New flights of fancy

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31 MAY 2004
Northern Spain
The regions of Cantabria and Asturias are known as Green Spain, their rugged coastlines interspersed with pretty fishing villages and sandy coves, backed by a stunning hinterland of mountains and national parks. Here they drink cider rather than wine, eat fish stews rather than paella and holidaymakers come to walk, climb, raft and fish rather than sunbathe. If there is a cloud on the horizon it’s that this is where “the rain in Spain” falls.

Don’t miss: The beautiful medieval village of Santillana del Mar is a must. Or join the Spaniards at play in Santander.
Where to stay: Set in the historic village of Treceno, Casa Mayoral sleeps six and is near national parks and beaches.

Sicily, Italy
Greeks, Romans, Normans, those indefatigable Victorians and stars of film and Formula 1 have all added to the 2,000-year-old patina of the mountain eyrie of Taormina. Its fascinating traffic-free high street, the Corso Umberto, is lined with pink palazzos, art galleries and boutiques selling antiques, porcelain and terracotta.

Most visitors will spend much of their time over ice creams at Ritrovos, or digestifs at the Wunderbar, taking in the views of snow-capped Etna. Below are sumptuous villas. DH Lawrence once lived here, as did Garbo. Between cypresses in the Greco-Roman theatre, a romantic backdrop for the film, ballet and music festival in August, a funicular will take you down to the coast to swim, windsurf or idle.

Don’t miss: A trip to spectacular Etna. The ruined temples at Agrigento are also within easy reach.
Where to stay: The San Domenico Palace ranks as one of the world’s most beautiful hotels. It was converted from a 15th-century convent and has a wonderful garden with views to match.