Parco archeologico Naxos: Sicily’s First Greek Colony

In short: The Parco archeologico di Naxos on the lava peninsula of Capo Schisò preserves the remains of Naxos, Sicily’s first Greek colony (founded 734 BC) – right on the sea below Taormina. Characteristic are the dark city walls of lava stone. Plan on 1 to 1.5 hours; a quiet, level counterpoint to overcrowded Taormina. (We cover the museum on its own page.)

Quick Facts

• Type: archaeological park (Sicily’s first Greek colony) with museum
• Location: Capo Schisò, Giardini Naxos (Province of Messina), below Taormina
• Duration: approx. 1–1.5 hours
• Highlights: lava-stone city walls, temple foundations, street grid, views of the sea and Etna
• Without a car: good – level, on foot/bus from Giardini Naxos, Taormina-Giardini station
• Opening/Admission: approx. €5 / €2.50 (with museum), 9am to sunset – see below

Who Is This Visit For?

Target group	Well suited	Limitations
History enthusiasts	the roots of Greek Sicily	no standing temples, mostly walls
Families & strollers	flat seaside terrain, combinable with a beach day	little shade
Without a car	level, reachable on foot/bus/train	–
As an alternative to busy Taormina	quieter, cool sea breeze	less spectacular than the Taormina theatre

What You’ll See

• Lava-stone city walls – the defining feature: dark walls of locally quarried volcanic rock, in places using an unusual building technique.
• Sanctuary and temple foundations in the area near the cape.
• Remains of the regular street grid – important evidence of early Greek urban planning.
• Seaside setting with olive trees and views up to Taormina and Etna; the museum within the park rounds out the visit.

History & Background

In 734 BC, Chalcidians from the island of Euboea, led by Theocles, landed at Capo Schisò and founded Naxos as Sicily’s first Greek settlement. At the landing site they built the altar of Apollo Archegetes, where festival delegations travelling to Greece would make offerings. In the early 5th century BC the city was rebuilt to a strictly regular plan.

In 403 BC Dionysius I of Syracuse destroyed Naxos and enslaved its population – punishment for the city having sided against Syracuse. Naxos was never rebuilt as a city; part of the population founded the higher-lying Tauromenion (Taormina). Precisely because the site was never built over again, its archaic townscape remains unusually well legible.

Planning Your Visit & Getting There

The park sits at sea level in Giardini Naxos – unlike hilltop Taormina, it’s straightforward to reach. From Taormina-Giardini station it’s a bus, taxi or walk; from the centre of Giardini Naxos the park is an easy walk along the promenade (see Buses & trains in Sicily). By car: exit A18 at Giardini Naxos, park near the town – unlike Taormina with its ZTL and scarce parking, this is simple.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early autumn are ideal for the largely shadeless, flat terrain. High summer is manageable but hot – early morning or late afternoon is recommended (admission runs until shortly before sunset anyway).

Nearby Alternatives

Combines perfectly with the famous Teatro Antico of Taormina, Isola Bella and the hill town of Castelmola. To the north lie the Alcantara Gorges, to the west Etna. The finds are displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Naxos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Opening Hours & Admission

According to the official park website (Parco di Naxos e Taormina), it’s open daily from 9:00am until one hour before sunset. Admission is listed as a “Museo Archeologico di Naxos” ticket at €5 (reduced €2.50), covering both the park and the museum. No separate park-only rate is officially stated. As of: June 2026 – check prices/hours before your visit.

Sources & Updates

Core data: Open Data Portal of the Regione Siciliana. History, opening hours and prices according to the official park portal (parchiarcheologici.regione.sicilia.it, Parco di Naxos e Taormina) and established sources. As of June 2026; check time-sensitive details before your visit.

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