Things to Do in Giardini Naxos

Perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea, this ancient amphitheater is the main reason most visitors come to Taormina. And the views of Mount Etna from the top rows are something else.

• Amphitheater with sea and Etna backdrop
• Occasional concerts (I missed Gianni Morandi but saw Tosca)
• Part of a hilltop town with 19th-century palaces
• Connected to Giardini Naxos by bus, funicular, or bike

The Greek Theatre is the star attraction of Taormina, which sits on a hill 5 km from Giardini Naxos. You can get there by bus from the seafront, by funicular, or even by bike - though walking up is not recommended. The theater itself is an ancient amphitheater with stunning views of the coast and Mount Etna. During summer, concerts are held here; I went to a performance of Tosca. The streets of Taormina are filled with palaces from the 19th century, confectioneries selling marzipan, and gelato shops. If you want to learn Sicilian cooking, there are courses with local chefs.

This small island just off the Taormina coast is called the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. It's a protected nature area with two pebble beaches and clear water ideal for snorkeling.

• Protected nature reserve
• Two pebble beaches, good for snorkeling and diving
• Connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar
• Local legend says it was a gift from the gods

Isola Bella sits right below Taormina, a short bus or car ride from Giardini Naxos. The island has a tiny beach on each side, and you can walk across the sandbar at low tide. The water is clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling. It's a protected area, so the marine life is healthy. I went there several times; it's peaceful if you avoid the midday crowd. The legend says the island was created by the gods as a reward for a girl who saved a wounded sea creature.

Perched above Taormina, this tiny hilltop village gives you a panoramic view that stretches from the coast to Mount Etna. The drive up is narrow, but the sunset is worth it.

• Small medieval village above Taormina
• Unobstructed views of the coast and Etna
• Limited parking, best visited by scooter or bus
• Often combined with a Taormina day trip

Castelmola sits on the mountain top above Taormina. You can see it from Giardini Naxos - a cluster of stone houses on the ridge. The main square has a church and a few cafes. Parking is very limited, so many people park in Taormina and take a local bus. From the village, the view of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna is wide and open. It's especially beautiful at sunset. In the Middle Ages, the coast below was attacked by pirates, and villages like Castelmola were fortified.

The main sandy beach in Giardini Naxos, right in the central district. It's where locals and tourists come for a classic seaside day.

• Fine light sand, not pebbles
• Family-friendly with a gentle gradient
• Free sections available, but busy in August
• Restaurants and cafes along the seafront

Schisò Beach is the sandy heart of Giardini Naxos. The sand is fine and the water is shallow, which makes it good for children. There are both free areas and lidos with umbrellas and loungers. The beach is directly in front of the central district, so everything is close: ice cream shops, pizzerias, and the promenade. In August it gets packed, and parking nearby is a challenge. The best months are June and September, when the water is warm but the crowds are thinner.

The site of Sicily's first Greek colony, founded in 734 BCE. Today it's a quiet park with low walls, foundation stones, and a small museum.

• First Greek settlement in Sicily
• Remains of city walls, sanctuary, and homes
• Small on-site museum with explanatory panels
• View of Mount Etna from the park

The Naxos Archaeological Park is located right in Giardini Naxos, near the seafront. It's not a massive complex - you'll see low structural remains, open fields, and a compact museum. The site gives you a sense of where the Greek settlers first arrived, but I wasn't deeply impressed. Still, it's a quiet spot with green spaces and a view of Mount Etna. The park is small, so you can walk through it in 30 minutes. It's a good add-on to a beach day or a walk along the promenade.

The 3-kilometer walkway along the bay is the town's main public space. It's where you go for a sunset stroll, a granita, or just to watch the light change over Etna.

• 3 km flat coastal walk
• Sunset viewpoints and benches
• Ice cream and granita shops along the route
• Connects the main beaches and districts

The seafront promenade runs the length of Giardini Naxos, from the port area to beyond Recanati. It's paved, flat, and easy to walk. In the evening, families, couples, and groups of friends walk slowly, stopping for gelato or a drink. Small squares open onto the water. The view of Mount Etna across the bay is constant. This is the most characteristic public space of the town. There are restaurants, cafes, and shops along the way. It's also the best spot for taking photos at golden hour.