Giardini Naxos (Taormina)
Giardini Naxos (Taormina)

Cruises in the area

Giardini Naxos (Taormina) (Sicily) / Italy

Giardini Naxos is a picturesque port town on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, known for its seaside atmosphere, long history, and beautiful beaches. It is often perceived as the gateway to Taormina, one of the most beautiful historical towns in Sicily. Although most travelers head to Taormina for its sights, Giardini Naxos itself offers offers a pleasant seaside resort atmosphere with a rich history.

  

What to taste in Giardini Naxos?

The local gastronomy is based on traditional Sicilian cuisine, which combines seafood, Mediterranean ingredients, and recipes passed down through generations.

  • Arancini – fried rice balls filled with meat ragù, cheese, or pistachios
  • Pasta alla Norma – pasta with eggplant, tomatoes, ricotta salata, and basil
  • Pesce spada – swordfish grilled or prepared with capers and lemon
  • Caponata – a sweet and sour vegetable specialty made from eggplant, tomatoes, and olives
  • Cannoli siciliani – a crispy dessert filled with smooth ricotta, often topped with pistachios

 

Why will you love Giardini Naxos?

  • A city with deep roots – Giardini Naxos offers visitors ancient monuments in the archaeological park Naxos, the Museo Archeologico museum, and remnants of ancient settlements that remind of the rich history of this coastal town.
  • Seaside relaxation and views – a long coastal promenade, pebble beaches like Recanati or Spiaggia di Giardini Naxos, and panoramas with the dominant Etna create an ideal setting for a peaceful walk.
  • Gateway to iconic Taormina – from Giardini Naxos, you can easily reach Taormina, where the main attractions include the Teatro Antico di Taormina, the cathedral Duomo di Taormina, the historic gate Porta Messina, or the famous street Corso Umberto.

 

Practical tips:

  • Official language: Italian, but in tourist areas, English is commonly spoken.
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Opening hours: Shops are usually open from 9:00 to 13:00 and again from 16:00 to 20:00. Monuments and historical sites are accessible during the day, mostly from 9:00 to 18:00.
  • Public transport: Giardini Naxos is well connected by regular bus lines and taxis to the historic center of Taormina, approximately 6 km away. Upon arrival in Taormina, tourists can use the Funivia Taormina–Mazzarò cable car, which conveniently connects the city center with the coastal beaches of Mazzarò and Isola Bella.
  • Weather: Typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The main tourist season lasts from May to October, with average temperatures between 24 and 32 °C.

       

The most interesting from the history of Giardini Naxos:

Giardini Naxos was founded in 734 BC and is considered the oldest Greek colony in Sicily. It was from here that Greek civilization spread inland on the island, including the area of present-day Taormina. The city was gradually influenced by the Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, who left indelible marks on local architecture, culture, and daily life. The port and surrounding landscape have long served as an important center for trade and coastal defense. An inseparable part of the region is Mount Etna, whose activity has shaped the landscape and the lives of its inhabitants for centuries, and today its surroundings are protected and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking through the archaeological park or promenade, you can still feel the fascinating past of this historic port town.

 

Useful information

  

Port map:

Places worth seeing:

Getting to the port:

Cruise ships dock either directly at the port Porto di Giardini Naxos at Via Schisò, 98035 Giardini Naxos ME, Italy, or on the open sea. In the case of docking at sea, a transfer to the island is provided using smaller boats (so-called tenders).

Cruises to Giardini Naxos (Taormina):

More cruises to Giardini Naxos (Taormina)