Taormina's Pasticceria Etna

Fruits made of marzipan (frutti di martarona), candied oranges, torroni and cannoli. These are the famous sweets of Sicily. Pasticceria Etna in Taormina does it best and has since 1963. The shop's owner, Giuseppe Chemi, has won Italian awards for his pastries and makes decorating his shop windows with spectacular confectionery creations a priority. Be sure to stop in while you are walking on Taormina's main shopping street (Corso Umberto #112).

Mocambo Bar in Taormina

To see and be seen is always the top priority in Italy, and Taormina is no different. The best place in Taormina for evening people-watching is the Mocambo Bar in the 9th of April Piazza (Piazza IX Aprile). There's live music every night and the iced tea with lemon granita is a must-have. There's even excellent coffee and wine to be had for 3 Euros a glass. The gelato isn't half bad either. Try it on a brioche, the Sicilian way.

Secret Hotels of Sicily

Budget Travel has a great list of villas and farms that have been turned into hotels. Each property starts at below 150 Euros and promises to offer an authentic and unique Sicilian experience. The Villa Letizia in Palermo is right on the waterfront and near one of the city's most charming quarters. The Hotel Gutkowski in Siracusa's historic Ortygia district (pictured) offers sea views and a real regional Sicilian breakfast. The Villa Nettuno in Taormina is situated in a lush garden overhanging a seaside cliff. For more "Secret Hotels" read the article on BudgetTravel.com.

Hiking Mt. Etna

If you would like to see an active volcano up close, be sure to take a day trip to Mt. Etna. Not only will you experience lava flows and craters but you will be able to see some of the interesting sights on the mountain itself, including villages, views and a Norman castle made entirely of lava. The Co.Ga.Sicily.Tour company is a reputable touring outfit operating from Catania. For 55 Euros per person, a vulcanologist will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Mt. Etna for the entire day (lunch not included). My sources tell me to ask for Giuseppe as your guide. Etna makes for a fantastic all-day excursion from Taormina or Catania. Have fun and wear sturdy shoes!

The Most Beautiful Hotel in the World

Perched on a hillside overlooking Mt. Etna and the Mediterranean, the Grand Hotel Timeo in Taormina is one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Built into the foundations of the Greco-Roman theater, this hotel is luxurious, intimate, and the service is impeccable. The hotel was once the home of Sicilian nobility and to this day exudes the taste and refinement of its former residents. The rooms are elegant and almost all have views of the sea and the dining terrace where live piano plays every evening. The Grand Hotel Timeo is an excellent base for exploring Eastern Sicily and especially Taormina, one of Sicily's most charming cities. With rooms starting at 330 Euros, The Grand Hotel Timeo is not cheap, but it is an unforgettable experience worth every penny.

Sicily: Where to Go, What to See in a Nutshell

Often overlooked by tourists, Sicily is Italy's hidden treasure. From beautiful beaches to elaborate ruins, Sicily has something for everyone. Don't miss the Greek temples at Agrigento and Selinunte. Taormina's Greco-Roman theater and access to Mt. Etna are truly the jewel of the island. Gorgeous beaches and seaside retreats in Zingaro and the Aeolian islands will leave you wondering why you would ever vacation anywhere else. World-class museums in Palermo and Siracusa showcase some of the most exquisite artifacts in the Mediterranean. Sicilian culture, relatively untouched by the rest of the world, offers the most delicious food and interesting traditions. Just don't expect anyone to speak English!