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What To See In Castelmola – Hilltop Town Above Taormina, Sicily

Castelmola is a stunning hilltop town in Sicily, Italy.  It’s located just a short distance away from Taormina.  Castelmola is worth visiting because of its spectacular mountain top location, panoramic views, great restaurants, and friendly atmosphere.

Campanile in Castelmola, Sicily

Why visit Castelmola

Castelmola is a small hilltop village located above Taormina in Messina, a province in Sicily, Italy.  It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.  Castelmola is famous for its panoramic views, winding streets, a castle, historical buildings, great food, and shops with ceramic displays.

Castelmola was originally built to protect Taormina from attacks.  You can observe the remains of the Castello di Mola at the top of the town.

Castelmola Sicily

Castelmola, Sicily

Campanile in Castelmola, Sicily

Things To Do in Castelmola

1. Piazza Sant’Antonio

The first thing you see when you step in Piazza Sant’Antonio is a gorgeous mosaic floor made of black and white stone.  Piazza Sant’Antonio is a great place to enjoy beautiful views.  There are also several restaurants around the Piazza.

Castelmola, Sicily

2. Panoramic views

At many points in Castelmola, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, including the view of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, and Taormina.  The village is perched above the bay of Giardini Naxos.

view from Castelmola, Sicily

3. Castello di Mola

Castello di Mola is an old castle – these days there are only a few remains still standing.  It’s a great panoramic viewpoint at the top of the hill to observe the surrounding areas.

4. Main historical landmarks

Castelmola is a small town that offers breathtaking views and a taste of Sicilian culture.  There are also several historical buildings in town, including Church of St. Nicholas of Bari, the Campanile (tower),  the Church of San Girgio, the chapel of Madonna della Scala.

5. Sicilian ceramics

“Teste di moro” (Moor heads) are ornamental vases that Sicily is famous for.

"Teste di moro" in Castelmola, Sicily

6. Winding streets

This old hilltop town has the most charming narrow winding streets.   Walking through this town will transport you back in time.

Castelmola, Sicily

7. Walk to Taormina

The charming historical town of Taormina is just a short distance away, underneath Castelmola.  You can take a path down to Taormina right from Castelmola.

8. Mandorla

Castelmola is a great place to taste some almond wine, Vino Alla Mandorla, – a traditional wine from Sicily.

Mandorla wine in Castelmola Sicily

Beautiful town

Castelmola is certainly known for its breathtaking views. It’s also an incredibly cute town with beautiful architecture, cozy streets, great restaurants, and shops. It’s not overcrowded with tourists, and it’s a pleasure just to walk around the village and appreciate the beauty and the uniqueness of this town.

Castelmola, Sicily

Castelmola, Sicily

Castelmola, Sicily

Where to stay

Hotel Villa Sonia is located only steps away from the main plaza of Castelmola.

The hotel offers stunning views of Mount Etna.  The staff is friendly and attentive.   The location is great – close to both Castelmola and Taormina.  The pricing is excellent which makes this hotel a great value!

Hotel Villa Sonia in Sicily

We arrived late at night at the hotel and received a very friendly welcome.

The breakfast room is spacious with a beautiful open terrace offering great views. The breakfast is a buffet with a great variety of choices.   There is a good selection of cheeses, cold meats, delicious bread, cakes, desserts, rolls, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, and more!

The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town of Castelmola.

Hotel Villa Sonia in Sicily

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