Taormina or Tropea?

Tropea is nice but not worth more than a day or so. Depends on when you're going too. That area pretty much shuts down during the winter. I suggest Taormina hands down. You can pretty much do that in a day also but you have Catania, Siracusa, Etna, Giardino Naxos etc etc just a short distance away. If you can get to Tropea on the way for a visit cool but I wouldn't plan for much more than that.

I haven't been to Tropea, but I can say that 5 nights in Taormina would be my idea of heaven! It's a wonderful place to relax, with a magical atmosphere.

I have been to both areas. I love both of them. If you can split the time between Taormina/Tropea (3/2 nights). Both are lovely cities, Taormina does have more side trips available, but if you want a choice of two nice beaches and a lot of relaxation time, I would say two nights in Tropea would be great. Some friends and I stayed at Villa Vittoria last summer and it was a lovely old residence turned into a very comfortable B&B. Booking.com lists a double at about 88 euro for April, high season could increase the rate.

You already have a hotel in Taormina, or I would suggest one there.

We've been to Tropea several times and this past May we spent a week in Taormina. Our recommendation is resoundingly Taormina. We never tired of taking our evening passeggiata on Corso Umberto, Taormina's main street.

We stayed in a b&b called Villa Sara above the main area and our room provided a seaside balcony. The view of the water and Mt. Etna were beautiful in the morning and absolutely STUNNING at night.

If you have the chance go to Mt. Etna to see an active volcano. It was a most fascinating day. That castle on top of Calatabiano was interesting, as well.

Buon viaggio,

Thank you, all! Staying in Taormina was the same conclusion to which I had arrived. However, being that my desk research is limited, it was lovely of you to share your opinions :)