The Greek theatre in Taormina - here viewed from the path down from Castelmola - is the largest ancient theatre in Sicily after that of Syracuse. Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission but dont worry, theres no extra cost to you. New travel services is the best sicily travel guide to provide taxi catania for comfortable transfers. If youre in Taormina for a few days or just for an afternoon its worth making your way from busy Taormina to this tiny village built around the ruins of a 16th century Norman castello (castle). Thanks for sharing all these great tips. You can do it in your allocated time with careful planning, and second options. What can I say? We woke up that morning in Catania to stormy grey skies. Catania (Airport), Taormina The price of this ticket also includes a guided tour of the Greek Theatre. Thank you in advance for you (anticipated) report foodiepeter! The village is perched above the bay of Giardini Naxos. It's a holiday, and so enjoy it in stride. After a sharp bend, the pedestrian path to Taormina descends from this road, with a signpost to identify it. Castelmola (the village at the top left), Taormina below. If youve got kids with you, its fun for them to imagine what it might have looked like, but theres not much to see. Expect to pay around 15 for a taxi from Castelmola to Taormina, but with an early dinner, you may be able to take the bus as well. Add taxi or limo company Interbus runs the direct bus service from Taormina's Terminal Bus to Castelmola. A report would be lovely foodiepeter - Welshtraveller111 is one of the best with wonderfully informative trip reports and stunning photos to accompany his reports! > Where to stay in Taormina Alternatively, you may use, Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare. You were in Sicily recently? Since DJC's question is pretty much answered, I hope it will not be an issue if I also ask, regarding Castelmola - Will it be worth our time to day trip there from Taormina on May 1? to If you walk up to town, make your way to the piazza and sit on the benches, enjoy the views, and catch your breath after the walk up! A great way to get exercise while enjoying the city. Water Water fountain next to toilet at entrance of main piazza, San Antonio. Between Taormina and Castelmola we found up to 17 bus departures. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. From the train station up to Taormina town, there are buses and taxis. As soon as there was a break in the rain, we made a dash to the train station for the 45-minute journey to Taormina, followed by a 10-minute taxi-ride up the hill to our home for the next three nights. A taxi costing approximately 15 euros is recommended. We only went on a daytrip to Taormina when we visited Sicily and I absolutly loved the city. But it wasnt all doom and gloom with food and drink in Taormina. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Learn more Sicily Tours Its a lovely shady garden that once belonged to a wealthy English lady, and its free to enter. This path is called the Sentiero dei Saraceni. It was also quite packed with tourists, and this was in the middle of Covid times and no cruise ships. The breakfast room is spacious with a beautiful open terrace offering great views. for more details on sicily excursions, visit us now. We made it as far as one of the cafes on Piazza del Duomo before the heavens opened. Youll still be in traffic, but its stress free because youre not driving! > Where to stay in Taormina, Taormina introduction and practical information. Take time to stop and enjoy the views on the way up. The steps are steep, so when you emerge into Castelmola's Piazza San Antonio you'll probably feel you deserve a long cold drink at the outdoor tables of the Bar San Giorgio. Excursion Taormina, Castelmola Duration: 4 hours Departure from your hotel, we will start the trip to Taormina, through the beautiful street along the bay of Naxos, where there is the little island "Isolabella" and the view of mount Etna. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); this ticket just includes the entrance fee, if you want to explore by yourself. Helpful Tip: Be careful when walking on the small lanes on the outer edges of the villages. to The walk takes about 30-60 minutes going up, less going down. to Castelmola can easily be seen on your own. Walking through this town will transport you back in time. Head here if you need to escape the crowds, enjoy views of the bay and listen to the bird song. