Top 15 Things to Do in Giardini Naxos: Sicily’s Beach Paradise
Giardini Naxos, located on the east coast of Sicily, is a destination that blends stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious Sicilian cuisine. 3 of our favourite things!
Once the site of Sicily’s first Greek colony, this charming coastal town now serves as a haven for sun-seekers, history buffs, and food lovers alike, sitting in the shadow of Mount Etna. We recently visited this beautiful part of Sicily on a week-long holiday and stayed at the Caesar Palace Hotel which sits just on the outskirts of Naxos.
Things to Do in Giardini Naxos
Whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long vacation, Giardini Naxos offers a variety of activities, whether you’re a history buff, thrill seeker or just like chilling out on the beach eating Italian ice cream. You’ll always find us doing the latter :)
👀 At a Glance. Here are our top tips for visiting Giardini Naxos
How to get there:
- ✈️ The nearest airport is Catania Airport about an hour’s drive away. Car rentals and buses are available for easy access.
- 🚌 Etna Transporti provide regular services (ET07) from Catania Central Bus Station to Giardini Bus Station which takes around 45 minutes.
- 🚗 Take the SP54 and E45 towards Giardini Naxos.
Top Tips:
- 📅 The summer months (June to September) are perfect for beach activities, while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- 💬 While Italian is the primary language, many locals in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few basic Italian phrases can enhance your experience.
- 🌊 The sea is warm enough for swimming from May through October.
- 👟 Bring water shoes as some parts of the beach are pebbly.
- 🏖️ Beach clubs charge around €15-20 for umbrella and lounger rentals.
- ☕ Local cafes away from the beachfront are much cheaper.
Where to Stay:
- 🏨 – Hotel Caesar Palace – where we stayed. Good for the price!
- 🏨 – Villa Don Antonio Apartments – exceptional apartments on the beach.
- 🏨 – Nautilus Hotel – Excellent service and great breakfast.
Nearby Excursions:
1. Relax on Giardini Naxos Beaches
The star attraction at Giardini Naxos has to be its gorgeous beaches with stretches of golden sand. The main beach, Lido de Naxos is a beautiful mix of sand and pebbles that runs for several kilometres along the bay and can be separated into different smaller beach zones such as Schisò which is mainly occupied by beach clubs but with beautiful golden sand.
This is where we spent most of our time as our hotel ran a half-hourly bus down to the town centre and dropped us off next to the sun lounger section owned by the hotel. It was never a problem getting a sun lounger, but if you are not staying at a hotel that doesn’t have an “area” on the beach, you may find it difficult to find somewhere to sit as the beach was extremely busy (we went in late July).
Our kids (and us, the big kids) absolutely loved getting in the crystal clear waters. The sea was warm and mainly calm, apart from a windy day which provided huge waves! We brought our own snorkel gear, the underwater views were stunning and if you managed to swim a bit further out, or away from the crowds, it was easy to see fish.
Recanati Beach and Spiaggia Del Pirata are at the southern end of Naxos and generally tend to be a bit quieter. They are small volcanic bays and can only be reached by foot, hence the quieter nature. They have a few beach clubs and restaurants, including the Pirata Beach Club which serves their famous pasta with sea urchins and some of the best food in Naxos.
2. Enjoy Water Sports
There are also a few activities to do at the beach. They have paddle boats and a large inflatable aquapark, although, we never actually saw anyone on it.
We ventured down to the inflatables one morning and were told to come back in half an hour as the lifeguard hadn’t turned up. Our kids were really keen to go on, but when we went back an hour later, the staff didn’t seem to know what was going on and shrugged when we asked how long we’d have to wait, so we gave up.
Many rental shops along the beach provide equipment and lessons for beginners. The waters around Giardini Naxos are teeming with marine life, making it a fantastic spot for diving and snorkelling.
Several diving schools offer courses and guided tours for all skill levels, such as Dive Sicily. The underwater landscape includes fascinating volcanic formations and colourful fish, and if you’re lucky, you might spot some octopi or moray eels. Even if you’re just snorkelling near the beach, you’ll be amazed at what you can see!
3. Lido Waterslides Tobogan
At the southern end of Recanati Beach is the Lido Waterslides Tobogan (Lido Acquascivoli Tobogan). Originally we had planned to go to Etnaland but the logistics proved to be impossible from Naxos. We would have had to take several bus trips or hire a car to get there. With four kids and the heat hitting 38 degrees, we decided standing in a theme park for the day wasn’t worth it, so we googled for things to do closer to our hotel in Giardini Naxos.
It includes water slides, a pool, and access to the beach where you can hire canoes, pedal boats and jet skis. It costs €25 for 2 beds and an umbrella and €12 per person to go on the slides. It is very basic, but the kids enjoyed it and the food at the restaurant was worth the trip.
