Film of Castelmola and Taormina

Castelmola is an interesting and picturesque settlement, where a certain rugged authenticity mixes with tourist-oriented craft shops. Signs lead you uphill to the thirteenth-century Castello, which is dramatically situated to command the hills and valleys. The little streets and alleys are worth exploring before you make your way back down to Taormina. The little town has a suprisingly 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.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in Castelmola, but a nice alternative is to pick up a picnic lunch from the friendly Mini Market general store along Via A. de Gasperi (which leads from Piazza San Antonio). You can have the rolls filled with delicious local cheeses, or whatever you fancy, and sit down for a pleasant outdoors meal on the next stretch of the walk.