Taormina Mare Holidays

Taormina Mare is the seaside part of Taormina, set below the famous hilltop town on Sicily’s east coast. It is best suited to holidaymakers who want a coastal base with easy access to Taormina’s historic streets, restaurants and views, while staying close to the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and scenic, with steep hillsides, small bays and the clear Ionian Sea forming the main backdrop.

The beaches here are mostly pebbly rather than sandy, so beach shoes can be useful. Mazzarò is one of the best-known bays, with lidos, sunbeds and places to eat close to the water. Nearby Isola Bella is the area’s most recognisable sight: a tiny island linked to the shore by a narrow strip of shingle, depending on the tide. It is a beautiful spot for swimming, snorkelling and photographs, though it can get busy in peak season. Spisone, slightly further along the coast, offers another stretch of beach with a mix of public areas and private beach clubs.

One of Taormina Mare’s biggest advantages is its connection to Taormina itself. The cable car between Mazzarò and the upper town makes it easy to visit the Greek Theatre, browse boutiques along Corso Umberto, or have dinner with views towards Mount Etna and the coast. This means you can enjoy a beach-focused holiday without feeling cut off from sightseeing.

Days in Taormina Mare tend to revolve around the sea. Boat trips often explore the coastline, caves and nearby bays, while confident swimmers and snorkellers can make the most of the clear water around the rocky coves. The resort also works well as a base for trips to Mount Etna, Giardini Naxos or other parts of eastern Sicily.

Restaurants in the seaside area are generally casual, with seafood, pasta, Sicilian specialities and terraces overlooking the bay. Evenings are fairly low-key by the water, with a few bars and hotel lounges rather than a large nightlife scene. For livelier evenings, more choice and a wider range of dining, the hilltop centre of Taormina is close by.