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town of Castelmola. This taxi fare estimate from Taormina to Castelmola Dont have high expectations for the castle ruins. The first place we visited, we popped in for a quick bite to eat. Castello di Mola is an old castle - these days there are only a few remains still standing. Important: Check with the tourist info before you walk up sometimes parts of the path are closed after heavy rains. Castelmola How to Spend an Afternoon in the Tiny Village Above Taormina, Check Out the Colorful Buildings, Charming Small Streets and Piazzas, Have Aperitivo or a Snack in Piazza SantAntonio, Locals Guide to Going To The Beach Near Lucca, Italy (7 Best Beaches + Map), Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, Terms & Conditions. You can see it from Giardini Naxos and from some of Taormina's viewpoints, and if you don't mind some steep uphill sections, you can hike from Taormina to Castelmola and back. We were planning to visit Isola Bella, a small island near Taormina but the weather was terrible on our last day, and Jonathan wasnt feeling too good, so we chilled and ate cannolis instead. Ive been to Sicily many, many years ago when I was in a very difficult place in my life. Cost of distance: 8.08 EUR. 3. With its present altitude of 3320 m. Etna looms impressively over the landscape and is visible in many parts of Sicily. - Castelmola (the village at the top left), Taormina below. Ciao and welcome to Mom in Italy. I look forward to sharing Italy travel tips with you and giving you a glimpse of life in beautiful Italy! Its a tiny village and its main draws are its views from its piazzas and the ancient castle, and its cafes and restaurants. Without a car, its straightforward to reach Taormina using public transportation. How much would a taxi back cost? Roccalumera, Taormina And that cannoli is sure made for sharing! I love these towns that are seemingly stacked on top of each other on the hillsides. I cant eat fabulous meals every night of the week not even on holiday and Taormina, lovely as it was, just wasnt working for us with the food. Taking a taxi in Taormina allows you to move fastly and to reach easily all the main places of Sicily. Castelmola is a simple and gritty place in comparison with sybaritic Taormina. Uber Taormina? It finally descends in little steps to a narrow lane which you follow until it emerges onto a bend of via Leonardo da Vinci. The hotel offers stunning views of Mount Etna. Update the estimate to see the real-time fare prices in Taormina . We are planning on taking the train to. Chiesa San Giorgio, Castelmola (d. 1450, according to the sign outside the church). Following the small signs for Castelmola (with a pedestrian symbol) you'll find yourself on a path winding around to the right, under the crags on which the village sits. Caff Turrisi has a huge collection of phalluses. What is the average travel time between Taormina and Castelmola? This taxi fare estimate from Taormina to Castelmola was updated 23 days ago. From Porta Messina, head uphill and turn right past the fountain and archway. A path leads upwards to the castello entrance: however at the time of writing the ruins have been closed to the public for years. Take the old mule path, the Saracens Path (Salita dei Saraceni) from Piazza 9 Aprile in Taormina. Ali Terme, Taormina After a picnic spot, as you approach a ridge, > Taormina introduction and practical information. You can have the rolls filled with local cheeses or meats, and sit down for a pleasant outdoors meal on the next stretch of the walk. Then get transportation and head to Castelmola and walk back down the trail to Taormina stopping at the Madonna della Rocca. It's located just a short distance away from Taormina. We also had a lovely pizza lunch at the Bar Turrisi in Castelmola and enjoyed a glass of delicious almond wine. Grand Hotel Timeo, Via Teatro Greco, 59, 98039 Taormina, +39 094 223 801, [x]. Welcome to my recipe blog where I share easy-to-make weeknight dinners and other recipes using simple ingredients! Bar Turrisi has an interesting history Castelmola and Taormina were some of the first places in the Mediterranean to welcome travelers of the gay community in the late 1800s. It's possible to make the excursion from Taormina to Castelmola on foot, taking a circular route which climbs from Taormina to Castelmola, then descends by a different route with the option of including Taormina's Castello Saraceno, the ruined castle poised directly above Taormina. It is a hidden beauty. If time gets tight, then ring for a taxi. Most are along the main streets