This seaside resort on Sicily's eastern coast was the first Greek settlement on the island. The calm beach and clear Mediterranean waters draw summer visitors.
Giardini-Naxos curves along Sicily's eastern coast, where Mount Etna rises behind its sandy beaches. You'll find fishermen bringing in their daily catch at the harbor, families swimming at Lungomare Beach, and locals dining at seaside restaurants. Walk through ancient Greek ruins at Cape Schisò, take a boat to the Blue Cave, or spend an afternoon exploring the volcanic formations at nearby Alcantara Gorge.
Swimming and Beach Life
The town's main beach extends along the bay with both sandy and pebbly sections. At Lungomare Beach, you'll find beach clubs with sunbeds, showers, and restaurants, while Recanati Beach has more free areas for laying out your towel. The water slopes gently, making it safe for children. Several waterfront cafes and restaurants line the promenade, where you can grab cold drinks and fresh seafood.
Archaeological Park and Museum
At Cape Schisò's archaeological park, you'll walk among the remains of ancient Naxos, Sicily's first Greek colony from 734 BC. The city walls from the 6th century BC still reach heights of 8 meters. Inside the museum, you'll see temple decorations with Silenoi figures and coins minted between 460-403 BC.
Food and Local Specialties
Restaurants in Giardini-Naxos serve fish and seafood caught each morning in local waters. Many menus include seafood salad with octopus and shrimp, swordfish rolls, and seafood risotto. Visit during the June Seafood Festival when food stalls and restaurants create special menus with local fish. Try wines from Mount Etna's vineyards, which pair well with seafood dishes.
Day Trips from Giardini-Naxos
At Alcantara Gorge, 13 kilometers away, you can walk down to a river flowing through 50-meter-high black basalt columns formed by ancient lava. Mount Etna stands 42 kilometers away - join a guided tour to explore its craters and lava fields. Take a regular bus up to Taormina, a medieval town perched on the cliffs above Giardini-Naxos.
Getting There and Around
Catch a direct bus from Catania Airport to reach Giardini-Naxos. The Taormina-Giardini train station on the Messina-Siracusa line serves both towns. Local buses connect you to nearby destinations, and boats leave regularly from the port to Isola Bella and the Blue Cave.
