Giardini Naxos Sicily
This is the ultimate 2025 guide to Giardini Naxos. Inside this guide there are no useless information either we try to make it sound idiliac. We get straight to the point with three top fives, about the best tours, best beaches and best restaurants.
A brief introduction to Giardini Naxos
Giardini Naxos is a small town with an exotic name located on the eastern Sicilian coast in Messina district. Giardini Naxos takes its name from ancient Greece. In fact, the Chalcidese settlers from the east founded the first Greek colony in Sicily in Giardini in the 7th century BC. Instead, the first part of the town name "Giardini" originates from the Persian word Jiardin which in Sicilian language means citrus grove. In fact, Giardini Naxos, until the 60s of the last century, produced large quantities of citrus fruits. I begin the article by mentioning the etymology of the name of Giardini Naxos because tourists who arrive in Giardini often go in search of these gardens that do not actually exist. Let's see what there is to do and see in Giardini Naxos.
Why choose Giardini Naxos for a holiday in Sicily?
Giardini Naxos thrives on tourism; in 2024, the tourist presence exceeded seven hundred thousand units, not bad for a village of just eight thousand inhabitants. But why choose Giardini for a holiday in Sicily? The geographical position of Giardini Naxos located between Taormina, the Alcantara Valley, and Mount Etna makes Giardini one of the ideal places to explore the eastern Sicilian coast. Syracuse is only 80 kilometers away, while Catania and the international airport of Fontanarossa can be reached in just 45 minutes either by car or through a convenient railway service, departing each hour from Giardini Naxos train station. Giardini Naxos has a series of enchanting beaches, some with fine sand and others with pebbles, and the sea is crystal clear. The marine park of Isola Bella is only five kilometers from Giardini. At the same time, those who want to enjoy the nightlife can reach Taormina in just ten minutes. The accommodation offer is vast, from B&B to four-star hotels with spas and pools by the sea. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months. June, September, and the beginning of October are undoubtedly the ideal months to enjoy the best of this small Sicilian town.
What to do and see in Giardini Naxos
The list of things to do in Giardini Naxos is long, so I thought I'd make a top three of my favourite excursions. For those who want to find out more, I suggest visiting Sicily Active.com. The website specializes in outdoor activities, and the menù is divided for geographic locations, easy to navigate, and full of exciting ideas.
1 Boat tour Isola Bella
Tell me, who doesn't love a relaxing boat ride while sipping a prosecco? The boat tour from Giardini Naxos that I suggest costs only €25, includes fresh fruit, drinks, and visits to four bays, (Naxos, Isola Bella, Mazzarò, and the Bay of the Sirens) including the beautiful marine park of Taormina's Isola Bella. The boat tours depart from the port of Giardini Naxos or from one of the four private jetties near the port.
I have shared the links with the departure point and car parks.
Attention! The free, unguarded car park is a 3-minute walk from the boat tour departure point, while the guarded car park is a 10-minute walk away.
Kayak Tour to the blue cave
Sports enthusiasts can visit the coastline of Giardini Naxos and Taormina with a two-hour Kayak tour that reaches the most secret corners of the turquoise sea of Giardini Naxos. Excursions are available daily from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. The itinerary is truly enchanting with a visit to the Lovers' Cave and the Blue Grotto, also the passage under the incredible and mighty Prickly Pear Rock will surprise you. I recommend you bring a waterproof case for your phone, you won't want to miss the opportunity to capture the best moments of your adventure.
Attention! Between July and August it is not easy to park, so if you are staying in Giardini Naxos, I recommend you walk to the starting point.
Kayak adventure
Kayak tour to the Blue cave
Explore the sea coast of Giardini Naxos
Snorkeling at the marine Park of Taormina
The snorkelling tour with mask and fins is one of the best-selling tours in Giardini Naxos, and this should come as no surprise, given the spectacular sea and seabed that the marine park of Isola Bella offers. The tour lasts a good 3h30 minutes and visits the four most beautiful bays on the coast of Giardini Naxos and Taormina. Unlike the boat tour, the snorkelling tour offers the possibility of two stops for swimming. If you love basking in the sun in tranquillity, the snorkelling tour is for you.
Attention! The free, unguarded car park is a 3-minute walk from the boat tour departure point, while the guarded car park is a 10-minute walk away.
Giardini Naxos Beaches
I begin this chapter by telling you that all the beaches of Giardini Naxos are super crowded in August. Still, maybe… you can find a corner of peace! As for the previous chapter on "Excursions from Giardini Naxos", For this chapter I will also create a top five of the best beaches in Giardini Naxos. Over the years, there are left just a few "free" beaches in Giardini Naxos, so if you want fine sand, be ready to pay for it. Prices for two sunbeds and an umbrella range from € 10 to € 25. The names I used for the beaches are those with which they are known by the locals. So if you are not sure where the beach you want to visit is located, just ask someone using the Italian name. Please keep in mind that when I use the word “free,” I mean that you won't be charged to access a certain beach. According to Italian law, anybody can pass inside a beach club to reach the sea.