in town. Take some time and get lost in the smaller lanes of the village. Have you visited any of the bays near Taormina? ASM indicated that you would find "some" service, "something". Castelmola has incredible views, charming colorful streets, and its a prime place to pass a couple of hours sipping almond wine in the sunshine. Please share your comment and Star Rating in the comments section below. Belvedere Punta San Giorgio is a small terrace located next to Pizzeria Nina. One of the items in Caff Turrisi's collection of phalluses. In early May, a two hour gap in the bus timetable around lunch time, left us with time to spare. Just note that thunderstorms are possible in September, though typically short-lived. Still getting used to having a mask . to For up-to-date ticket prices and timetables of buses and trains, we used the OMIO app. As you continue your way down the hill to Taormina, you will pass the Hotel Villa Angela which is owned by Jim Kerr, the lead singer and songwriter of the 1980s pop group Simple Minds. This taxi fare estimate from Taormina Centro to Castelmola was updated 26 days ago. to Best wishes and thanks so much for all your help. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. No villains will get away here. While the latest bus departure is at 16:40 and arrives at 16:55 the same day. Castelmola is a great place to taste some almond wine, Vino Alla Mandorla, - a traditional wine from Sicily. But it has been on our list for a return trip. Car - If you have a car, you'll be tempted to drive up to Castelmola. The service was excellent, but the food so, so disappointing. After a fabulous three days exploring Catania, it was time to move on to our next spot on our Sicilian adventure Taormina. This old hilltop town has the most charming narrow winding streets. After a short stretch of road, you'll come to an unobtrusive set of steps on the left, Salita Branco, also signposted for Castelmola. Best wishes and thanks so much for all your help. Thanks Vagabonda, We arrive in Taormina on 11th june and so will have to wait and see. Its close proximity means you can ride a bicycle or even walk. Marina Schiavonea, Taormina Does it run later in June ? Traveling by bus from Taormina to Castelmola. If you do decide to drive up, just plug Castelmola into your GPS. Taormina-Castelmola for a taxi: 15-20 euro, and more from the train station. Taormina-Castelmola for a taxi: 15-20 euro, and more from the train station. The views over the coast and Mount Etna are spectacular. I also do all of the writing and the original food photography (and sometimes travel) for JuliasAlbum.com. If you were to hire a private transfer from Messina, go first to Castelmola - You could then take the Interbus service down to Taormina. Did you know that we have all the fare rates for Mojo Alcantara, Taormina It sounds just like the kind of thing I would do in the excitement of good looking food. 4.18 miles (6.73 km) with 17 min travel time.. It's a picturesque and easy excursion, with the added bonus of an attractive footpath linking the two towns. I enjoy that too. There are great views over Taormina from outside the chapel at the end of the lane, the Santuario della Madonna della Rocca. The price for the cheapest one way adult ticket is 1 . - At many points in Castelmola, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, including the view of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, and Taormina. In the middle: the Greek Theatre. Below the mountain to the left is Hotel Timeo, the first hotel to be opened in Taormina, in 1864. Get there before the tour buses arrive , Oh yes, there were ques to get in to the moste popular restaurants . Francavilla di Sicilia, Taormina to Walk If youre reasonably fit, the best way to get to Castelmola is on foot! A stiff climb later, and you emerge on the spine of the ridge, by a bus stop on the main road. Thanks for your help, Have a look at my trip report / photographs for further information :-, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187886-i343-k3920374-NE_SE_Sicily_trip_report_Sept_10_with_photographs-Sicily.html. Giardini Naxos, Taormina The Corso Umberto is the main street that runs from Porta Catania to Porta Messina and is packed with elegant boutiques, churches and cafes. The earliest bus departure from Taormina is at 09:50 arriving to Castelmola at 10:05 the same day. Do tell us in the comments what they are like. There are also taxis at the bus terminal,. Wow! What is the distance between Taormina and Castelmola? At many points in