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Castelmola - unspoilt village with views of Etna
Just a few kilometres inland from the attractive holiday resort of Taormina on Sicily’s Ionian Coast is the picturesque mountain village of Castelmola. Here there is a select choice of luxury hotels and apartments for holiday accommodation, and many visitors make the day-trip from Taormina, to enjoy the fresh air, historic buildings and stunning views of Mount Etna to the west and the Ionian Sea to the east. Castelmola is about 130 km from Sicily’s capital, Palermo.
Castelmola - hotels and apartments in mountain surroundings
Castelmola successfully blends tourist-geared gift and craft shops with authentic Sicilian life, giving visiting families and couples plenty to occupy their time with. Fit holiday makers walk the steep five kilometres from Taormina, up through the rugged landscape to appreciate Castelmola’s natural setting and beautiful scenery. From the town you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of Mount Etna, and if it’s clear enough, beyond the Etna region to the town of Catania and further south along the Ionian Coast to Siracusa and Augusta. It is also possible to catch a daily bus to Castelmola from Taormina, and the drive by car is a mere ten minutes.
Castelmola’s narrow streets and stepped alleyways are a joy to explore, offering up traditional food shops, cafes, and attractive hidden piazzas. There is a Duomo and several churches of note. Further uphill, just out of town, is the impressive 13th Century Castello, and the remains of an even older castle, built on the site of a Greek temple.
Castelmola - try authentic Sicilian cuisine
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Castelmola, so why not try some of the local Sicilian specialities. The island is famed for cannoli - rich fried pastries stuffed with ricotta and rolled in chocolate. There are also great fish dishes, including anchovies and swordfish, and salads and cous-cous dishes with a North African influence.
Sicily holidays
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