We arrived at breakfast a little later than on the previous days and found the room to be full and chaotic. Some food items were running out, including bread, and we had to wait for a table to be laid. After breakfast we walked to the bus stop near to the Porta Messina to purchase a bus ticket to Castelmola. The bus wasn’t due for another hour so we went to one of the cafe bars and ordered a cappuccino.
The drive up to the castle was reminiscent of the hairpin bends we experienced on a journey from Ravello to Amalfi (and back) a couple of years ago. The journey is three miles and I had considered walking up but, as Mr C had a large blister, we chose the easier option. I was glad that we did because the road wasn’t really suitable for walking being very narrow and busy. Stepping off the bus in Castelmola was a big contrast from the bustle of Taormina. Castelmola was quiet and quaint with stunning views.
We wandered around the narrow streets and visited Chiesa di San Nicolo di Bari where I lingered for a while.
We had lunch in Per de Chat where we enjoyed views of the blue sea far below us. The owner was warm and welcoming and told us to sit and relax and stay as long as we wanted. He recommended a dish of locally prepared Arancini, one beef and tomato and one spinach and ricotta split in half for sharing. We took him up on his offer and ordered a wine for me and a beer for Mr C. The Arancini were delicious.
We then walked up to the ruins of Castello di Castelmola. The views were even more spectacular from this elevated position and Etna seemed closer than ever.
We descended back to the square and caught the next bus back to Taormina where we called in at cafe for a refreshing citrus drink. There was an unusual gadget on the table with buttons with options to order, pay bill and cancel. We pressed the appropriate button and a waiter appeared from a nearby shop to take our order.
Back in the hotel we chilled out before heading out dine in Rosso Di Vino. The restaurant was full and they could only offer a table on a balcony which didn’t look very comfortable. As we had a plan B I asked if we could book a table for the next evening instead. Table booked we headed around the corner to Ristorante Al Duomo who were able to accommodate us.
We were placed at an outside table overlooking Piazza del Duomo. The food and atmosphere were excellent and I was reluctant to move but all to soon it was time to head back to our hotel for the night.
The views were spectacular from Castello di Castelmola but were you at all worried about a Mt Etna explosion from that distance? The explosions happen frequently enough to keep the locals on their toes, I would imagine.
There is no real worry about the explosion from the distance we were. Even on my visit to Etna I didn’t go near one of the active craters. From that distance there is no danger to human life, the lava flow (if it decides to) is currently of a thick consistency so its progress is slow.
If you were near to one of the active craters erupting ash and volcanic material, that is a different proposition. Those parts of Etna are strictly controlled and off limits unless you are with an expert.
I bet looking at the blue sea during lunch was relaxing.
Coffee is on
Thanks Dora, it was a relaxing place to be
Love to see those blue skies and those are some scrumptious looking arancini.
They were scrumptious, the best we had during our holiday
this looks like a beautiful area dear friend
thank you for taking along with words and stunning views you captured here
the view from above is BREATHTAKINGLY AWESOME !
i can understand when environment is cherishing it is hard to leave early
Thank you
The area is beautiful and amazing. I was so privileged to be able to visit and see these things in perfect sunshine.