Giardini Naxos Holidays

Giardini Naxos is a relaxed seaside resort on Sicily’s east coast, set below the hilltop town of Taormina with views towards Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. It suits holidaymakers who want a proper beach base with restaurants, boat trips and easy access to some of eastern Sicily’s best-known sights, without staying in a busy city.

The resort is spread along a long seafront, with a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches. The main beach areas around the promenade are convenient for cafés, lidos and evening strolls, while Recanati is known for its wider stretch of shoreline and a good choice of beach facilities in summer. The sea is generally the main focus of a stay here, whether you prefer hiring a sunbed at an organised lido or finding a simpler public section of beach.

Giardini Naxos has a friendly, informal atmosphere rather than a polished luxury feel. Along the waterfront you’ll find trattorias, pizzerias, gelaterias and seafood restaurants serving Sicilian favourites such as pasta alla Norma, arancini, grilled fish and cannoli. Evenings are usually low-key, with bars, beach clubs and restaurants providing most of the nightlife, especially in the warmer months. It is more about lingering over dinner by the sea than late-night clubbing.

There is also local history to explore. Ancient Naxos was the first Greek colony in Sicily, and the archaeological area and museum near the harbour give useful context to the resort’s origins. For day trips, Taormina is very close and popular for its Greek Theatre, elegant streets and views over the coast. Boat trips often visit the coastline around Isola Bella, while Mount Etna excursions and the Alcantara Gorge are also realistic options from Giardini Naxos.

For UK travellers, Giardini Naxos works well as a summer beach holiday with sightseeing built in. It is close enough to Taormina for easy visits, but has a flatter, more beach-focused layout, making it a practical choice if you want the sea, Sicilian food and a relaxed resort atmosphere in one place.