Castelmola, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views, including the view of Mount Etna, the Ionian Sea, and Taormina. You can do it in your allocated time with careful planning, and second options. The 15-minute ride from the Taormina bus station will cost you about 3 euro for a round-trip fare, which is quite reasonable. Enjoy! Castelmola local Vincenzo Blandano (the founder of Caff San Giorgio on the main square) revived the recipe in 1907, and his blandanino almond wine has been sipped by Castelmola visitors ever since. The location is great - close to both Castelmola and Taormina. to So we decided to drink coffee and wait for the storm to pass. LinkedIn -, All photographs Per-Erik Skramstad unless otherwise stated, La Martorana (Santa Maria dell'Ammiraglio). Learn more If you are of a robust disposition, one of the strangest sights of Castelmola is the historic Bar Turrisi and its phallic-themed dcor. Words by Sarah Wilson - Photos by Jonathan Look Jr. fantastic food on our trip around Sicilys east coast, Catania Central to Taormina-Giardini Station. Thank you in advance for you (anticipated) report foodiepeter! Vino alle mandorle (almond wine) is a specialty of Castelmola. From this point you can either descend to Taormina, or continue with another climb up to the Castello Saraceno and the Santuario della Madonna della Rocca (see 'Things to do' page) above the town. Ever since, I thought I should go back with a more open mind and a happier heart. Good for you especially since things in Europe are going in the wrong direction, to say the least. The pricing is excellent which makes this hotel a great value! I also think that eating cannolis when poorly should be prescribed by all doctors! You can simply follow the winding road around into the town centre, or head downhill through smaller streets, starting with a right turn onto Via Wilhelm Von Gloden and dropping to the left down the steps of Via Salita Celestina Penna, leading to Via Paterno di Biscari and then cutting to the right down Via della Chiusa or Vico Polibio. I bought a colourful beach bag with the name Taormina on it, which is a talking point as everyone sees the bag and starts talking about Sicily and Taormina. Thanks Vagabonda, We arrive in Taormina on 11th june and so will have to wait and see. The picture is taken from the archaeological park of Giardini-Naxos. We ate some fantastic food on our trip around Sicilys east coast. to What gorgeous views from the top too. to Did you know that we have all the fare rates for to It's also an incredibly cute town with beautiful architecture, cozy streets, great restaurants, and shops. Thanks guys, Yes I do promise to send a report. It is a nice walk from Castelmola down to Taormina, but the other way is only for the fittest. We love to travel by train, but there are plenty of buses too. Linguaglossa, the Circumetnea Train and Mount Etna, Sicily, Kapuhala Farm Stay (Agriturismo) in Sicily, Diary Of A Solo Traveller On A Viking Ocean Cruise From. The village has one main parking building with paid covered parking (mostly for residents of town and hotels) and parking on the rooftop (small, fills up quickly). Castelmola is a stunning hilltop town in Sicily, Italy. * Follow Via Dietro Cappuccini. Expect to pay around 15 for a taxi from Castelmola to Taormina, but with an early dinner, you may be able to take the bus as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We had the best granitas at The Bam Bam bar. If time gets tight, then ring for a taxi. to Caff Turrisi, Castelmola. Castelmola is famous for its panoramic views, winding streets, a castle, historical buildings, great food, and shops with ceramic displays. Emerging on Via Branco, take the left hand bend, uphill. Grazie mille, Vagabonda, and of course it was the answer I was hoping for!! Or this ticket just includes the entrance fee, if you want to explore by yourself. Cost of Taxi I will only be in town one day on cruise ship from 7am - 6pm. - In the heart of the village is the Borgo Medievale B&B, with dcor inspired by tales of King Arthur. To have all the information in the palm of your hand download our mobile app for free! Bus timetables will update on 11 June, so really impossible to know the schedule, but in past years, there was a run from Castelmola to Taormina as late as 21.15. Bus timetables will update on 11 June, so really impossible to know the schedule, but in past years, there was a run from Castelmola to Taormina as late as 21.15. Villa San Giovanni, Taormina This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and related sites (Amazon.it, Amazon.co.uk, etc). Its an especially nice walk in the summer when the road is full of cars. The venue looked fine, it usually would be booked days in advance, but we arrived early and were given a table. The staff is friendly and attentive. The road to Castelmola winds it's way upwards with enticing views below. The main taxi station is situated on the main street of Taormina, Corso Umberto, in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (Phone number +39 0942 23000). Initial fee: 5.00 EUR There is a small parking lot up the main hill in town (see map above) with pay and display. