Castelmola

Cosy, charming and characteristic: Castelmola is a jewel of a village on the Ionian coast of Sicily.
Close, very close to the famous Taormina, which it greets from atop a hilltop pedestal, this little treasure has preserved, century after century, all the charm of the Middle Ages.
The colourful brushstrokes of bougainvillea, the green of the prickly pears, the warm nuances of the stone covering the houses and sacred buildings, the blue of the sea with the sheer cliffs and a breathtaking view of the Etna volcano and the Gulf of Taormina transform every corner of this village into a living picture.
These are some of the reasons why it has been declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

The traveller will discover all the wonders of this village walking through its historical streets.
Castelmola offers characteristic views at every step: enchanting pastel-coloured houses, from yellow to pink, with doors and windows framed with Taormina stone and the famous "coppi alla siciliana" on the roofs. The central square is beautiful, with its mosaic floor made of lava stone: here stands the Auditorium Comunale, once the church of Sant'Antonio; Piazza Duomo is also beautiful, with the Mother Church, the result of various alterations and a melting pot of various styles ranging from Romanesque to Baroque.

After visiting the squares, taking a few photos of the Norman walls of the ancient 9th-century castle (which gives the village its name) and looking at the products on offer in the small shops and boutiques in Via De Gasperi, it is worth stopping at Caffè San Giorgio, founded by monks in the 18th century and now converted into an inn. Try the famous almond wine with orange essence. And speaking of good things - as well as beautiful things - you absolutely must try the "chilled" almonds, covered with sugar and cocoa powder, prickly pears and fig and orange mostarda. Pampering for the palate.

Romantic and fascinating: Castel Mola is one of those places of which Italy can only be proud.