Taormina

The ancient theatre was cut into the slope by the Greeks in the third century BC and heavily rebuilt by the Romans in brick, and its orientation means the stage opening frames the coastline and Etna beyond, which is why almost every description of it starts with the view rather than the architecture. It seats around five thousand and is still used for concerts and a film festival. The town above kept a steady flow of northern European visitors from the nineteenth century. Isola Bella, a small island below joined by a shingle spit, is a nature reserve. Cable cars link the town to the beach.

What you actually see

• The Greek theatre - a Hellenistic auditorium with Etna framed behind the stage.
• Isola Bella - a small island reserve joined by a shingle spit.
• Corso Umberto - the main street through the walled town.
• The Etna views - the volcano visible from terraces across the town.

When to go

April to June and September to October; July and August are extremely crowded and hot. The theatre hosts a summer arts season, when parts are closed for staging.

Honest expectations

It is expensive and crowded, and the theatre is often partly occupied by concert staging. Parking is difficult and the beach is far below the town.

Nearby

Etna lies southwest; Savoca is inland.