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. According to weather reports, the weather would improve as we went further up the coast phew! From this one viewpoint, you can see Mount Etna, Taormina, the Ionian Sea, and the bay of Giardini Naxos. Masseria della Volpe in Val di Noto, Sicily - a Resort with Stunning Views. . In 1906 it was housed by Guillermo II of Hohenzollern, Duke of Prussia and the Emperor of Germany. We headed first to the Corso Umberto, just to get our bearings. Distance between Taormina Centro and Castelmola is approx. My recipes are everyday, familiar foods, cooked from scratch. I absolutely love Taormina and went there via a cruise. Although it's small and doesn't have any major sights other than its ruined castle, Castelmola is an interesting and picturesque settlement, where a certain rugged authenticity mixes with tourist-oriented craft shops. Santa Teresa di Riva, Taormina Its best to see the village with a carrier. It was edible, as we were starving. It is reached by following a bare path that is one of the most panoramic of the entire Ionian coast and, once you reach the summit, you can see perfectly the urban centre of Castelmola, the Arab Castle and the Greek theatre of Taormina, Isola Bella and Mount Etna. The little streets and alleys are worth exploring before you make your way back down to Taormina: you'll find a surprisingly imposing Duomo and several smaller churches, including the Chiesa di San Giorgio (1450) which contains a charming little statue of St. George on his charger. Car If you have a car, youll be tempted to drive up to Castelmola. The area attracted poets, artists, and writers, and was known for its bohemian attitudes and openness to sexuality. Does it run later in June ? Swimming is amazing in mid-September as the sea is warm from the intense heat of summer. If your guesthouse is just above Taormina as ours was, that's an extra 5. The ruined arch, a surviving part of ancient town defences, is known as the Porta dei Saraceni. Good To Know: Theres a small balcony overlooking Piazza Chiesa Madre snag it if its free. Yes, we certainly got a workout when we were there lol. The view from Caff San Giorgio, Castelmola. Take a taxi from Taormina Beach, Giardini Naxos to Castelmola 17 min 15 - 19 Walk Walk from Taormina Beach, Giardini Naxos to Castelmola 1h 51m Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Taormina Beach, Giardini Naxos to Castelmola by walk and bus But if like us, you end up feeling horrified at the cost of eating out in Taormina, theres an excellent supermarket called Deco. All photos unless otherwise stated: Per-Erik Skramstad Wondersofsicily.com. The town is a charming place to spend a few hours, simply wandering the streets, exploring the ruins of the Norman Castle and enjoying the fun phallic display at Bar Turrisi. Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Taormina Castelmola is one of Italys Borghi Pi Belli Most Beautiful Villages. The way up is a series of steps and some sections have railings. First port of call is the tiny Chiesa di San Biagio, which - according to the sign outside - dates back to the first century. Was thinking of taking the bus to castelmola for a walk around and early dinner. We chose the Vineria Modi. to Bistrot Siciliano AFicaredda (Via Tutti i Santi, Largo San Giorgio 1) fresh Sicilian food; great value; perfect for aperitivo, Pizzeria Nina (Impunta San Giorgio) an excellent option if youre craving pizza; family-friendly, I Pititti di Stefania (Via Papa Pio IX) gelato hits the spot on a hot summer day in the small village. The route emerges onto a busier street (Via Diodoro Siculo/Via Apollo Arcageta), leading to the Porta Catania and Corso Umberto. Taormina-Castelmola for a taxi: 15-20 euro, and more from the train station. And those beaches look like they deserve a day or two. The breakfast is a buffet with a great variety of choices. The views of Etna, the sea, and Taormina all