The 5 Most Beautiful Taormina Beaches (2024 Sicily Travel Guide)

Taormina, Sicily has some killer beaches. The water is super clear, and the views are epic. Check out our 2024 guide to the top five beaches in Taormina for an unforgettable trip.

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Does Taormina Have Good Beaches?

Yes! Taormina on Sicily's northeastern coast has awesome beaches for everyone. Isola Bella is a pebble beach with clear waters, great for snorkeling and views of a nearby islet. Mazzarò Beach, reachable by cable car, has free areas and private lidos with sunbeds and umbrellas. For a fun vibe, Giardini Naxos has long sandy stretches and a lively promenade with bars, eateries, and water sports. Taormina's beach options are perfect for any beach lover.

Does Taormina Have Sandy Beaches?

Taormina doesn’t have sandy beaches. Most are pebbles and rocks. Isola Bella and Mazzarò Beach are super popular. They have clear water and pebbly shores, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. For sandy beaches, go to Giardini Naxos. It’s a few kilometers south. Giardini Naxos has wide, sandy beaches and a fun vibe. Letojanni is another nearby option with sandy shores and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The 5 Best Taormina Beaches

Here is a list of some of the best beaches in Taormina, Sicily:

1. Go See Isola Bella

Hit up Isola Bella. It's a gorgeous pebble beach with clear waters. Perfect for snorkeling and soaking in nature.

2. Visit Lido Playa Sole Luna

Check out Lido Playa Sole Luna. The water's super clear and it's great for families. Perfect for a day out with loved ones.

3. Check Out Lido Mazzarò

Don't miss Lido Mazzarò. It's right by the funicular and has amazing views. Ideal for a chill beach day.

4. Hang out at Lido La Dolce Vita

Head over to Lido La Dolce Vita. It’s got a relaxed vibe and great facilities. You’ll have a comfy and fun beach day.

5. Go to Spiaggia di Mazzeo

Visit Spiaggia di Mazzeo. It's quieter and perfect if you want peace. Great for sunbathing and unwinding.

Are the Beaches in Taormina Public?

The beaches in Taormina, Sicily, are a mix of public and private spots. You can hit up Isola Bella and Mazzarò Beach by cable car. They have free areas and private clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Giardini Naxos, south of Taormina, has the biggest beach. It’s got both free and equipped sections with lots of amenities. Nearby beaches like Letojanni and Mazzeo are quieter but still have good facilities.

Can you walk from Taormina Town to the beach?

Yes, you can walk from Taormina to the beach, but it’s a hike. Taormina's on a hill. You'll need to go down 700 steps. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes. The walk has killer views and is worth it. Or, you can take the cable car. It's quick and only takes five minutes. It costs around 6 euros for a round trip.

Taormina Beaches: How to get there

Here's how to get to some of the best spots:

1. Isola Bella

Isola Bella is called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean." It's a pretty pebble beach linked to a small island by a sandy strip. Great for snorkeling and clear water fun.

• Getting There: The easiest way to get there is by taking the cable car from Taormina. It costs about 3 euros one way. The station is close to Corso Umberto, Taormina’s main street.

2. Mazzarò Beach

Mazzarò Beach is near Isola Bella. It's popular for its pebbly shores and clear waters. Perfect for a chill beach day.

• Getting There: You can also reach Mazzarò by cable car from Taormina. Or, take a local bus that runs frequently between Taormina and the beach.

3. Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is south of Taormina. It has long sandy beaches and a lively promenade. It's great for water sports with lots of restaurants and bars.

• Getting There: Drive there easily; plenty of parking. Public buses from Taormina go there too, convenient if you don’t have a car.

4. Letojanni Beach

Letojanni, north of Taormina, is quieter with soft sands and clear waters. Perfect for families or a peaceful spot.

• Getting There: Reach Letojanni by car or public bus from Taormina. It’s also a nice walk or bike ride from nearby places.

5. Spisone Beach

Spisone has fine sand and clear waters. It’s more local with fewer crowds.

• Getting There: Drive there, with some parking available. Public buses from Taormina also go to this beach.

Tips for Beachgoers

• Cable Car: The funivia is a quick and scenic way to get from Taormina to the beaches. It can get crowded in the late afternoon, so plan ahead if you have dinner reservations.
• Walking: Walking from Taormina to the beaches takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views. Allow extra time if you plan to stop for photos.
• Facilities: Most beaches have sunbeds, umbrellas, and restaurants. Some, like Isola Bella, offer boat trips to nearby grottos and coves.

What is the Best Beach in Sicily?