4. Explore the Archaeological Park and Museum of Naxos
History buffs, this one’s for you! This fascinating park showcases the remains of the ancient Greek settlement that started it all. You can wander through the ruins of old city walls, check out ancient pottery workshops, and see the foundations of houses that stood here over 2,500 years ago.
The best part? The Archaeological Park sits right by the sea, so you get amazing views while you’re exploring. Don’t miss the small but excellent museum that helps bring the ancient city to life, with its collection of artefacts unearthed from the area.
5. Take a Boat Tour Along the Coast
Trust me, seeing the coastline from the water is a total game-changer and was our favourite day at Giardini Naxos! We hopped on a boat tour with Blue Diamond Excursions that left from the harbour, with a captain, host and only 10 of us on the boat.
The sea was choppy, but the kids loved bouncing about on the waves and viewing Naxos from the sea. The boat tour took us to Grotta Della Conchiglia, a beautiful cave with turquoise seas, before heading around the headland to Isola Bella.
Our boat moored next to Grotta Azzurra and we were handed snorkelling equipment before jumping off the boat’s bow into the crystal clear waters. The boat staff threw fish food into the sea and we were immediately surrounded by hundreds of colourful fish, all unperturbed by our presence.
It was a beautiful experience and we didn’t want to leave. However, we were lured back onto the boat with Italian pastries and a bottle of prosecco before we headed back to the harbour.
You can choose between half-day trips that take you to hidden caves and secluded beaches, or go for a sunset cruise that’ll give you spectacular views of Mount Etna and the twinkling lights of Taormina.
Many tours offer excursions to nearby attractions like Isola Bella, the “pearl of the Ionian Sea,” and the Blue Grotto and include stops for snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters as we did. If you do one thing when visiting Giardini Naxos, make sure it’s this!
Book It!
#1 BOAT TRIP
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Isola Bella and Grottos Cruise with Aperitif
✔️ Prosecco wine & local snacks
✔️ Snorkeling
✔️ Visit Isola Bella
6. Stroll Along the Seafront Promenade
The seafront promenade in Giardini Naxos is perfect for a leisurely walk. As the sun sets, the Lungomare comes alive with families, couples, and friends all taking their evening walk.
Stop for gelato (the pistachio flavour here is incredible – they use nuts from nearby Bronte), people-watch from a cafe, or browse the small artisan shops that stay open late during summer evenings.
Lined with palm trees, cafes, and gelaterias, the promenade at Giardini Naxos offers stunning views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna in the distance. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or enjoy a romantic evening stroll.
7. Sample Local Sicilian Cuisine
No trip to Giardini Naxos is complete without indulging in the local food. From fresh seafood dishes like swordfish and calamari to Sicilian classics like arancini (stuffed rice balls) and cannoli, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
The hotel staff recommended we try Pura Vida which is on the northern part of Giardini Naxos Beach and I’m so glad we tried it out! Our daughter loves sushi, so we tried the fresh tuna and salmon, with avocado and mango, and for a fussy 11-year-old, it got the thumbs up!
We also went to Al Fagiano Ristorante Pizzeria which was located right next to our hotel and the kids loved the steak and pizza here, we ended up going twice. The staff are extremely friendly and it had a lovely atmosphere to it.
Giardini Naxos has many excellent seafront restaurants with picturesque views of the sea, so you really are spoilt for choice. One that comes highly rated is Al Vicolo dei Capricci where you can try out arancini and focaccia, both baked on the spot.
If it is Italian ice cream you’re after, (well, you’re in Sicily after all, it would be rude not to try the ice cream!), you can’t go wrong with Ristorante Frontemare which is at the entrance to Giardini Naxos Beach. I lost count of the number of euros we spent on ice cream in this little restaurant. Our son dropped his ice cream as soon as we left and they were happy to replace it. Also, the views out the back are to die for!
Other noteworthy places to eat include Baia Del Soul for amazing cocktails and exceptional service and À Putia with fresh fish dishes and the best pasta in town!
8. Go On a Wine Tour
The volcanic soil around Mount Etna produces some of Sicily’s most extraordinary wines, and taking a wine tour from Giardini Naxos is an absolute must. Local wineries like Cottanera, Benanti, and Tenuta Terre Nere offer fantastic tasting experiences where you can sample unique varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
Most tours include visits to 2-3 wineries, where you’ll learn about the unique challenges and benefits of volcanic viticulture. The passionate local winemakers love sharing stories about how the volcanic terroir influences their wines.
Tip: Book a tour that includes lunch at one of the wineries – the food pairings are incredible, and many serve traditional Sicilian dishes made from local ingredients.
Book It!
#1 WINE TOURS
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Guided Etna Wine Tasting
✔️ Visit Mount Etna
✔️ Taste Catania’s local wine
✔️ Discover Linguaglossa
9. Visit Local Architecture and Monuments
If it is architecture and history you are after, it is probably best to visit nearby Taormina, however, Giardini Naxos does have a few areas to visit.