reward the senses. Book your ticket here in advance. Recommended option Taxi Take a taxi from Taormina to Castelmola 9 min 5 - 6 1 alternative option Walk Walk from Taormina to Castelmola 28 min Most of our time was spent in wine country so I would love to return to visit the ruins and the public gardens. Otherwise, the spaces are reserved for residents. However, you do see a more authentic Taormina as soon as you wander off the busy main stretch and start exploring the side streets. Grab a table, have aperitivo or a snack, and check out the dcor. Castello di Mola. to The Saracen castle seen from the way down from Castelmola to Taormina. How often do the buses depart from Taormina to Castelmola? Information. Do you know how often they travel from Taormina to Castelmola? There werent any on this street, thats for sure. Seven daily runs in each direction are currently showing. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-89778143', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ship from 7am - 6pm. Compliments to you for considering Castelmola, and considering this trek, the lovely Madonna della Rocca, and the sea. Update the estimate to see the real-time An old mule path connecting Taormina and Castelmola, it is said to have been used by the Saracens who besieged Taormina a thousand years ago. The technique for creating the wine (adding the almond flavor to the islands white wine) was invented during the while the Greeks ruled. Glad you managed to have a good time. Prices were a little expensive, but hey, this is Taormina, and if the food is good, thats ok. I guess we were just unlucky with the above restaurant choices. Our favourite cannoli of the trip came from the Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto; a lovely old fashioned bakery tucked away in one of the side streets. > Things to do in Taormina A report would be lovely foodiepeter - Welshtraveller111 is one of the best with wonderfully informative trip reports and stunning photos to accompany his reports! During a quick stop in the village of Castelmola, admire a view of the surrounding Sicilian landscape, including Mt Etna. Good to see that you got to travel during Covid-19. Celebrating in flamboyant style the ancient emblem of fertility and luck, and also the more risqu and libertine aspects of Taormina's history, the bar's interior is filled with penises in every medium and of every size, from large stone sculptures to the bathroom taps. The local service is for Taormina, and does not go as far as Castelmola. Apparently yes, you can. The bus timetable suggests that the last bus runs around 7. It has more amazing views of Taormina and Mount Etna. Linguaglossa, the Circumetnea train and Mount Etna. There are a few B&B and hotel options in and around the hilltop village, some of which have superb views. It looks like such a lovely place & the view from the Greek Theatre is just spectacular! Gaggi, Taormina The black and white Piazza will be your entry point to Castelmola if you drive or take public transport. buildings of the local school. to Castelmola Castelmola is a tiny, picturesque village perched on a craggy hilltop, above and slightly inland from Taormina. Riposto, Taormina There is a good selection of cheeses, cold meats, delicious bread, cakes, desserts, rolls, scrambled eggs, sausage, ham, and more! Taormina-Castelmola for a taxi: 15-20 euro, and more from the train station. Police car in Castelmola. While the castle ruins arent impressive, the 360-degree views more than make up for it. Diane of Western Australia, Your email address will not be published. I hope you enjoy them and let me know your feedback in the comments! * Uber fare estimate from Taormina Centro to Castelmola may vary due to weather and traffic. When you reach the main road, cross over. We decided to see for ourselves. Then get. It would take around 45 minutes to walk. The picture is taken from the archaeological park of Giardini-Naxos. Thanks guys, Yes I do promise to send a report. Private tour; Organized by: Miss Rosy Sicilian Chauffeur Duration: The tour starts at 8:30am and it last 8/9 hours Tour Language: Italian, English Days: Every day Difficulty: Easy Pick up: Pick up and drop-off from your accomodation in Taormina and surrounding areas (Giardini Naxos, Letojanni, Castelmola) Recommended Equipment: It is reccomended to wear comfortable, season . You can take a guided day trip to the summit of Etna from Taormina. Alcantara Gorge . I make and test all of the recipes presented on this site.
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