Taormina Mare Holidays

On the coast of north-east Sicily, Taormina Mare perfectly captures the heart and soul of Italy's largest island. There's an ancient Greco-Roman amphitheatre, ocean views, bougainvillea-lined terraces and cosy cafés, not to mention bars and restaurants – all with Mount Etna brooding in the distance.

The lively town's the pulse of this place. And Corso Umberto I, an elegant pedestrianised street through the centre, is where you'll want to hang out. Open-air restaurants are full of authentic tastes and smells – like 'tonno in agradolce', a sweet-and-sour tuna dish. The shops range from fashionable boutiques to smaller storefronts with antiques and handmade ceramics on show.

Composed of twin crescent-shaped coves, Taormina Mare's main Isola Bella Beach is named for the sweet nature reserve that occupies a tiny island just off the coast. Rent a sunlounger and pick a spot on the rocky shore. Clear waters make this a top spot for snorkelling, while land-lovers can cross the sandbar to the wild island and try to spot a kingfisher or two.

Taormina Mare's well-placed for little daytrips. Within half an hour's drive to the north, Messina's got a good-eating rep for its swordfish and crystalline sugared ice cones – and the Norman cathedral's not too shabby, either. In Catania, a 40-minute drive to the south, impressive Baroque architecture's on show.