Sicily in early May

There have been a number of threads on Sicily recently - have you done a search?

Why are have you chosen Sicily? Taormina is only "the" place to go for more than a day if you are into very touristy places. Sicily has a great deal to offer in the way of Greek ruins, Roman and Byzantine mosaics, baroque architecture, interesting towns, scenery, food and general history and culture, but Taormina is not the best place to experience most of it. You may find my TR useful: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/crumbling-palazzos-and-creamy-cannoli---savoring-sicily.cfm

We've been to (mainland) Italy several times and have planned Sicily to be out next trip. We were taking our daugher, son in law and 2 year old grandson. The thought was that a beach area base was best. We are open for suggestions.

Are you looking for a beach holiday or do you want to see some of Sicily? You cannot see Sicily - not even eastern or western Sicily - from one base.

How long do you have?

Your title says early May; your text says early June. Early May is not beach (or even swimming pool) weather in Sicily.

Here is Sicily in May, including Taormina, but we had 15 days to see the island. You should base east or west--or both.
http://www.slowphotos.com/photo/showgallery.php?cat=3828

We absolutely loved Sicily but wouldn't go there for the beaches. We enjoyed Taormina - it has beautiful vistas and lots to see. However, the beach is not great. You have to go from Taormina on a funicular down a steep grade and when you get to the beach it is quite narrow and unattractive. There is so much to see and do in Sicily, it seems a shame to go for a beach vacation. I'm sure there are nicer beaches than Taormina but we really didn't see anything. Our 8 days in the western part of the island, however, were full of amazing and beautiful sights.

In Europe go to Sardinia for beach holidays without any debate the best this side of Bermuda. Not quite the Turks and Caicos but up there. The beaches on Sicily are a long way short. I would not say that anyone goes to Taormina for the beach.

Also go to Sicily with an open mind it is a long way both geographically and culturally from Northern Italy. There is some stunning architecture and some not so stunning.

If you are set on Sicily and would like a beach consider Siracusa. It is a beautiful small city and culturally closest to the rest of Italy. It also has some good beaches just south and some very good beaches in the nature reserve at Vendicari.

BTW depending on your definition of warm late May/Early June that far south is USUALLY beach weather.

However, if you are from Florida take a fur coat and wet suit.

I hardly go anywhere for beaches, so can't really comment on those in Sicily - so many other reasons to go there! But although I loved Ortigia (Siracusa) I think there may be more to see on the western side, in which case Cefalu might work as a base with a beach.

your responses were very helpful. Yes we are from Florida1. I think we will rethink this and wait to go without the grandson so we can do a real "travel around Sicilly". Thinking about the beaches in Israel

I agree with mamcalice, don't go to Sicily just for the beaches, though there surely are few nice ones like San vito lo capo. To me the best thing to do in Sicily is to go visit some small original villages, such as Motta Camastra for example.
http://sicilyinyourpocket.com/messina/motta-camastra
Actually there isn't that much to do, just walking around and enjoying the sceneries and atmosphere. To me it was really amazing.
Personally I try to find always not so touristic locations.

Some strange advise here on Sicily! Its a wonderful island, dont give up on it yet (Israel I am afraid is not comparable). Go and enjoy the people, the food, the climate, beaches and history. Pretty much anywhere you land up will be nice.