Taormina is spectacularly situated on the coast above some of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches. The views are astounding and the town itself is an architectural storehouse thanks to the multiple civilizations that have colonized it. Naturally, there’s an ancient Greek theatre and a beautiful old duomo. There’s also great shopping in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and on Via Teatro Greco. For sunbathing and celebrity-spotting, head for Mazzaro Bay and Isola Bella. Taormina is a very good base for excursions. Mount Etna, for instance, offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape and into the smoking crater itself – go at sunset to see the volcanic glow. In the village of Noto, you can visit the ancient Roman villa called the House of Tellaro, whose mosaics are renowned. The village itself is UNESCO-listed for its Baroque architecture. There are more ancient attractions at Agrigento, where the Valley of the Temples features ancient Greek treasures from the fifth century BC. Randazzo, meanwhile, is a preserved medieval village, with a colorful Sunday market and a curious cathedral built of lava stone. The beautiful Aeolian Islands are just a short hop from Taormina by boat. Lipari’s architectural park, shops and cathedral can fill half a day, while Vulcano has mud baths for those craving a traditional beauty treatment. Panarea’s architecture draws the international jet-set, while Stromboli remains highly active for another reason altogether (it’s a volcano).