tiny hilltop village with some of the most spectacular views along the Ionian coast. Its whitewashed houses, steep cobbled lanes and balconies overflowing with flowers make it look like something from a postcard, while the outline of Mount Etna often smoulders quietly in the distance. Even though it’s very close to one of Sicily’s best-known resorts, Castelmola feels like a different world—peaceful, unhurried and far less crowded. The heart of the village is Piazza Sant’Antonio, a panoramic terrace paved in the traditional black-and-white lava stone. From here you can look down over Taormina, follow the coastline as it curves towards Calabria, and gaze out at the endless blue of the Mediterranean. Wander the narrow streets to discover little churches like the Chiesa di San Nicolò di Bari, and climb up to the ruins of the old Norman castle for an even higher viewpoint and unforgettable sunset scenes. Castelmola is also famous for its quirky, welcoming bars and its local speciality: almond wine. Most cafés and small trattorias will offer you a glass of this sweet, aromatic drink—usually served chilled and sometimes infused with herbs or a hint of citrus. The best-known place, Bar Turrisi, is an eccentric, multi-level bar decorated with cheeky fertility symbols, somewhere you go as much for the craic and the atmosphere as for the drinks themselves. Getting to Castelmola is part of the adventure. You can hike up from Taormina along a scenic path, take the local bus that winds its way around a series of hairpin bends, or drive up and leave the car just outside the village. Once you’re there, everything is easily explored on foot. Plan to spend at least half a day: amble through the laneways, pause for an espresso or an almond granita, take your time over a long lunch with a view, and simply soak up the quiet charm of one of Sicily’s most enchanting hilltop towns.
Recommended airport
Catania Fontanarossa (CTA)
Nearby destinations