Giardini Naxos is an affordable and laid-back resort, close to Taormina and with plenty of charm of its own. Stretching along the beachfront in the same wide bay as Taormina, this authentic Italian town thrives in the summer, and is a tranquil option outside of peak months. Designed around a long promenade packed with shopping and dining, the town of Giardini Naxos is perfectly suited to a relaxed seaside escape.
There’s plenty of history to enjoy too, with the 15th-century Vignazza Tower and 16th-century Schisò Castle dominating the town’s skyline. Activity in the Giardini Naxos generally revolves around relaxing by the seafront, with several lidos providing easy access to the beach. In the evening, many of the beachfront bars and cafes stay open late and it is not uncommon to dine late into the evening, with ice cream or crepes to finish. Should you wish to see more of the area, then Taormina is just a 15-minute drive across the bay, and boasts an ancient amphitheatre, historic streets and a 13th-century cathedral.
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Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
The coastal town's main draws are its beautiful beaches (perfect for sunbathing, snorkelling and diving), friendly restaurants and lively bars. The town is also home to the church 'Chiesa di Santa Maria Raccomandata', which dates back to the 18th century. Inside you can view the 15th-century painting of the 'Madonna di Porto Salvo'. Every Saturday, the street leading to Hotel Sant Alphio Garden diverts into a market selling everything from shoes and clothing, to flowers, dried fruits, fashion jewellery and home ware.
Flight Information
The closest airport to Giardini Naxos is Catania (CTA), which is about 1 hour from Giardini Naxos. Direct flights to Catania are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and take approxmimately 3 hours.
When to go
Thanks to its southerly location, Sicily enjoys mild temperatures all year round. Spring and autumn are both lovely times to visit, with temperatures in the high teens and early 20s (although up in the hills and on the slopes of Mount Etna it can be significantly cooler). In summer, you can expect temperatures in the high 20s – perfect for spending time on the island's beautiful beaches.
Visa Information
At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.
Tipping
Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.
Introduction to languages
The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.
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