In short: Giardini Naxos is a large beach resort in a bay directly below Taormina, on the site of Sicily’s first Greek colony (734 BC). Long beaches, good infrastructure and generally lower prices than up in Taormina make it a practical base. The beach is partly pebbly and gets crowded in high summer.
Quick facts
- Type: beach resort, ancient colony of Naxos
- Location: east coast, directly below Taormina
- Length of stay: 2–3 days for the beach, longer as a base
- Highlights: Lungomare, beaches, Parco Archeologico di Naxos
- Without a car: good – Taormina-Giardini train station, bus to Taormina
- Best time: June and September (July/August crowded)
Who is Giardini Naxos worth it for?
| Traveller type | Well suited | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Families | shallow bay, sandy sections, promenade | crowded in high summer |
| Beach holidays | long stretch of beach, plenty of infrastructure | beach is partly pebbly – water shoes useful |
| Taormina base | cheaper accommodation, Taormina as a day destination | through-traffic on the coast road |
| Culture | ancient Naxos with a museum | less old-town charm than Taormina |
What to see
- Lungomare – long beach promenade with bars, cafés and restaurants.
- Beaches – a sand-and-pebble mix; Recanati is considered sandier and family-friendly.
- Parco Archeologico di Naxos with a museum – remains of Sicily’s first Greek colony (see Parco Archeologico di Naxos).
- Boat tours along the coast, including to Isola Bella.
- Proximity to Taormina – quickly reached by bus or cable car (from Mazzarò).
- Weekly market – Saturday mornings on Viale Apollo Archegeta, an ordinary local market for residents (see Weekly market in Giardini Naxos).
Getting there & transport
Taormina-Giardini railway station lies on the Messina–Catania coastal line; connecting buses run up to Taormina from there. By car via the A18; the nearest airport is Catania. Getting around town and towards Taormina works well without a car of your own.
Frequently asked questions
Giardini Naxos or Taormina – which is better?
Giardini Naxos is the seaside beach town with a promenade and generally lower prices, while Taormina is the historic hill town with panoramic views. Many people choose Giardini Naxos as a base and visit Taormina as a day trip.
How do you get from Giardini Naxos to Taormina?
Taormina sits directly above and is reachable by bus; a cable car also runs up from the seaside district of Mazzarò. Parking is scarce up top.
Does Giardini Naxos have sandy or pebble beaches?
Mixed: there are sandy sections (for example towards Recanati) as well as more pebbly, rocky, quieter spots. Water shoes are handy depending on the section.
What is there to see besides the beach?
The Parco Archeologico di Naxos with its museum (Sicily’s first Greek colony), the promenade, the small fishing harbour, and nearby Taormina.
Experience the east coast & Taormina, stress-free
We combine Giardini Naxos with Taormina, Etna and the east coast into a coherent route and book the accommodation. Just send us a no-obligation trip request.
Good to know
Train and bus schedules, cable car times, and the opening hours/prices of the Parco Archeologico di Naxos are time-dependent – please check current information before your visit. As of: June 2026.
