The ancient greek-roman theatre of Taormina provides the frame for the classic view of Etna and the Bay of Naxos. Famous Taormina is a small town located in the foothills of the Monti Peloritani. These mountains, with their jagged peaks and wide valleys, are the geological continuation of the Calabrian Aspromonte, separated only by the narrow Straits of Messina. In the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the northern coast of Sicily, lie the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archipelago forms a volcanic bridge which extends from Etna to Vesuvius: seven volcanic islands, two of which, Lipari and Vulcano, are described in "Landscapes of Sicily".

The classic excursion from Taormina is an outing to Castelmola. Sir Winston Churchill was only one of many who enjoyed the local almond wine and the wonderful view of Taormina and the Gulf of Naxos from the terrace of the Bar San Giorgio. If you follow the old mule tracks on Monte Venere, you will also move on literary ground. The amorous adventures of Frieda von Richthofen with a mule driver from Castelmola inspired her husband D. H. Lawrence to write Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Perhaps best of all, it’s likely that you will only have to share the marvellous views from the peak of Monte Venere (also called Monte Veneretta) with a few grazing goats. Shop for a picnic in Taormina or Castelmola.

Described as walk 9 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Forza d’Agrò is a great place to escape from touristic Taormina, and it’s easily reached. People in the little town are hospitable, and many of them have worked abroad for years. Forza d’Agrò is built on the southeastern tip of the mountain ridge that this walk encircles. While a third of the route was asphalted during recent years, there is no traffic, and the views are still lovely.

Described as walk 10 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

The peak of Monte Scuderi is without doubt one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Peloritani Mountains. Some might climb the mountain in the hope of finding gold. An old folk tale tells of a buried treasure on the peak. No one has found the treasure yet, and perhaps it was the golden glimmer of mica slate, frequent in this area, that gave birth to the legend. No gold mines, but snow pits — the neviere — are to be found on the heights. In the past, the snow was collected and pressed into ice in these pits. Then, in summer, it was carried on the backs of mules to Messina, to make granita, a refreshing sorbet concocted from lemons, almonds or mulberries. More about the Riserva Naturale Orientata Fiumedinisi e Monte Scuderi: www.parks.it/riserva.fiumedinisi/ 

Described as walk 11 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Rocca Novara is often called the 'Matterhorn of Sicily', and with good reason. This steep limestone rock towers proudly above all the other peaks in the Peloritani range. It’s no wonder that a marvellous view awaits you at the top - Aeolian Islands included, but first you have to earn it. The last part of the ascent is steep and tough.

Described as walk 14 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴). Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

The Aeolian Islands are of volcanic origin; Vulcano even gave its name to all fire mountains worldwide. The Gran Cratere is a textbook example of a volcano, with a perfect cone-shaped steaming crater. The last great eruption took place from 1888-90, the next is still expected. From the crater’s edge you enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the archipelago.

Described as walk 12 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴).

Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.

Lipari, the main island of the Aeolian archipelago, has a very varied landscape. This walk, along the west coast, could be easily combined with a bus tour round the island (but bear in mind that the public buses only make the complete circuit of the island during the summer season). However, you could try to hitch-hike from Quattropani to Acquacalda and take the bus back to Lipari from there. Bearing in mind that this excursion can take a whole day, do decide in advance whether you should stay overnight in Lipari.

Described as walk 13 in Landscapes of Sicily. Car tours and walks, Sunflower (2013⁴).

Have a look at the editors web site with current updates: www.sunflowerbooks.co.uk/product/walking-in-sicily/.