Letojanni Holidays

Easy does it in this oh-so-walkable town on Sicily's east coast, miles from mainland Italy. Beyond the buzzy old quarter, the palm-shaded Piazza Durante's where locals and visitors idle the time away. Letojanni may be small, but it has its stunners – dressed in mosaics and Travertine marble, the neo-Gothic church of San Giuseppe steals the architectural show.

Letojanni's long, lazy sweep of pebble beach calls for siestas in between splash-abouts. A public area's free for all, while pay-your-way lidos include access to sunbeds, parasols and showers. Either way, blissful beachgoers get a view of crystal-clear waters against a stretch of rugged hills.

For a change of scene, chic Taormina's a 15-minute bus ride away. Dramatically backed by Mount Etna, this fashionable town's loved for its winding, walkable streets, stately piazzas and historic sights. Admire the horseshoe-shaped Greek amphitheatre, ride a cable car to the beach, or just take in the panorama from the top of 'Monte Tauro' – the town's small peak.

If Letojanni had a taste, it would be fresh-from-the-water fish, squid, clams and mussels. Local trattorias serve up the day's catch in antipasti, pizza and pasta form – and the best spot to eat them's right on the promenade, with a view of the sea.