Taormina & Giardini Naxos
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My journey to Taormina and Giardini Naxos felt like stepping into two different worlds, each with its own charm but bound together by the magic of Sicily. In Taormina, I wandered through elegant streets lined with boutiques and cafés, stood in awe at the ancient Teatro Greco with its breath taking views of Mount Etna, and watched sunsets that seemed to set the whole sky alight. Just below, Giardini Naxos welcomed me with its golden beaches, sparkling Ionian waters, and a slower, more relaxed rhythm — the perfect place to soak up the sun and savour fresh seafood by the shore. Together, these two towns capture the essence of why I keep returning to this island I’ve loved since childhood.
Getting There
Easily reached from all UK airports into Catania (the nearest) just under a 3 hour flight from London. An approximate 40 minute drive from Catania airport, you arrive in Giardini Naxos which is our preferred place to stay.
Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos is a seaside town with two very different sides — and I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy both. Staying at Hotel Caesar’s Palace, set a little away from the beach, I found peace and quiet, perfect for unwinding after a day exploring.They have a shuttle bus to take you to the beach and back which is handy as it's too long to walk.
I also loved the charm of Arathena Rocks, built right on the black lava rocks with stunning sea views. We were fortunate to get a corner room on the second floor with views to Taormina too, lit up at night, it's so beautiful. This hotel offers privacy and serenity while still just a short walk from the lungomare.
For a completely different vibe, Sporting Baia Hotel sits right on the lungomare itself — ideal if you thrive on the energy of Giardini’s nightlife, with music spilling from bars, beach parties lighting up the shore, and the buzz of summer in the air.
Whether you come for tranquillity or the lively seaside scene, Giardini Naxos offers the best of both worlds.
With just a few euros, we got the bus up to Taormina (an 11 minute ride) to spend the day exploring. From lungomare, you have good public transport, Interbus with links to lots of nearby places. There are stops to get onto excursions (pre booked) and hop on hop off buses which are a great way to explore and visit lots of places.
A lovely port offering lots of boat excursions too.
Good places to visit from both Giardini Naxos and Taormina: Etna, Gole di Alcantara, Castelmola, Isole Eolie.
Taormina
Perched high on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea, Taormina is Sicily’s jewel — a place where history, beauty, and elegance meet. Once a Greek settlement and later a Roman favorite, it’s now a luxury playground beloved by travelers from around the world. Wander along Corso Umberto with its chic boutiques and charming cafés, step back in time at the Teatro Greco with its breathtaking views of Mount Etna, or explore the lush Villa Comunale gardens. Every corner offers a postcard-perfect view — from medieval streets to turquoise bays below. Whether you come for the culture, the shopping, the food, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, Taormina will capture your heart and keep calling you back.
I have been back to Taormina several times. When I'm on the East coast of Sicily, I'll find the time to go. I have never stayed there, always day trips.
I love wandering the cobbled streets with quaint shops and restaurants. Lots of souvenirs, ceramics and art.
With views over Giardini Naxos below and Etna, it really is a must visit place.
The Teatro Greco of Taormina is more than an ancient theatre — it’s a stage with one of the most breathtaking backdrops in the world. Built in the 3rd century BCE by the Greeks and later expanded by the Romans, it has hosted everything from classical plays to gladiator games. Today, its stone tiers still welcome audiences for concerts, operas, and film festivals. As you stand among its weathered arches, the scene unfolds beyond the stage: the sparkling Ionian Sea, the curve of Giardini Naxos, and Mount Etna rising in the distance. It’s a place where history, culture, and nature meet in perfect harmony — and a view you’ll never forget.
My breath was taken away when I visited. The history and breath taking views, definitely worth a visit.
Archaeological sites, museums and monuments are free entry on the first Sunday of every month.
MY TOP TIPS
August is very busy and hot with temperatures often reaching late 30's - 40 degrees. Making exploring uncomfortable. Visit May/June or September/October.
Taormina is very touristy and expensive, I suggest staying in Giardini Naxos and visiting for the day. If you want to treat yourself, there are some lovely hotels from the luxurious Belmond collection to Una hotels, the choice is yours.
Plan ahead so you make sure you don't miss anything, but the thing I love about Taormina is that all the streets will lead you to somewhere new and connect you to the main places to visit. Very easy to find your way around and lots of friendly people to ask for directions.