Castello di Schisò was built to preside over the bay of Naxos in 1800. It is currently closed for restoration, but when it opens, you can walk through the castle grounds and gardens and discover lots of art and sculptures.
The Nike di Kalkis statue, the work of sculptor Carmelo Mendola, gives you a glimpse into the incredible artistry of ancient Greek sculpture. Although not worth a visit on its own, it is near the Archaeological Park and gives you wonderful views across the sea.
The Chiesa di San Pancrazio is a small but historically significant religious building on Via Naxos. The church is very well maintained, and can’t be missed with its neat and freshly yellow-washed walls.
The church’s simple yet elegant design and its tranquil atmosphere make it a lovely place for reflection. It’s also a great spot to learn about the region’s religious heritage.
10. Visit Taormina
Just a short drive or bus ride away, the hilltop town of Taormina is a must-visit during your stay in Giardini Naxos. Known for its ancient Greek Theatre, charming streets, and panoramic views, Taormina offers a perfect day trip.
We took the bus from Giardini Naxos to Taormina on a hot July morning, and the trip was worth it alone. It took us up through the hills and cliffs of Giardini, which had amazing views over the Ionian Sea. Thankfully, the bus was air-conditioned and not too busy, and the trip took around 30 minutes.
Taormina is everything you could wish for from an Italian village perched up in the hills, with a cinema-worthy backdrop. We wandered through the Corso Umberto, the town’s main shopping street, and stopped by Piazza IX Aprile for stunning vistas of the sea and Mount Etna.
Corso Umberto is a vibrant shopping street that offers a variety of stores, from designer boutiques to little souvenir shops. We loved walking down the back streets, full of little pizza restaurants, grocery stores and art boutiques.
There is plenty to see and do in Taormina – the Ancient Theatre of Taormina was a 10,000-seat ancient Greek amphitheatre, which was erected in the third century BC and expanded by the Romans. The Piazza IX Aprile is in the centre of Corso Umberto and is surrounded by numerous shops.
You can also take the Mazzaró Cable Car down to Mazzaró with the Isola Bella beach a 500-metre walk away.
Taormina is a must-see when staying at Giardini Naxos. It gives you a wonderful insight into Sicilian life with amazing views of the coastline, Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
11. Take a Day Trip to Mount Etna
You can’t come to Giardini Naxos and not visit Europe’s largest active volcano! It’s just a short drive away, and there are tons of tours available.
Whether you’re up for hiking the lunar-like landscapes, viewing the lava fields, taking the cable car for stunning views, or exploring the vineyards on the volcano’s slopes, there’s something for everyone.
The volcanic soil produces some amazing wines, so definitely consider a wine-tasting tour while you’re up there.
Book It!
#1 ETNA TOUR
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4×4 with Trek
✔️ North Upper Craters Guided Tour
✔️ A Guide
✔️ Reach heights of up to 2,900 meters
12. Day Trip to Alcantara Gorges
If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby Alcantara Gorges (Gola Dell’Alcantara), which is 20 minutes from Giardini Naxos. These dramatic volcanic and basalt rock formations carved by the Alcantara River are a natural wonder. The gorges are made of black lava walls that can be up to 50 meters high.
It is a very well-managed natural park, with parking, picnic areas and a little cafe. You can walk along the trails, wade in the icy waters, or even try body rafting for an adrenaline rush. The price of the tour, including water equipment, is €45 per person and lasts three hours.
Book It!
#1 ETNA & ALCANTARA GORGES
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Full-Day Tour with Lunch
✔️ Off-road trip
✔️ Lunch break at a local Etnean restaurant
✔️ Alcantara Gorges lava canyon
Giardini Naxos offers a little bit of everything, beaches, history, food, and adventure, making it a top destination for any traveller. We stayed for a week with friends and four children between us and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their time in this beautiful part of Sicily.
Is Giardini Naxos worth visiting? Although our favourite part of the holiday was the boat trip to Isola Bella and Taormina, Giardini Naxos is still a great place to visit and stay as it generally tends to be cheaper than the surrounding towns.
Its relaxed atmosphere, combined with its proximity to iconic Sicilian attractions, makes it an excellent base for exploring the region. Whether you’re lounging on the sand, diving into ancient history, or savouring local delicacies, you’re sure to fall in love with this Sicilian gem.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Giardini Naxos. It’s a beach paradise you won’t soon forget!
Our Top 3 Picks: Giardini Naxos Hotels
#1 TOP PICK
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HOTEL CAESAR PALACE
✔️ All inclusive
✔️ Great base to visit surrounding areas
✔️ Traditional Italian Style
#2 PICK
VILLA DON ANTONIO
✔️ Pool with a view
✔️ Amazing views
✔️ Clean & Friendly
#3 PICK
NAUTILUS HOTEL
✔️ 4-Star Hotel
✔️ Terrace with Jacuzzi
✔️ Good Value for Money
