First off, if you're driving to Taormina, ensure that your directions to your hotel are spot-on perfect: the twisting hills are confusing. The Michelin Guide directions (online) are extremely detailed.

I liked the Bel Soggiorno: great location and some character. But I hated my room. Book a perimeter room with a balcony/view.

Another tip: be careful of crime. I'm pretty sure that I was targeted while I was there.

The Palazzo San Domenico hotel is an atmospheric place: sneak in and roam the halls at night.

I regret not having visted Castelmola, the village on the cliff overlooking Taormina. I've since heard that there's a phallic-themed bar (Bar Turrisi).

Michelin Guide:
www.michelinguide.com/us/index.html

Hotel Bel Soggiorno:
www.belsoggiorno.com/uk/

Bar Turrisi:
www.barturrisi.com/

My Sicily trip report:
www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/

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I love the wonderfully bizarre Atelier Sul Mare art hotel in Castel di Tusa: each room was designed by a different artist. If you're in the area you should spend a half-day in the charming village of Cefalu and climb La Rocca: the view is worth the work.

Atelier Sul Mare: www.ateliersulmare.it/applicazione/index_asm.asp?lang=en

My Sicily trip report: www.travelmusings.net/sicily-2009/

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There are quicker and more comfortable ways to Sicily than spending the whole day on the train from Rome on Italy's hot and often late trains but this is Europe's last ferry where the train goes too. That's right, they actually put the train, carriage by carriage and with you still on it, on the ferry. You can then head up to the outside deck to watch the sun set over the Straits of Messina before heading back to your carriage to rejoin the train tracks in Sicily and head on to Palermo, Taormina, Catania or Syracuse. This is far and away the best ferry ride I've done and the kids (and adults) were transfixed by the dismantling and reassembling of the train.

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Small hotel at Agrigento Sicily with private car park 2km from the beach 4km from the vally of the temples, comfortable and peacefull,all you need for a stay with local culture,hospitality and tradition.
Double rooms from 45 euro.
A family run place.

Via Ettore Gabrici n.9 AGRIGENTO
Tel: +39 0922606332
Website:www.villaholidayagrigento.com
E-mail:info@villaholidayagrigento.com

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An agriturismo and working vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna with comfortable, stylish rooms. Run by the noble family of the Baron Scammacca del Murgo - the hosts are full of character!

The estate produces very drinkable red and sparkling wines - tastings and tours available - and you can really taste the volcanic minerals in the red wine.

www.insicilia.it/sicily/farm_house_sicily_tenuta_san_michele.htm

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I've just come back from an (all too) brief stay at this hotel in Taormina, Sicily. It's nestled on the side of Monte Tauro so all the rooms have balconies with spectacular views along the coastline. The room was very luxurious, with flooring made from volcanic rock from mount Etna!

I booked through Perfect Places - www.perfectplacesoline.co.uk or 08703 331771 and flew to Catania from Gatwick with BA.

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