Taormina - On the Beaten Track But Beautiful
Taormina doesn't qualify as a best kept secret or one of those elusive off the beaten track holiday finds.
But it's popular for good reason, and you'll forgive the Sicilian resort town for the throng of tourists from the moment you arrive.
You can see why everyone pays a visit.
For starters, there's the glorious vista that sweeps down from historic hillside buildings to idyllic beaches, reached by rocky footpaths or the town's funicular railway.
The views out to sea take in the beautiful bay of Isola Bella and the eponymous island itself, now a nature reserve and popular with bird watchers and sunbathers alike.
The omnipresent Mount Etna smouldering away in the distance makes a dramatic contrast to the tranquil sea views - and an inevitable conversation piece as you sip a drink and stare in wonder from one of the picturesque (if pricey) terrace bars.
You inevitably have to find out all the hair raising facts about past eruptions and the heroic feats used to save communities and stem the lava flow (military helicopters dropping giant concrete breeze blocks into the raging volcano to try and tame Etna is just one of the tales that sticks in my mind).
And don't worry, Taormina is a reassuring 60kms or so from Etna - close enough to visit but a comfortable distance away, so you can sleep soundly at night (In truth, while Etna is an active volcano, it's seen as an occasionally destructive beast rather than an everyday danger to the island).
If you can steal yourself away from the views, the Sicilian cuisine holds another treat in store.
While there are plenty of grand dishes to enjoy, it is the simpler, more rustic, food that really whets our appetites.
Fresh grilled fish and salad, spaghetti aglio e olio, or a plate of linguini al limone - seemed to complement the setting to perfection (just go easy on the lemons in the form of the famed Italian liquor 'Limoncello' - or the view could suddenly turn a bit fuzzy).
Another must-experience is Taormina's historic Greek amphitheatre, Teatro Greco, which also boasts fantastic views of Etna and the coast.
The 2,300 year old theatre is a sizzling sun trap in the summer months (the ancient stone seats offer no respite from the heat), and a site to behold, perched above the town with its amazing natural backdrop.
Everyone from gladiators to latter-day Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton have adorned the theatre, while it's also home to Taormina's annual arts festival, Taormina Arte.
This takes place in July and August, and in 2007 featured international stars including Montserrat Caballè and Liza Minnelli.
Hollywood beckoned again in 2007 when Teatro Greco hosted the premier of the Transformers movie on a giant outdoor screen - past, present and future all together at this magnificent venue.
But the real stars of Taormina are the Italians when they dress their best and take a majestic evening stroll around town as part of the ritual known as La Passeggiata.
It's stylish affair and a sight to behold in Taormina, underlining the town's chic and upmarket feel.
Witnessing La Passeggiata also confirmed my feeling of being a little shabbily dressed for such an occasion (yes you can spot us tourists a mile off).
Still, if I lived in a town as beautiful and stylish as Taormina, I think I'd want to dress the part, too.
If you fancy some sunshine in a stunning setting, you could start your research with a visit to The Sicily Site, where you can find out lots of interesting stuff about Sicily.
But it's popular for good reason, and you'll forgive the Sicilian resort town for the throng of tourists from the moment you arrive.
You can see why everyone pays a visit.
For starters, there's the glorious vista that sweeps down from historic hillside buildings to idyllic beaches, reached by rocky footpaths or the town's funicular railway.
The views out to sea take in the beautiful bay of Isola Bella and the eponymous island itself, now a nature reserve and popular with bird watchers and sunbathers alike.
The omnipresent Mount Etna smouldering away in the distance makes a dramatic contrast to the tranquil sea views - and an inevitable conversation piece as you sip a drink and stare in wonder from one of the picturesque (if pricey) terrace bars.
You inevitably have to find out all the hair raising facts about past eruptions and the heroic feats used to save communities and stem the lava flow (military helicopters dropping giant concrete breeze blocks into the raging volcano to try and tame Etna is just one of the tales that sticks in my mind).
And don't worry, Taormina is a reassuring 60kms or so from Etna - close enough to visit but a comfortable distance away, so you can sleep soundly at night (In truth, while Etna is an active volcano, it's seen as an occasionally destructive beast rather than an everyday danger to the island).
If you can steal yourself away from the views, the Sicilian cuisine holds another treat in store.
While there are plenty of grand dishes to enjoy, it is the simpler, more rustic, food that really whets our appetites.
Fresh grilled fish and salad, spaghetti aglio e olio, or a plate of linguini al limone - seemed to complement the setting to perfection (just go easy on the lemons in the form of the famed Italian liquor 'Limoncello' - or the view could suddenly turn a bit fuzzy).
Another must-experience is Taormina's historic Greek amphitheatre, Teatro Greco, which also boasts fantastic views of Etna and the coast.
The 2,300 year old theatre is a sizzling sun trap in the summer months (the ancient stone seats offer no respite from the heat), and a site to behold, perched above the town with its amazing natural backdrop.
Everyone from gladiators to latter-day Hollywood legends such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton have adorned the theatre, while it's also home to Taormina's annual arts festival, Taormina Arte.
This takes place in July and August, and in 2007 featured international stars including Montserrat Caballè and Liza Minnelli.
Hollywood beckoned again in 2007 when Teatro Greco hosted the premier of the Transformers movie on a giant outdoor screen - past, present and future all together at this magnificent venue.
But the real stars of Taormina are the Italians when they dress their best and take a majestic evening stroll around town as part of the ritual known as La Passeggiata.
It's stylish affair and a sight to behold in Taormina, underlining the town's chic and upmarket feel.
Witnessing La Passeggiata also confirmed my feeling of being a little shabbily dressed for such an occasion (yes you can spot us tourists a mile off).
Still, if I lived in a town as beautiful and stylish as Taormina, I think I'd want to dress the part, too.
If you fancy some sunshine in a stunning setting, you could start your research with a visit to The Sicily Site, where you can find out lots of interesting stuff about Sicily.
