Taormina

Taormina sits 200 meters above the sea on the east coast of Sicily — overlooking the Bay of Naxos and the smoking Etna in the background. The town is undoubtedly picturesque: the Teatro Greco (ancient Greco-Roman theater, 5,400 seats, €10) has one of the most spectacular backdrops in the world — Etna as the stage background.

The Corso Umberto is the promenade with boutiques, cafes, and viewing terraces. The Isola Bella below the town is a tiny islet connected to the beach by a sandbar — perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Honestly: Taormina is beautiful, but also very touristy and expensive by Sicilian standards. The "White Lotus" series (HBO, filmed here) has further fueled the hype. Better: Visit as a day trip and stay overnight in a more affordable coastal town (Giardini Naxos, Catania).