Nature Trails

Nature Trails and Trekking in the Taormina Area

In the Taormina hinterland, you can explore various nature trails of varying difficulty.

One of these trails, undoubtedly the best-known, begins in Taormina (204 meters above sea level) and ends at nearby Castelmola (529 meters above sea level).

This trail winds along the so-called "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) to the picturesque Chapel of Madonna della Rocca, offering breathtaking views of the entire city below. Continuing for another 200 meters along the main road, you then ascend the path that leads to the medieval village of Castelmola, perched on a scenic mountain.

For the return journey, we recommend following the Sentiero dei Saraceni (Saracen Path), passing through the Porta dei Saraceni (Saracen Gate).

The entire journey, including the return to Taormina, takes about 2-3 hours.

Castelmola boasts a number of charming little bars, restaurants, and local craft shops. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, and when the weather permits, you can even clearly see the entire Ionian coast to the south and the Strait of Messina to the north.

For the more experienced, Monte Veneretta (885 m) can also be climbed from Castelmola.

Other nature trails near Taormina:

– Castelmola – Portella del Giasso – Mount Veneretta – Castelmola (3-4 hours)

– Castelmola – Spasale – Mazzeo Beach (3 hours)

– Motta Camastra – Alcantara Gorges – Mitoggio – Gaggi – Calatabiano Castle (5 hours)

– Castelmola – Petralia – Taormina (1.5 hours)

– Graniti – Mount Veneretta – Castelmola (6 hours)

– Barracca – Church of Saints Peter and Paul – Casalvecchio – Savoca – Barracca (4-5 hours)

– Castelmola – Gallodoro – Forza D’Agrò – Scifì, Norman Church of Saints Peter and Paul (full day)

For further information, please contact our reception directly, who can provide helpful advice as well as various maps and printed materials.