Castelmola clings to a peak at 529 meters directly above Taormina, a village of 1,100 residents with a ruined medieval castle, the foundations of a Greek-era temple, and Bar Turrisi — famous for two things: its almond wine (vino alla mandorla, served cold, sweet, addictive) and its interior decorated entirely with phallic imagery (fertility symbols, the owner says; tourist attraction, everyone else says — either way, it's a bar you don't forget). The views from the castle ruins encompass Etna, the Ionian coast from Catania to Messina, the Alcantara valley, and Taormina spread below you like a toy town. Taormina → · Sicily →
Plan my Taormina trip →Bar Turrisi (Piazza Duomo): Three floors of phallic decorations — lamps, door handles, chairs, tables, wall art — and the cold almond wine that draws visitors from Taormina. €5-7 for a glass + view from the terrace. The castle ruins: Climb to the summit for the panorama — 360-degree views including Etna's summit, the coastline, and the toe of Calabria across the Strait. Piazza Sant'Antonio: A tiny piazza with a mosaic map of Sicily in the pavement and views over the rooftops of Taormina. The walk from Taormina: A steep footpath (45min-1h uphill from Taormina's Porta Catania) climbs through olive groves and gardens — the exercise earns the almond wine.
Getting there: From Taormina: bus (Interbus, 15min, every 30-60min), car (10min winding road, limited parking at the top), or walk (45min-1h steep uphill — beautiful). Free to visit. Duration: 1-2 hours. Eat: Bar Turrisi (almond wine + snacks), Ristorante Il Vicolo (€25-35). Combine with: Taormina (10min below), Taormina Film Fest (June-July), Alcantara Gorges (30min).