The Ionian Riviera is a lowkey way to discover the stunning beauty and way of life of the Mediterranean - and a great gateway to Sicily. It showcases the culinary and historical richness of the island with its own brand of quieter luxury. It’s an amazing four-day stay.

I think the ideal trip would be to combine Toarmina with the 3 hr ferry ride to Sicily’s Panarea for a few days, which offers the contrasting young, chic party flavour of the rich Milanese at play.

If you are coming for an Italian coastal holiday for the first time then go for the all-out glamour destinations like Portofino or Capri and the Amalfi Coast first.

But if you are ready to start exploring, then come to Sicily and find tranquility, atmosphere and beauty in Taormina. If you have the freedom to come anytime you’ll find Spring and Autumn are less crowded and hot then high season in July and August, so visiting either side of those months would be ideal.