6 Best Nightlife in Sicily, Italy

This knickknack-filled bar has lorded over Castelmola's town square since 1907, and if you manage to resist the pull of the enchanting view on the terrace, you can explore the historic interior to learn more about the village's past. Try the vino alle mandorle (almond wine) from a recipe produced by the original owner more than a century ago, then follow luminaries such as Guglielmo Marconi, Winston Churchill, John D. Rockefeller, and John Steinbeck by signing the visitors' book.

Truly one of the most infamous places to have a drink in all of Italy, this humorous bar has cozy nooks and crannies on three levels—all decked out with phallic images of every size, shape, and color imaginable, from bathroom wall murals inspired by the brothels of ancient Greece to giant wooden carvings honoring Dionysus. If you can get past the design choices, the roof terrace has extraordinary views of Taormina and the coast, while a limited selection of hearty pasta dishes are served inside.

This is a casual place to grab a beer and enjoy a light antipasto, pizza, or pasta dish at a reasonable price. They are open most of the day, so finding a late lunch when other places are closed won't be a problem here. The location is stunning, with views out toward the sea.

Don't expect too much from the nightlife scene here, but this decent café comes with plenty of tables outside on the main (and pedestrianized) shopping street, so it's a good place to sit and watch Mazara life pass by. Stop for a coffee or an evening aperitivo, when Aperols or Campari Spritzs come accompanied by tasters of panelle (chickpea flour fritters), arancini, and crocchè (potato croquettes).

Open only during the summer, this cocktail bar sits on a small wooden deck bedecked with fairy lights, overlooking the sea. At dusk, it's magical. And once night falls, in the distance to the south, you can make out the outline of the faraglioni by moonlight. They make especially good Negronis and different variations of gin-and-tonics.

Throughout this bar, located in a former bank, you'll find ceramic heads (all for sale) by Catania artist Stefania Boemi. Legend has it that a Sicilian noblewoman discovered her beloved, a visiting Moor, was already married in his homeland. In a fit of rage, she cut off his head and left it on her balcony for all to see. The next morning a basil plant was sprouting from the head. And thus was born the tale of the teste di Moro (Moor heads). Outside, tables sit in the shadow of the Duomo where locals stop for excellent cocktails during their evening passeggiata.