This natural paradise, a landing mark for migrant birds, was included in the "Patrimony of Humanity" of Unesco in 2000.

The seven volcanic Eolian islands, all different from one another, are ideal for those who enjoy magnificent landscapes. The sea has extraordinary shades of blue green and purple. The mountainsides are covered with the fragrant Mediterranean scrubland and here and there you can see white villas, surrounded by olive trees, bougainvillea and oleanders.

There are some unforgettable walks to be taken along the mountain paths, especially in Salina, towards Fossa delle Felci, an extinct crater covered with chestnut trees and high ferns.

Vulcano is famous for its muds and for its sulphurous waters, both used since the days of the Romans and the Greeks to relieve rheumatism, asthma or skin diseases.

Lipari, the largest of the Eolian Isles, has been inhabited since Neolithic times (over 6000 years ago). Within the walls of the medieval castle which dominates the main city of the island there are several sites of archaeological diggings as well as one the most important archaeological museums in Italy and several baroque churches.

This ancient town has been almost entirely destroyed by the earthquake of 1908 and little remains from its past. It is, however, a very lively city with concerts, many beautiful shops and restaurants, and some fascinating religious celebrations.

Mount Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe (m 3.240/10,900 ft). It attracts visitors from all over the world eager to watch its daily eruptions both in summer and in winter when the mountain is covered with snow.

The yellow broom which flowers during spring and early summer, the green chestnut trees, the silver pines, the larches and birches make a pleasant contrast to the dark lava of the mountain.

Visitors can be taken up to 2.500 meters with Land Rover guided tours to watch the lava flowing out of a lateral crater towards the Valle del Bove. An unforgettable sight! Those who prefer to have a milder image of Mount Etna can jump on a small train, "La Circumetnea", which goes round the mountain and stops in some of the picturesque villages surrounded by vineyards, almond trees and pistachio plantations, a fruit introduced by the Arabs over 1.000 years ago.

A great many poets and writers, from Goethe to Maupassant, have described the fascination of Taormina, a city that has everything to charm the eyes, the mind and the imagination.

Protected from the winds by Mount Etna, Taormina enjoys a microclimate favourable to all kinds of exotic plants and flowers. Their heady fragrance mixes with the scent of local jasmine and orange trees.

The beautiful Greek theatre, perched high over the sea, is the seat of many international artistic events. It is enthralling to watch a show written by men with impressive Mount Etna in the background.

Shopping in Taormina is a must: local craftsmanship offers first-quality embroidery, earthenware, wrought iron and original jewels. Browsing in the many antique shops is a treat.

From the heights of Taormina one can admire Isola Bella, a small picturesque islet connected to the mainland by a narrow sandy path.