The apartment, perched on a hill above the old centre, is as beautiful as in the description and pictures. The veranda overlooks the bay and offers a picture-perfect view of Mount Etna. On arrival at Taormina the railway station we were unexpectedly – and thankfully – met by our hosts, who drove us up to the apartment and explained the layout of the city on the way! Waiting for us in the fridge was a much appreciated bowl of peaches, some milk, iced tea and various other ‘essentials’. Our hosts also – thankfully – took us to the bus terminal when we left.

One of the two bedrooms isn’t air-conditioned and the time we spent there, in July, was hot (around 25 to 35 degrees); in less extreme conditions the fan would have been sufficient. Even so, excellent value, and the kindest, most helpful hosts.