Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a charming town on the north-eastern coast of Sicily and stands majestically between the blue Ionian Sea and the green island hinterland.

It's a fascinating destination, rich in ancient history: founded in 734 BC, it is considered the first Greek colony in Sicily and owes its name to the island Naxos in the Cyclades.

With its pristine beaches, intense turquoise sea, and archaeological treasures, Giardini Naxos offers visitors a multifaceted experience in the welcoming atmosphere of its seaside bars, cafés, and hotels.

Whether you are a Nature lover, and like spending time in outdoor pursuits or sports, or prefer doing sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of opportunities in Giardini Naxos and in its delightful surroundings.

Beach lovers will certainly want to head for the beach in Giardini Naxos. The most popular beaches are those of Schisò, San Giovanni, San Pancrazio, Recanati Teocle, and San Marco Calatabiano.

And while the sea here is a palette of blue hues that laps against the golden sands of both private beach clubs and free public beaches, it is not the only local attraction.

Coastal activities include boat trips to Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto. Boats depart from the local port several times a day.

Moreover, the evocative Alcantara Gorges, located in the valley of the same name, can be reached by car or by bus from Taormina. Also known as the Larderia Gorges, these caves were formed by earthquakes that opened deep fissures, traversed by underground rivers. You can relax on a small pebble beach or embark in a body rafting adventure or simply in a guided trekking.

One of the most interesting places to visit is the historic Schisò Castle, a testament to the times and changes in Giardini Naxos. Part of a medieval fortress, it has changed use several times, from a sugar mill to an aristocratic residence.

The archaeological park on the promontory of Capo Schisò is a must-see, accessible via splendid panoramic trails and extending over forty hectares (ninety-nine acres). Also famous is the sculpture dedicated to Nike, goddess of victory, located in the Schisò neighborhood and created in the 1960s by Carmelo Mendola.

Near the park, the Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit, housing ancient clay kilns, marble altars, and various Hellenistic-era utensils. Click below to find more information on all the Archeological sites and museums

The striking profile of Mount Etna in the distance is a constant presence in Giardini Naxos.

It is highest summit in Italy not belonging to the Alps, the highest active volcano in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage since 2013. It is home to the biggest and oldest tree in Europe (Il Castagno dei cento Cavalli)

There are numerous trails that allow you to explore it, by trekking, by cycling and by car.

You can even take a cable car to reach some of the summit craters.

Whatever way you choose Mount Etna is treasure trove of unique landscapes, nature, and colors.

Catania, Messina and other nearby cities are easily accessible from here.

Taormina

Taormina is nearby, just five kilometers away, and can be reached by car or bus.

Perched on Mount Tauro, with breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the peak of Mount Etna just to the west, Taormina, known as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean," is one of Sicily's most popular tourist destinations.


The site was already inhabited by the Sicels when, around 358 BC, the Naxians refugees founded Tauromenion.

Taormina has an ancient Greek soul, still visible in the Theatre and other monuments of that period, but also a medieval town center.

Beyond that, it has beautiful beaches, and is connected to one of them, Mazzarò, by a spectacular cable railway.

Syracuse

Syracuse is the hometown of Archimedes, and still preserves all the charms of its ancient Greek origin. But every period in the past centuries has added its contribution, which has led to the declaration of Syracuse an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As customary in Sicily, Syracuse is surrounded also by beautiful beaches and a breathtaking coastline and natural reserves, such Vendicari and Marzamemi. 

Catania

Catania is a sparkling multicolored universe, ranging from the glittering whiteness of its Baroque stuccoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the lava black of the Liotru, the elephant sculpted from basalt, symbol of the city, passing through the gray of the majority of the buildings in its historical city center.

Messina

Messina is said to be the gateway to Sicily and represents the nearest point to the Italian mainland, Calabria, which is only about 3 km (1.86 miles) away. The Greeks used to call this land Zancle “sickle”, because of the shape of its natural harbour.

It has often been said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach: if this is true, you’re all going to fall in love with Giardini Naxos, in particular, and Sicily more in general. 

In the local cuisine, one is spoilt for choice whatever their food preference, sweet or savoury: cassata, granita, gelato (ice cream) or pasta incasciata, arancini, .....

And you won’t even need to leave the workshop venue to be pampered. If you want to combine nature and food exploration, the vineyards on Mount Etna produce very sought after wines, which are red, rosé and sparkling. Take the tourist itinerary that follows the Etna wine road to enjoy fine wine paired with the traditional flavours of Sicilian gastronomy in one of the wineries.