Messina Gate – Saracens' Trail loop from Taormina

Running trails & routes

Messina Gate – Saracens' Trail loop from Taormina

Hard

4.8

(4)

104

runners

Messina Gate – Saracens' Trail loop from Taormina

01:08

7.60km

410m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

533 m

Messina Gate

Highlight • Historical Site

From the ancient time come two city gate, Porta Messina in the north and Porta Catania in the south. Porta Messina is a remnant of a former fortress wall. This natural stone structure is a landmark of the city and you will inevitably go there, or through there, when you stroll over the Corso Umberto

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Tip by

890 m

Via Crucis and views of Taormina and the coast

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

The way is also worthwhile at night. The steps are lit and you have a beautiful view of the illuminated Taormina and the sea!

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Tip by

1.45 km

Madonna della Rocca Church

Highlight • Religious Site

Historic chapel built into a rock with a cozy interior & picturesque sea & city views.

Tip by

2.58 km

Saracens' Trail

Highlight • Trail

For the way back from Castelmola to Taormina the Sentiero dei Saraceni is a very good alternative. The entry into Castelmola you have to look for something. Then the path leads through gardens and meadows, with a beautiful view of Mount Etna and the hinterland of Taormina. The path is mostly paved and was even lit up once. The lights have fallen victim to vandalism and are now standing around as ruins. That's how it is in Sicily.

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Tip by

3.17 km

Church of St. Blaise

Highlight • Religious Site

We enjoyed the hike up from Taormina on January 31. Wildflowers and blossom trees were beautiful and the vistas are stunning. Definitely worth the trip. Enjoyed aranchini at Pier de Cat in Castelmoleno and decided to skip the bus ride down to backtrack on the trail to Taormina. This trail is not well marked at either end, so be ready to hunt a bit, but it is a gem for scenery and you will likely be alone to enjoy the views.

Tip by

3.57 km

View from Piazza Sant'Antonio in Castelmola

Highlight • Viewpoint

Piazza S. Antonio a Castelmola has an altitude of 490 meters.
Castelmola is an Italian commune in the metropolitan city of Messina in the autonomous community of Sicily with 1126 inhabitants (as of 31 December 2017) and is a member of the association I borghi più belli d'Italia. Castelmola was built in the 8th century BC. Founded by the Sicels. In the year 392 BC BC, the city was destroyed together with Taormina by Dionysius I and 350 BC. Rebuilt. In 902 the town was again destroyed by the Arabs. In the Middle Ages Castelmola was owned by various noble families. From 1929 to 1947 the place belonged to Taormina.

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Tip by

7.60 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types