Castelmola


High above Taormina you will see Castelmola, a delightful village with magnificent views.

The name Castelmola derives from the Norman castle that dominates the village and the word Mola means Millstone, which some say resembles the rock on which Castelmola was built.The houses and buildings look like they are precariously hanging on the rock.

The village has breath taking 360° panoramic views down towards Taormina, Mount Etna and over the sparkling Ionian Sea, the mainland coastline and the Sicilian countryside. Photographs taken here are sure to create Insta-envy with your Instagram followers.

The village was recently nominated and featured in I Borghi piu belli d’Italia (Italy’s most beautiful Villages) losing out to Montalbano Elicona which is located in the Nebrodi Mountains, North East Sicily.

There are three ways you can reach Castelmola, by car, bus and for the brave by foot for a serious uphill climb. However you also have to be brave to go up by car, there are seemingly endless winding roads so it is a good idea to book a driver to take you. The drive up from Taormina takes approximately 10 minutes. Also the Taormina City-by-See Hop on Hop off bus visits Castelmola.



On arriving in Castelmola you will be greeted by the Porta dei Saraceni (The Saracen’s door) and Piazza Sant’Agostino. From here you can explore the tiny cobbled streets which make up the village, with medieval buildings adorned with bright coloured geraniums. Here it is like a smaller scale and peaceful version of Taormina.

There are a few intimate shops selling typical Sicilian ceramics and jewellery made with lava stone and coral. There are also some notable restaurants.

The first settlers in Castelmola were in the Iron Age, but it was soon besieged by the Ancient Greeks, then the Roman Empire, followed by the Byzantines and after the Saracens. 


Worth a visit is the castle which dates from Roman times however all that remains now are the walls built by the Normans, the views from here are spectacular. Of a night time we can see the castle floodlit high up above our home. 

The main hub of Castelmola is Piazza Duomo with its beautiful cathedral, here you can choose a café to sit and taste the almond wine that Castelmola is popular for.

The best almond wine can be found at Bar Turrisi, a three level antique filled bar. Antiques of a unique kind. 

Bar Turrisi is also known as Italy’s Penis bar, there are phallic symbols of all sizes everywhere you turn, from wooden ornaments, ceramics, the menu, the end of bannisters, the arms of chairs and the tap and mirror in the bathroom. In any case the hospitality, food and beverages are wonderful and the almond wine really is delicious. The owners love you to sign their guest book when you leave. Go right to the top terrace of the bar and you will feel like you are on top of the world.


It can be quite amusing listening to tourists visiting the café, on one occasion there was an English couple sitting on a table near to us and we overheard the lady say looking down at the tiled floor "Darling did your know that you foot is resting on a penis?" to which he replied looking around him "Oh my gosh, they are everywhere, no wonder the hotel receptionist giggled when she recommended this place".

For the full history of the bar visit their website at www.barturrisi.com

Castelmola is also well known for its wholemeal bread which really is quite simply delicious and enjoyed dipped into Sicilian olive oil.

On your descent down from Castelmola it is worth stopping at the church Madonna della Rocca, here you will find another medieval castle. The church itself is very popular for weddings with its sweeping views down to Taormina and across to Mount Etna.

Also on your way down you will pass Hotel Villa Angela which is owned by Jim Kerr the lead singer and songwriter of the 1980’s pop group Simple Minds. Here you can have lunch in the restaurant, reservations are advisable. 

Personally I would recommend booking a private English speaking driver to escort you to Castelmola. A perfect time to visit the charming town is to take breakfast early morning to avoid the tour buses and cruise ship groups.

 Photo Gallery
(I apologise ... I could not resist the last photo 😝)
































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