The last five meters of shoreline cannot be occupied by any private business, never, and anybody can use it free of charge!
The beaches of Giardini Naxos
- Schisò
- San Giovanni
- Piazza Municipio
- Sotto La stazione
- Recanati
- Le Pietre Nere
1 Pirate Beach
In reality, this beach has various names. This small volcanic bay is enchanting, the sea is crystal clear, and you can choose whether to use the free beach or one of the two beach clubs. This Giardini Naxos beach can only be reached on foot, meaning that it is never super crowded. As a reference point, take the "Carabinieri station" (Police station) a little further on the opposite side; you will see a path and the signs pointing to two beach clubs. Once you reach the sea, turn left and pass the two beache clubs. The food served at the Pirata beach club is one of the best in Giardini Naxos, the pasta with sea urchins is very good.
2 Schisò
This is the most coveted beach in Giardini Naxos because it comprises fine sand and a wide shore. Most of the beach is occupied by private lidos (beach club) only on the south side; there is a small strip of free beach with old boats. Under San Pancrazio church on the north side, there is another tiny strip of sandy beach.
3 Recanati Pietre Nere
This beach is wide but located outside the Gulf of Giardini Naxos and not protected by a bay; the water is suddenly deep. The beach is made up of a mixture of gravel and sand; the view of Mount Etna is phenomenal. If you like this beach, I recommend the "Stella Marina" beach club, two sunbeds and an umbrella cost only € 10. The drinks are of good quality, the food is always fresh, and the atmosphere is laid back
4 Between San Giovanni church and Piazza Municipio
This is a short stretch of coastline between the church of San Giovanni (the ugly pointed one that looks like an upside-down artichoke) and Piazza Municipio (Town Hall Square of Giardini Naxos). This stretch of coast of Giardini Naxos offers crystal water, small beaches, never super crowded, frequented by locals. The sea is crystal clear, and rocks' presence makes it one of the ideal places for snorkeling. There are only two beach clubs in this area, but the rest of the beaches are free of charge. My favorite spot is the beach right under the town hall because a restaurant with a panoramic terrace serves delicious fish dishes at lunchtime.
5 Spiaggia sotto la stazione (the beach by the train station)
Giardini Naxos restaurants
The choice for restaurants in Giardini Naxos is vast. Still, I want to recommend those that I have personally tried and that I continue to use. The average cost for fresh fish is around €45/55 per kg. Stay away from sea bass and sea bream 99 times out of ten this two speies of fish are farmed and should cost round €15/20 per kg. but some restaurant will try to sell it as "Wild catch of the day".
1 Pura Vida
The Mediterranean atmosphere of this restaurant is an added value to the quality of the fish they serve. Giorgio, the owner, has a fish shop, so the freshness of the products is guaranteed, plus his bubbly and light-hearted character will make the whole experience unforgettable. The house's specialty is seafood and oysters. The pasta dishes are also phenomenal. The restaurant is located in the Piazza Municipio area (Townhall square)
2 Le desir picant "Da Roberto"
This small and cozy restaurant with a terrace overlooking the sea offers Mediterranean and ethnic cuisine. After traveling for years between South America and Southeast Asia, Roberto, the owner has learned to cook the typical dishes of those places. In addition to an exotic menù Roberto prepare some excellent Sicilian dishes of the Sicilian tradition.
3 The Lido Il Pirata
This restaurant in Giardini Naxos is open for lunch and sometimes also for dinner. For those wishing to go to Il Pirata at dinner time, I recommend you to call. The restaurant is on the beach, the risottos are delicious, but their specialty is the raw fish. Remember that the road to the beach where the Il Pirata restaurant is located is only accessible on foot. The road leading to the restaurant is located near the Giardini Naxos Carabinieri police station.
Il SottoSopra
This is indeed the best pub in Giardini Naxos. The spirits they serve are of the best quality; live music is the trademark of Sotto Sopra. The menu includes starters, salads, and a selection of burgers with excellent quality meat. The SottoSopra is located in the Schisò district in front of the Naxos beach.
Il Porticciolo
This restaurant is located around the Piazza Municipio area. The owner of this small "trattoria" nicknamed Nino "U Mricanu" ( Antony The American) cooks excellent first courses, raw fish, and second courses. Still, in my opinion, their pizza is the best you can find in Giardini Naxos.
What to see in Giardini Naxos
Visiting the archaeological park
Among the things to do while on holiday in Giardini Naxos, I recommend visiting the archaeological park. This historical site does not have intact structures like those in the Valley of the Temples or the Greek theatre in Taormina, but it is an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the greenery. The view of Mount Etna is incredible. Inside the archaeological park of Giardini Naxos is a museum full of artefacts from the Greek era. If you want to learn more about the origins of Giardini Naxos, a visit to this archaeological site is a must.
Entry map point to the Archaeological Park
Ticket price €5
Tip! Use the Entrance located near the restaurant La Sirena near the port of Giardini Naxos.
