We are arriving in Messina via cruise and have a few choices where to go. We are considering Taormina or Mt. Etna. Anyone visited these two or any other ideas?

I used to think that Positano and Portofino were probably two of the most beautiful spots in Italy. Then I went to Taormina, which I think blew them both away.

Taormina is absolutely beautiful. Never been to Etna -wrong time of year-(you have a view from Taormina) , but how do you compare a town with a volcano?<BR>Etna has been fairly active recently.

We went on a Med cruise a few years ago (LOVED IT!!!!) and stopped at both these locations. Of the two, I agree with the other posters - if I had to choose one - it would definitely be Taormina. Mt Etna was okay, but I actually thought it was more interesting from a distance..... Taormina has great history and was very interesting....

Thank you all.