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The ‘Duomo’ in Castelmola is actually the church of San Niccolo’ di Bari (1934). It's rather small for a 'Duomo.'
Written Aug 25, 2012
The castle in Castlemola is a ruin. There is relatively little to see, and no admission fee. It's really worth making the climb for the views, rather than the castle itself.
Written Aug 25, 2012
Hotel Villa Sonia is in a a superb position with magnificent views over the Sicilian countryside to Mount Etna.
We discovered its terrace 'by accident' when we missed the lunch-time bus down to Taormina, and noticed the entrance to it by the road junction at which the bus waits. We then found out that for 8 euros each we would be provided with a mattress for a sunbed and a large towel, be served with drinks at the sunbed and allowed to use the swimmming pool. We enjoyed it so much that we subsequently spent a full day there and had lunch at one of the tables by the pool.
It is definitely a place at which we would consider staying if we were to return to Sicily.
Updated May 11, 2012
Website: http://www.hotelvillasonia.com/uk/
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Castelmola is a small village, high up on the top of the hill above Taormina.The village is buildt like a fortress, to protect the inhabitants against agressors from the sea. By car the ride goes for about 5 kms, by foot one and a half hour to the top.The village consists of many small, narrow lanes, which are worthwile to explore; when the tourists have vanished in the late afternoon,the village is calm and serene, offering a great view. There are some cafes and restaurants, and a small castellet above the village, from where the view is furthest over the coast and the village.A visit to San Giorgo`s church is to be recommended.
Written Jun 21, 2007
Address: Castelmola, Taormina, Sicily
Website: http://www.messina-sicilia.it/english/castelmola.htm
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It's not called Castelmola for nothing. Although little more than four walls, the castle at the top of the moutain is worth the climb if only for the view. It's accessible by a long staircase. Just below it, along the path, is a large restaurant with a huge cliffside patio. It was closed when I was there but the view of the Sicilian landscape was amazing and I'm sure it would be a fine place for a meal.
The beginning of the staircase is at beginning of town (the end of the road up to the town) on the right as you enter the city. I believe there was a sign that said Castello.
Updated Apr 16, 2004
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Taormina's Greek theatre has a fantastic view, this is true. It is, however, also crawling with tourists and costs 4.50 euro to get into. Castelmola, being on another, higher, promontory, has an even better view from the balcony of its Duomo. A friend of mine spent four hours watching the sunset here once (of course, he's a little crazy, and he walked here too... see transportation tips).
See the photo on the main page.
Updated Apr 16, 2004
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On arriving in Castelmola we dropped into this cafe for mid-morning coffee. The proprietor was very keen for us to sit on the balcony in order to enjoy the view, but we opted for inside.
It is also a shop for souvenirs, including a rather racy line in aprons. (I'm not quite sure what the reason is, but a certain part of the male anatomy seems to be something of a theme in the cafes of Castelmola - see also Bar Turrisi near the Duomo!)
Updated Oct 23, 2012
This is the cafe in the main square of Taormina. We dropped in for a refreshing granita di fragola, but were given a free sample of almond wine (a local speciality) to try as well.
Almond wine is quite sweet - it would probably make excellent trifle.
Written Oct 23, 2012
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Caffè Turrisi has a wonderful view - it's three stories and each has a little terrace from which you can see the waters of Taormina.
The decorations of this places are entirely dedicated to male sexual symbols - that is, the phallus. Phalluses of all types decorate this odd place - of all shapes, sizes, and materials, including a gigantic one used as a beer tap (you can imagine). Sicilian pupi puppets, unrealistically endowed, fill out the collection. For all that, it's a pretty good little caffe too.
Favorite Dish: Almond Wine. The region, and especially Castelmola, is famous for its extremely sweet vino a mandorla - almond wine.
Updated Apr 16, 2004
Address: Via Pio IX 16, Castelmola
Phone: +39 0942.281
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Castelmola is most easily reached by:
Car - for those of you lucky enough to be travelling around Sicily in a car, Castelmola is a MUST, I tell you. On the A18 Messina-Catania autostrada take the Taormina (and Giardini-Naxos) exit, follow the signs to Taormina. Upon arriving in Taormina, keep going - there are lots of signs indicating Castelmola, and there is only one road.
Bus from Taormina - the ATS bus system runs a bus several times a day from the Taormina bus stop (near the top of the funicular) to CM. Schedule is posted at the bus station.
Walking/Hitching - It's several kilometers of road from Taormina to Castelmola, most of it windy, uphill, and without shoulder to speak of. This doesn't mean it's not a good walk - au contraire: the views are spectacular. A friend of mine made the hike and said it took him about an hour. Of course, you can hitch a ride from a tourist, or if you get lucky, a local.
Written May 21, 2003
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Castelmola is easily accessible from Taormina - either on foot, if you are feeling energetic and fancy the climb, or alternatively by bus (2.80 euros at time of writing). When you get there, you will...
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