Castelmola
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Latest update: 4 March 2024
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By: Dion Protani
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The charming hilltop village of Castelmola is perched above the town of Taormina in northeastern Sicily within the Metropolitan City of Messina province. With a population of around 1,000 inhabitants, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Etna.
The town is renowned for its ancient fortress, Castello di Castelmola, which dominates the skyline., and its almond wine. |
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Castelmola: the balcony over Taormina
Perched high above the azure waters of the Ionian Sea, Castelmola commands attention with its panoramic views and timeless charm. The village's narrow, winding streets lead visitors through a maze of medieval architecture, adorned with colorful flowers and quaint cafes.
Explore the imposing ruins of the ancient Norman castle, offering glimpses into Sicily's storied past. Admire the breathtaking vista from the Belvedere Square, where the majestic Mount Etna looms in the distance. Nearby, the town of Taormina beckons with its ancient Greek theater and vibrant atmosphere. Castelmola invites travelers to savor its tranquil ambiance and unforgettable vistas.
Explore the imposing ruins of the ancient Norman castle, offering glimpses into Sicily's storied past. Admire the breathtaking vista from the Belvedere Square, where the majestic Mount Etna looms in the distance. Nearby, the town of Taormina beckons with its ancient Greek theater and vibrant atmosphere. Castelmola invites travelers to savor its tranquil ambiance and unforgettable vistas.
Comune di Castelmola
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Province: Metropolitan City of Messina
Region: Sicily Population: 1,070 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2024) Size: 17 km² Elevation: 501 metres Close by: Taormina, Isola Bella, Mazzarò, Giardini Naxos, Letojanni Recommended accommodation: Hotel Villa Sonia |
One of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages)
Listing headline: L'Acropoli di Taormina (The Citadel of Taormina)
Listing headline: L'Acropoli di Taormina (The Citadel of Taormina)
What are the most popular activities in Castelmola and the local area?
- Castelmola: Explore the charming streets of Castelmola, a medieval hilltop village overlooking the Ionian coast. Admire the quaint architecture, narrow alleys, and stunning views of Mount Etna and the surrounding countryside.
- Castello di Castelmola: Visit Castello di Castelmola, a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. Explore the ruins of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline from its vantage points.
- Chiesa Madre: Discover Chiesa Madre, the main church of Castelmola, featuring intricate Baroque architecture and beautiful frescoes.
- Piazza del Duomo: Relax in Piazza del Duomo, the central square of Castelmola, lined with cafes and offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
- Local Products: Sample local delicacies such as almond wine, almond pastries, and the famous almond granita while exploring Castelmola.
- Hiking: Embark on scenic hikes in the nearby countryside, including trails leading to the Monte Venere Nature Reserve and the Alcantara Gorges, offering breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and Mount Etna.
What are the best restaurants in Castelmola and the local area?
- Ristorante Bar Turrisi: Situated in the heart of Castelmola, Ristorante Bar Turrisi offers a traditional Sicilian dining experience with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the surrounding countryside. The restaurant serves a variety of Sicilian dishes, including pasta alla norma, caponata, and fresh seafood specialties. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy dining room or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the picturesque town.
- Trattoria Il Vicolo: Tucked away in a charming alleyway, Trattoria Il Vicolo is known for its warm hospitality and delicious Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant's menu features a selection of homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood dishes, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Diners can enjoy their meal in the rustic dining room or on the outdoor patio with views of the surrounding hills.
- Ristorante Al Saraceno: Located just steps from Castelmola's main square, Ristorante Al Saraceno offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere along with a menu of traditional Sicilian dishes. The restaurant specializes in homemade pastas, grilled meats, and seafood, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can dine indoors in the charming dining room or on the outdoor terrace with views of the town below.
- Ristorante Miramare: Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, Ristorante Miramare offers breathtaking views of the coastline along with delicious Sicilian cuisine. The restaurant's menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including fresh fish, shellfish, and risotto, as well as homemade pastas and grilled meats. Diners can enjoy their meal while taking in the panoramic vistas from the outdoor terrace.
- Ristorante Antichi Sapori: Nestled in the historic center of Castelmola, Ristorante Antichi Sapori is known for its traditional Sicilian cuisine and warm hospitality. The restaurant's menu highlights local specialties such as arancini, caponata, and pasta alla norma, as well as fresh seafood dishes. Guests can dine indoors in the cozy dining room or on the outdoor terrace with views of the surrounding mountains.
Castelmola Gallery
What are the best places to stay in Castelmola?
- Hotel Villa Sonia:
- Located in Castelmola, Hotel Villa Sonia offers charming rooms with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
- The hotel features a terrace, garden, and restaurant serving Sicilian cuisine.
- Hotel Villa Ducale (Taormina):
- Situated in nearby Taormina, Hotel Villa Ducale offers elegant accommodations overlooking the sea and Mount Etna.
- Guests can enjoy the hotel's rooftop terrace, outdoor pool, and personalized service.
- Hotel Villa Belvedere:
- Also located in Castelmola, Hotel Villa Belvedere offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- The hotel features a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar serving local wines.
- Hotel Villa Carlotta (Taormina):
- Situated in Taormina, Hotel Villa Carlotta offers luxurious accommodations in a historic villa.
- Guests can relax in the hotel's garden, swim in the pool, and enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
- Hotel La Pensione Svizzera (Taormina):
- Located in Taormina, Hotel La Pensione Svizzera offers cozy rooms in a central location close to the town's main attractions.
- The hotel features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and a restaurant serving traditional Sicilian dishes.
What's the closest airport to Castelmola?
Catania–Fontanarossa Airport (CTA):
Located approximately 61 kilometers (about 38 miles) south of Castelmola, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 282 kilometers (about 175 miles) northwest of Castelmola, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Located approximately 61 kilometers (about 38 miles) south of Castelmola, Catania Airport is the primary international airport serving eastern Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
Palermo Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO):
Situated approximately 282 kilometers (about 175 miles) northwest of Castelmola, Falcone–Borsellino Airport, also known as Palermo Airport, is a major airport serving western Sicily. It offers flights to various domestic and international destinations.
What's the closest train station to Castelmola?
Taormina-Giardini train station
- 10 kilometres away (22 minutes by car)
What private transfer options are there for Castelmola?
A private transfer from Catania Airport to Castelmola takes around one hour 5 minutes.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
If you'd like a price for this service just email us using the [email protected] mailbox, providing the following details:
- Arrival location (airport, train station or other)
- Arrival date
- Arrival time
- Number of passengers
- Destination (either town or specific hotel)
Once we have those details we'll get back to you with a price, a travel schedule and how the transfer will work.
Alternatively, you can use the private transfer booking engine below:
Where can I rent a car to visit Castelmola?
