Tropea or Taormina?

Never been to Tropea (Zoe?) but have been to Taormina, which used to be for the Sicilian jetset way back when. Now it's just a picturesque tourist haven, but not really screwed up by the multitude of stands/stores along Corso Umberto, their main drag. The fact remains that Taormina sits on one of the most beautiful spots on Earth. From the Teatro Greco--built in the 3rd century B.C.-- you can look out on the Ionian Sea and picture life 2000 years ago. Breathtaking.

Plenty of neat hotels, and I found the exotic Sicilian bent on food to be preferable to almost anything I have found on the mainland.

Haven't been to Taormina (really want to) but have been to Tropea. Spent one night before and one night after a week on a sailboat in 2011. Actually had my second favorite dinner in Italy there. Its a cute town to wander, there's a "castle" in the bay, but I don't think I would choose it over Taormina unless you want to daytrip to one of the Aeolian Islands or somewhere else nearby. You will spend time getting to and from Taormina so that is something to factor into your choice.

Both great choices, but if one had to choose, maybe Taormina would come first.

I've never been to Tropea so I can't compare them, but Taormina is magic. Once I went, I understood why people like Greta Garbo and Tennessee Williams used to stay there for months at a time. If I could afford it, I would too.

Love both of them. Taormina would be my first choice, although how much time it will take you to get there, and what's in the vicinity, may influence your choice. Taormina has Etna nearby. You can fly into a nearby airport for either one.