A jewel in the crown of the Ionian coast, Giardini Naxos is one of the most popular tourist resorts in eastern Sicily, just a 15-minute drive from Palazzo Vecchio Taormina.
First an ancient Greek colony, then a village of sailors, Giardini Naxos is now a protected bay famous for its bathing sites and nightlife, but also for its archaeological park, with remains of sacred and religious buildings from the Hellenic and Roman periods. They are among the best preserved in Sicily.
The rich history of the Giardini Naxos area is also visible in its churches, its streets, and the monuments, such as the Nike created by Carmelo Amendola in 1965 to celebrate Giardini Naxos's twinning with Chalkida and soon becoming a symbol of the municipality. Or the statue of Theokles, the mythical founder of the ancient colony, and the Naxos Gate, erected in 2000 on the occasion of the twinning with the Cyclades, which is inspired by the more famous Gate of Apollo. The work frames a crystal-clear sea, with hues ranging from light blue to deep blue, creating a perfect location for unforgettable shots.
Numerous free or equipped beaches allow you to bathe right in the beautiful waters of Giardini Naxos.
If you are a nature lover, the beach of Schisò with its rich vegetation and golden sand, or the beach of Porticciolo Saia with its coves surrounded by lava rocks are the ideal choice for exploring seabeds rich in caves populated by local marine flora and fauna.
For comfort lovers, Giardini Naxos' wide seafront promenade hosts well-equipped lidos, such as Recanati Beach or San Pancrazio Beach, which in summer evenings also become lounge bars and pubs.
