What to see in Castelmola

Hidden Treasures between History and Enchanting Landscapes

If you are planning a holiday in Sicily and are planning your visit to Taormina, Castelmola is definitely an unmissable destination. It is located a few kilometers from Taormina and has been included in the network of the "Most beautiful villages in Italy". In this article, we will provide you with useful tips and advice on how to explore Castelmola.

Where is located

Perched at the highest point of Taormina, Castelmola is an enchanting ancient village with origins dating back to the pre-Hellenic period. The name Castelmola derives from the Sicilian "a mola" and refers to the particular shape of the rock on which it stands, resembling a tooth.

Once you reach the entrance to this small village, a breathtaking panorama will open before your eyes. The view from the main square embraces the entire Ionian coast, from the bays of Taormina to Etna, up to the Calabrian coasts. You will be fascinated and truly enchanted by this enchanting village.

If you want to spend your holidays in a place with timeless charm, away from the chaos and the massive presence of tourists but still very close to the major tourist attractions, then Castelmola is the place for you.

Visiting Castelmola

A couple of hours are enough to visit this small village. Once you reach the entrance to Castelmola, precisely in Piazza Belvedere, you can admire the Ancient Roman Arch, located on a stone staircase that once symbolized the entrance to the castle. If you continue along this road you will arrive at the ruins of this famous castle, an ancient defensive fortification of Norman origin, probably dating back to the Roman period.

During sunset you will enjoy a spectacular and unique view. Exploring the historic center of Castelmola, you will notice that it is very picturesque precisely because it is characterized by a perfectly preserved medieval urban layout: you will admire narrow alleys, ancient chapels and small squares.

Among the chapels to visit are those of San Giorgio, San Biagio and the Mother Church of Castelmola, all located close to each other.

How to get there

Reaching Castelmola by car is very simple.

FROM THE HIGHWAY: As soon as you exit at Taormina (from the A18 Messina-Catania motorway), immediately after the toll booth follow the signs for Castelmola. You will travel up the winding hill. Castelmola is located 4 km from Taormina.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The bus line that goes to Castelmola is INTERBUS. There are numerous routes that connect Taormina to Castelmola, so taking the bus can be a convenient solution.

  WE RECOMMEND: as soon as you arrive outside the historic center you will find a paid car park where we advise you to leave the car and continue on foot.

Castelmola Bar Turrisi

In Castelmola, a place that is definitely worth a visit and that you absolutely cannot miss is the infamous Bar Turrisi, a real must-see, highly recommended for anyone in the area around Taormina. Founded in 1947, it was included by Focus among the seven most unique bars in the world.

What is its peculiarity? The interior is entirely decorated with delightful figurines which, in homage to the phallic symbol, represent fertility and virility. Here you can savor typical local products and taste the special and famous almond wine, which contains the aromas of this area.

What to Eat and Local Products

The cuisine is very varied: you can choose between fish or meat-based dishes, all with Mediterranean flavours. However, the main typical dishes of Castelmola derive from the cultivation of vegetables, grapes, olives, citrus fruits and almonds. Almonds, as we mentioned, are among the most loved local products.

We recommend not to miss the almond wine paired with the renowned "Piparelle" biscuits. We also offer homemade macaroni, homemade bread, sugared almonds, Ascoli olives and stuffed dried figs.

What to See in the Surroundings of Castelmola

There are numerous beauties to discover in this part of Sicily. Below are those closest to Castelmola which are certainly worth a visit to make your holiday even more intriguing.

Savoca

About 25 kilometers away you will find another village among the most beautiful in Italy: Savoca, an ancient village perched on a mountain, famous location of the film "The Godfather".

Isola Bella Taormina

Another place not to be missed is the Isola Bella di Taormina, which is undoubtedly the symbol of Taormina, as well as a nature reserve and protected area. This small and lush islet is also known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" due to its unique characteristics.

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