Project Description
Taormina and the northern rugged slopes of Castelmola
From Catania or Taormina | Half Day
Castelmola
In the morning we drive up the winding roads to reach the enchanting little town of Castelmola. It sits on a peak overlooking Taormina, the bay and Mt Etna. Even the ride up will be part of the experience. Castelmola was recently entered in the list of Italy most charming villages. Here you will get lost around the many little alleys that with a sudden twist will offer you stunning views of Mt Etna on the south, or the strait of Messina and Calabria towards the north. In Castelmola you can also visit a very special bar and sip the local famous almond wine, comfortably sitting on a balcony while admiring the impressive natural landscape below you and the entire Taormina bay with its wonderful beach.
Taormina
After Castelmola, Taormina and its extraordinary Greek theatre are waiting for you. Still in use today for concerts and shows, this glorious place stretching between the mountains and the blue water of the Ionian Sea has inspired writers, voyagers and adventurers, artists and musicians of all times and places. The main street, Corso Umberto, the many little shops and restaurants, as well as the many hidden side streets and the public gardens are waiting for you to stroll around and take pictures.
Castelmola
The origin of the town dates back to the Greek time when it was believed to the be the acropolis of Taormina. Thank to its loction on a peak above Taormina we get also its unusal name Mola, which in Italian means molar tooth, while the Norman Castle, today ruined, explains the full name Castelmola.
Its great position gave the town a strong military vocation since it has been used as a stronghold to defend the local people from the enemies.
The road which gets there follows the only and old pathway which behind its bend shows beautiful vistas of Taormina or Mt Etna; sometimes you get the feeling to look face to face as you were on the same level.
From Piazza Sant’antonio, finely decorated with black and white river cobble stone patterns, you can enjoy fantastic views of Taormina from above or just venture yourself along a marked pathway which leads you on foot to Taormina. Winston Churchill used to cover the distance every year, when on holiday here, on a donkey ride.
Beside the great views, Castelmola preserve a great charme if you walk around its streets. Not so many people are normally aware of it, overwhelmed and magnetized by Taormina. For this reason it is really worthy to get lost and maybe taste the local almond wine which is really delicious.
Taormina
Taormina is one of the top and most beautiful destinations in Sicily.
The town has a rich history, prestigious writers, artists and important personalities have travelled or stayed here.
Among them: Goethe, D.H. Lawrence, Guy de Maupassant, Oscaf Wilde, Brahms, Liz Taylor and more recently many movie stars due to the Film Festival which takes place every year in town.
Stunning cityscape, public gardens, theatre, aristocratic buildings, piazzas and side streets, beaches and seascapes attract you and offer uncountable itineraries if you just choose to stay in town or visit the surroundings for a day trip.
The town is divided in two parts: the upper part good for visits anytime of the year on the slopes of a mountain and the beach side, great for the good season time.
A stroll along the main street “Corso Umberto” is a must for shopping lovers, while food and wine conosserurs will be captivated by the many gourmet or family style restaurants. Luxury hotels, among the best in Sicily, the vicinity of Mt Etna and the good connection with Catania and Siracusa, makes Taormina one of the most convenient places to stay if you want to explore the eastern side in Sicily.
The town dates back to the Greek time thanks to a group of refugees from the nearby Greek colony of Naxos which build the base of the world famous Greek-Roman theatre today. Several cultural experiences through its invaders, later on, will make the place a beautiful blend of monuments, buildings, palaces and churches which today are quite evident anywhere in town.
The nice weather all the year round, the great views and stunning landscape and the fame spread by the prestigious many visitors make Taormina one of the most popular destination for wealthy people starting from the mid fifties until today.
The main square and the many little medieval backdrops are framed between the shape of Mt Etna and the blue water of the Ionian sea.
The Greek theatre is one of the iconic attractions in town as well as Palazzo Corvaja, Piazza IX Aprile, the Duomo and the public gardens. Isolabella bay and the other beaches of Mazzarò and Mazzeo down below along the coast. These places are a must if you like swimming or just enjoy heavenly views
- Private Sedan car or Mercedes Viano up to seven seats
- Private driver speaking your language
- Fuel, motorway toll and parking fee
- Half day service with private driver and car UP TO 4 HOURS
- Full day service with private car and driver UP TO 8 HOURS
- Water bottle onboard
- Visits, stops and panoramic driving tours described on the itinerary
NOT INCLUDED:
- Archeological sites, monuments and churches entrance fees
- Local products and wine tasting or culinary experiences unless included
- Driver and local guides gratuities (we suggest 10% if services meets or exceeds your expectations)
- Local Sicilian regional licensed guide
- Meals, wine tasting or culinary experiences if not already included in the itinerary
- Yachts, helicopter or private plane rental linked to our ground transportation service
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