Etna view from Villa Sonia Hotel by Michael Karavanov

July 13, 2011. Castelmola, Sicily, Italy. Made from 73 pictures.

Castelmola in Sicily is a beautiful village perched almost precariously above Taormina. Spectacular panoramas characterize the village. Castelmola offers a balcony over Taormina and the bay of Giardini Naxos and is framed by the mysterious and beautiful active volcano, Mount Etna. Its narrow winding streets and Olde world charm make Castelmola a destination for anyone wishing to experience the enchanting beauty of Sicily from one of its most spectacular villages.

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 surprisingly imposing Duomo, and several smaller churches, including the Chiesa di San Giorgio (1450).

Hotel Villa Sonia is a historic rural home situated in Castelmola. A charming residence surrounded by green vegetation and having as much tranquility as one would desire, ideal for romantic escapes or family holidays. The hotel is set in a unique and silent natural environment, yet just a few kilometers from Taormina and the sea.

Most of the rooms have a balcony with a splendid view of Etna. Villa Sonia promotes the slow traveller who loves walking among nature with the splendid view of Etna, who adores tasting/savouring the culinary delights of this splendid land, who is able to stop and contemplate and capture this magic countryside of the Taormina/Etna area in his memory.