Giardini Naxos
A seaside town on the site of Sicily's first Greek colony, with a long beach and an archaeological park. It is the seaside lodging area below Taormina.
Giardini Naxos lies at the foot of Taormina's southern slopes. In 734 BC the Greeks founded Naxos here, the earliest colonial city on Sicily. The archaeological park on the headland preserves ancient city walls, the remains of a Temple of Aphrodite and a small museum (admission about €4–6). The town has several kilometres of gravel beach and a seafront promenade. Hotels and restaurants are cheaper than in Taormina, which makes it a good place to stay. The Taormina-Giardini Naxos railway station lies between the two towns, and buses run to Taormina's old town in about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
All day (archaeological park approx. 09:00–19:00)
Nearby sights
- Naxos Archaeological Park
- Corso Umberto & Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina
- Castelmola
- Villa Comunale di Taormina
- Ancient Theatre of Taormina
- Isola Bella
- Forza d'Agrò
- Alcantara Gorge