Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is a commune in the Province of Messina on the island of Sicily in Italy. It is situated on the coast of the Ionian Sea on a bay which lies between Cape Taormina and Cape Schisò.

The heart of Giardini Naxos is the seafront, with the busy Lungomare, which is bordered with pizzerias, restaurants, bars, lidos, hotels and shops.

Local attractions include the church “Chiesa di Santa Maria Raccomandata”, which dates back to the 18th century, the Gallery of Modern Art and the archaeological park's museum.

Perfume, ceramics and souvenir shops are to be found along the Lungomare. Shops are usually open until late in the evening.

Every Saturday from 7am-1pm, to the back entrance of the Hotel Naxos Beach Resort there is a market selling everything from flowers, dried fruits and fashion jewellery to homewares, clothing and tablecloths.

The coastline is nearly 4km long. There is a large fine sandy beach in the bay of Naxos and smaller rocky bays with pebbles, which are quieter.

Many visitors head to Taormina, where there are many monuments to see including Taormina's emblem - the fountain in Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral of Taormina, the Clock Tower and just a few hundred metres away from the town’s northern gate, along the road that from Capo Taormina leads up to the centre of the town, the Arabian Necropolis.

Other attractions include the Greek-Roman Theatre, which is the second largest in Sicily, Palazzo Corvaja, the Public Gardens and the church consecrated to the Patron of Taormina, St. Pancras was built on the ruins of a Greek temple.

Day trips to Mount Etna are offered by many tour operators.

Dishes to try here include fresh fish and seafood, especially clams, scampi and lobster and of course pasta and pizza! The famous Tiramisu and Panna Cotta are a perfect way to end your meal.

Cruise ships generally anchor and tender passengers ashore in the bay of Giardini Naxos.

Taxis usually wait at the dock and often cruise lines run shuttle buses (sometimes free).

The local train station, Taormina-Giardini is located on the seafront, about a mile south, down the hill from the town.

Buses to Taormina can be taken from the San Giovanni bus stop (S. Giovanni church is opposite), around a 1.5km flat walk from the dock. The town is in walking distance, however as it is located on the side of a hill, it has many sets of steps to negotiate.