Taormina, Sicily, Italy

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A dramatic view of Sicily

This picture-postcard town has a look of Italy's famous Amalfi coast about it. However, it lies further to the south, on the eastern side of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Beginning in the late 19th century, sun-seeking tourists have come to the chic resort town of Taormina during the warmer months, looking to dine in its restaurants, relax on its beaches and take in the exquisite scenery.

Built over 2,000 years ago, Taormina has no shortage of historic charm, from tiny medieval streets to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, an amphitheatre built in the Greek style in the 3rd century BCE, and later expanded by the Romans. Although it's been around for more than two millennia it is still in use, with opera, theatrical productions and concerts staged there to this day - unless they have been cancelled due to the pandemic. The beauty of this town, built into a steep hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, is said to have inspired writers and thinkers both ancient and modern, from Plato to DH Lawrence and Truman Capote.