Discover Taormina, Italy!

Giardini Naxos is a popular beach resort and, as a matter of fact, it was the first Greek settlement in Sicily. It is recorded that a village had already been founded here by the mid 8th century BC. The inhabitants were the Naxans, so the town was named for them. Though it was never a major port, it was a long lasting one. The bay offers a convenient natural harbour for merchant traffic in the area. Some of the town's excavations are open to visitors. Though they are not very well preserved some of the old lava town walls can be seen there.
Originally established as the Greek town of Taormenium, Taormina's charm and elegance are legendary. Sir Winston Chruchill's favorite vacation spot, the town looks down over the sea from its perch on a high cliff atop Monte Tauro. One of Italy's most famous resorts, Taormina was a favorite retreat for Goethe and D.H. Lawrence. Lawrence even took up permanent residence for several years. Across a wide valley is nearby Mount Etna. The Village is filled with arches, columns, cupolas, and dark red cliff faces. Cape Sant' Andrea, the incredible rock of Sant' Alessio and the majesty of Etna, lend themselves easily to the romantically inclined ~ and the long Corso Umberto I lends itself just as easily to the avid shopper! From Taormina, Etna looks somewhat gentle and benevolent, but don't be fooled. Sometimes at night, the great cavity shoots flames skyward. Taormina is perfect for camera buffs. Every inch is dramatically photogenic. There are plenty of easily accessible historical monuments to see. Not far from the gate is the Church of San Pancrazio, a converted ancient Greek cella. Further in town, built into the side of Monte Tauro, the Greek Theater is second only to its counterpart in Syracuse when Sicily's classical theaters are compared for size. 
This one is pretty much intact and reveals influences ffrom both Greek and Roman civilizations. the latter having modified the original structure. It is fairly easy to find since there are signs pointing the way from the main plaza, but it may take a while because of the shops along the road leading to it.
Palazzo Corvaia is an interesting 15th-century building and provides an excellent example of the characteristic black and white lave and pumice work of Taormina architecture. It also offers a great photo oppurtunity when it's contemporary, the delightful Church of Santa Caterina, is included in the frame. Behind the church are the remains of an intimate Roman theater.
Almost everything of interest in Taormina is on or near Corso Umberto I. The pedestrian street is lined with multi-colored mansions of the 15th and 16th centuries, many of them detailed in intricate Moorish style.
Near Taormina is Castelmola, another charming village that is even higher. The side trip rewards you with excellent views, and a look at the ruins, from which the village name derives.