Hiking Between Taormina and Castelmola
- Else-Marie Kasmer
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
Taormina, the pearl of Sicily’s east coast, is one of the most beautiful towns we have visited. But when you venture beyond the town center, a spectacular landscape unfolds, inviting exploration. And nearly 550 meters above sea level lies another gem: the village of Castelmola. (We’ve written more about the town here.) Many choose to take the bus from Taormina to Castelmola, but for those who want to experience nature, the lush agricultural landscape, and the region’s historic trails, there are fantastic hikes leading up to the village.
Between Taormina and Castelmola, you’ll find some of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Sicily. Whether you prefer an easier hike with stunning panoramas or a longer route that challenges the adventurer in you, these two trails will give you an unforgettable experience. Note! The trails feature uneven terrain and many stairs!
1st Pathway: Madonna della Rocca and Sentiero dei Saraceni
This route follows two of the most famous trails near Taormina. The hike begins with a steep but beautiful ascent via historic stone steps, surrounded by ancient stone walls and wild cacti. After a short but intense climb, you’ll reach Madonna della Rocca, a small church partially carved into the rock. From here, you’ll enjoy one of the best views over Taormina and the Mediterranean— a perfect spot for a break.
From Madonna della Rocca, follow a short stretch of road before turning onto smaller paths through residential areas. The final part of the hike to Castelmola consists of stairs leading you into the heart of the village.
The return trip follows the historic Sentiero dei Saraceni, one of the oldest and best-preserved hiking trails in the area. This ancient connecting path winds down the hills, offering fantastic views of Mount Etna and the surrounding valleys. On clear days, this is one of the most beautiful hikes you can take. The trail ends on the outskirts of Taormina, near Via Otto Geleng.
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2nd Pathway: Hiking Through Olive Groves and Gardens – Experience Authentic Sicily
(This route is approximately 8 km.)
This route takes you on a longer round trip through the Sicilian countryside, where you’ll experience lush gardens, old farmhouses, and a stunning cultural landscape. The hike starts at Piazza Franz Pagano, where you’ll find a cozy café— a perfect spot to grab a drink before setting off.
From here, follow trails and small roads at the foot of Monte Ziretto before continuing along a quiet road leading up to Castelmola. This route is longer and less steep than the first, but it provides an incredible opportunity to experience the rural charm of Sicily up close. Note that parts of the hike follow country roads and trails, and there are no kiosks or cafés along the way.
As with the first route, I recommend taking Sentiero dei Saraceni back to Taormina. After a day filled with nature, history, and spectacular views, this is the perfect way to end your adventure— a peaceful yet scenic descent back to civilization.
No matter which route you choose, hiking from Taormina to Castelmola will give you a taste of authentic Sicily— where history, nature, and breathtaking landscapes meet. And don’t forget to take time to explore the charming streets of Castelmola!
Tips!
The routes above are shown on Google Maps. However, I often use Open Street Maps to get familiar with new places. Trails and small paths are shown in greater detail here compared to other mapping services I’ve used. I’ve even discovered historic buildings and interesting routes that I wouldn’t have found on more commercial maps. https://www.openstreetmap.org/ App for iPhone: Open Streets 4
There are regular buses between Taormina and Castelmola. In Taormina, buses depart near Porta Messina. Tickets can be purchased on the Interbus website, where you’ll also find updated schedules and bus stop locations.
«The Secret Spot»: A little below where Sentiero dei Saraceni ends in Taormina, there’s a small and charming café, Bar Andromaco— a perfect place for an aperitivo after your hike! Bar Andromaco
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