I am thinking of Taormina for a spring holiday and have looked at hotels both in the town and down at sea level. I know there is a cable car connecting the two. My question is - which is best? It's possible we would want to swim in the sea but by no means a given. Where would YOU stay? Does the cable car only run limited hours?

What month in the spring are you planning to travel?

Stay in Taormina itself. The beach is pebbly; you may not want to swim there very often. And the views from Taormina - plus the Greek theatre - are superb.

I agree--stay on top. We like the Villa Schuler.

Yes, stay in the town. I thought the beach was a big let-down. If you want a beach holiday, I wouldn't go to Taormina at all.

Thanks very much for your prompt responses. Up the top it is then (in May)!

Well, I was in Taormina in April and there was no way I'd even think about swimming, much too cold. Not sure that May will be that much warmer. It is beautiful but not the type of place to go if you want a beach experience.