Mount Etna and Castelmola

Of course, we wanted to see Mount Etna. So, we set off early in the morning and started our journey.

Unfortunately, it became more and more hazy and foggy as we got closer to the volcano.

When we reached the top, the visibility was almost zero. Well, almost.

So we took a picture before the highest accessible point.

That was pretty much it. In the morning, we could still see the famous mountain from a distance, even with a plume of smoke, but unfortunately....

We headed towards Taormina to find a spot for the night, more specifically Castelmola, which is located high above Taormina.

The drive there almost drove me crazy. The southern Italians are very risk-taking and really bad, reckless drivers. They even think it's cool. We parked directly below the old town on a public parking lot.

With a great view.

We pass by a Marian grotto.

We go up to the town square of the old town.

The small town of Castelmola immediately captivates us.

Everything seems sleepy.

Sun and great views everywhere.

We climb up to the namesake castle.

From there, we can see Mount Etna again without fog, with a plume of smoke.

A beautiful day comes to an end.

They have an elevator to the castle that needs repairs 😂

And we have a spot in the sun until the very end.

In the evening, we visit a monument for Padre Pio, who is highly revered in southern Italy.

 

The next morning, our spot.