A stroll along the seafront
The promenade is the beating heart of Girdini Naxos. This promenade starts at the harbour, ends at the marina and is about three kilometres long. The scenic views are remarkable. Along this walk, you will pass the sandy shore of Schisò and countless restaurants and ice-cream parlours. Sitting on the little wall and enjoying the sunset light is a must. The terrace of the Naxos Lido is located along this promenade and sitting for a coffee with a view will give you the opportunity to take some photos. If you plan to visit Giardini Naxos, don't forget to put the promenade on your list of things to do.
Tip! You can extend this wonderful walk by starting in the tourist district of Recanati, park near the roundabout near the Mariot hotel and enjoy the Stracina avenue.
What to see near Giardini Naxos
Taormina
Taormina is the most popular tourist destination on the island and it is not because it is fashionable but because Taormina, without exaggeration, is a jewel full of history, breathtaking scenery and a cultural scene full of festivals, including an international film festival. If you are on holiday in Giardini Naxos, Taormina with its monuments will give you the opportuinity to spend a whole day.
How to reach Taormina from Giardini Naxos
Taormina is only five kilometres away from Giardini Naxos and can be reached by bus. Interbus and Etna trasporti stops are located along the main road. If you have a car, you can safely use the two larger car parks, the Porta Catania car park on the south side of Taormina or the Lumbi car park on the north side. There is also a convenient Hop on hop off and City by See tourist bus service that offers a range of convenient day tickets to visit the places closest to Giardini Naxos, including Taormina, Castelmola and Savoca.
Visit Mout Etna from Giardini Naxos
Etna is only 42 kilometres from Giardini Naxos and this one of the most active volcanoes on the planet is well worth a visit. There are many tours available to visit Etna. For those visiting Sicily for the first time, I suggest the Etna and Gole dell'Alcantara tour. With a single eight-hour tour you can visit two of the most iconic regional parks in eastern Sicily.
The price of the tour is €69 for adults and €45 for children up to 12 years of age and includes transport trekkimg shoes and the entrance ticket to the Alcantara Gorges.
Visit Mt. Etna
Etna Alcantara Tour
Visit two regional Parks in one day
Visit Castelmola
The small hilltop village of Castelmola is eleven kilometres from Giardini Naxos and can be included in the itinerary for the day when visiting Taormina. This small village should be included in your list of things to do while staying in Giardini Naxos. The ideal time to visit Castelmola is at sunset when you can have an aperitif with a wonderful view of the Mediterranean Sea before continuing the evening in Taormina. If while you are on holiday in Giardini Naxos you decide to visit Castelmola make sure you pop into the Turrisi bar, famous for its almond wine and decor.
How to get to Castelmola from Giardini Naxos
If you decide to go to Castelmola by bus, be aware that you have to change at the Taormina bus terminal. If instead you decide to use the car, once in Castelmola use the first car park in front of Villa Sonia, you will have to take a walk to reach the square of Castelmola but you will have a better chance of finding a car park without stress.
Visiting Villages near Giardini Naxos
If Taormina and Castelmola are among the first two hill towns to visit immediately following, the Alcantara and Agrò Valleys represent a reservoir of hill towns where you can get away from mass tourism and get a taste of rural Sicily. In the Alcantara Valley Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo offer an incredible array of monuments and enchanting landscapes, and for wine lovers it is an opportunity to visit the Etna wine district. Randazzo hosts a local market on Sundays that is well worth a visit.
On the north side of Giardini Naxos we find the Agrò valley, rich in history. Of all the villages, I recommend a visit to Savoca and Forza D'Agrò, both of which were used by Francis Ford Coppola during the shooting of the film The Godfather.
The Alcantara Gorges
The Alcantara Gorges are only 20 kilometres from Giardini Naxos but offer such a distinct change of scenery that you will feel catapulted into another country. The Alcantara Gorges are famous for the canyon of lava nature that displays rare and beautiful basaltic colonnades along the walls, but the river of the same name where you can relax or take a refreshing swim is also enchanting. The water temperature rarely exceeds 12° Celsius. Get ready for a thrill!
How to get to the Alcantara Gorges
A convenient extra-urban transport service run by Etna Trasporti and Interbus departs from Giardini Naxos. Rides are not very frequent, the first bus arrives at the Alcantara Gorges around 10 a.m.
Attention! Use the municipal stairs entrance to access the Alcantara Gorges the ticket costs only €2
River adventure
Body rafting and Cliff Jumping!
The best adventure available in Sicily
Conclusions
Giardini Naxos as a destination for your holiday in Sicily confirms itself as an ideal place, startegically positioned between Sicily's three most important regional parks, Mount Etna, the Alcantara Gorge River Park and the Isola bella Marine Park. The proximity to Catania's Fontana Rossa international airport is another plus point for Giardini Naxos. If you are looking for a holiday full of historical sites, enchanting sea and excursions, put Giardini Naxos on your wish list, you will not be disappointed.