San Vito Lo Capo is the best beach in Sicily. It’s in the northwest. The sand is white, and the water is clear. Monte Monaco is in the background. The beach is almost 3 kilometers long. It has lots of beach clubs, bars, and restaurants. Families love the shallow waters and great facilities. Nearby, Zingaro Nature Reserve has quieter beaches for those who want peace and nature.

Discover the Cultural and Historical Highlights of Taormina

Taormina's beaches are gorgeous, but there's so much more to see. Check out the Ancient Greek Theater. It's got killer views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. They still put on plays and concerts there. Super cool.

Art and history buffs should hit up Casa Cuseni. This old villa turned art museum has works by Picasso and Dalí. The gardens are a chill spot with awesome views of the town and sea.

Don't miss Palazzo Corvaja. It’s home to the Museum of Art and Popular Traditions. You’ll see Sicilian crafts, ceramics, and more. The building itself is a mix of Arab, Norman, and Gothic styles. Totally shows off Sicily's history.

Take a stroll down Corso Umberto, the main drag. It's packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The medieval buildings are gorgeous. End up at Piazza IX Aprile for the best views and a lively vibe.

Nature lovers should check out the Alcantara Gorge. The lava formations are wild. Great for hiking and canyoning. Or take a day trip to Mount Etna. It's one of the most active volcanoes. You can hike, take tours, or even ski in the winter.

The Best Tours in Taormina, Sicily

Here are some of the best tours in Taormina:

Taormina: Ancient Theater Entry Ticket and Guided Tour

Skip the line and visit the Ancient Theater of Taormina. Check out one of Italy's largest ancient theaters. Learn about its Greek origins and Roman changes. See the amphitheater and hear stories of gladiator fights and history.

From Taormina: Savoca and Forza d'Agrò The Godfather Tour

Visit "The Godfather" filming spots in Savoca and Forza d'Agrò. See Bar Vitelli and the church from Michael Corleone's wedding. Tour the Capuchin crypt and maybe stop at a chocolate museum.

Taormina: Boat Tour with Aperitif on Isola Bella

Enjoy a boat tour around Isola Bella with an aperitif. Relax as expert skippers show you the beautiful bays.

From Taormina: Etna Upper Craters Day Tour

Take a guided tour to Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. Go by coach, then cable car, and jeep to the upper craters. See various craters and vents, depending on the weather.

Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

Ride a semi-submarine to see marine life around Giardini Naxos and Isola Bella. Look out for dolphins, barracudas, and octopuses. Pass by the Cave of Lovers and visit the Blue Grotto.

Taormina: Sunset Coastline Boat Tour & Dolphin Watching

Take a sunset boat tour along Taormina's coastline. Enjoy the views and watch for dolphins.

Where to Stay: Catania or Taormina?

Choosing between Catania and Taormina in Sicily depends on your vibe. Catania is a bustling city, great for exploring historic sites, street markets, and nightlife. Check out Piazza del Duomo, the Roman Amphitheater, and Mount Etna. Plus, it's budget-friendly. Taormina is perfect for a chill, scenic getaway. Visit the ancient Greek Theatre, enjoy stunning coastal views, and stay in upscale hotels. Its charming old town and beautiful beaches make it a more tranquil and picturesque choice.

The Best Hotels in Taormina, Sicily

These picks are some of the best hotels in Taormina, Sicily that cover all budgets:

Budget Hotels

Hotel Isola Bella
Hotel Isola Bella is a cute budget spot near Isola Bella Beach. It's comfy with air-conditioned rooms and free Wi-Fi. You get killer sea views from the terrace and it's a quick walk to the beach.

Jonic Hotel Mazzarò
Close to Mazzarò Beach, Jonic Hotel Mazzarò is cheap and cozy. The rooms are simple but nice, and the vibe is friendly. Perfect for budget travelers wanting to soak up Taormina's beauty without spending big.

Family Hotels

Hotel Caparena
Hotel Caparena is great for families. Easy beach access, big rooms, and a huge garden. Kids have plenty to do. Families can chill on the private beach and have a blast.

UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia
In Giardini Naxos, UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia is ideal for families. Tons of pools, sports courts, and a private beach.

Mid-Range Hotels

Taormina Panoramic Hotel
Taormina Panoramic Hotel offers awesome views of Isola Bella Bay. Modern rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, and rooftop breakfast. Close to the beach and cable car to Taormina's center. Perfect for comfort and affordability.

Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina
Near the Greek Theatre, Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina mix comfort and elegance. Gorgeous rooms, a Mediterranean garden, and an outdoor pool. Peaceful and close to the beach, a solid mid-range pick.

Luxury Hotels

Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel
Grand Hotel Timeo has stunning views of Mount Etna and the Bay. Historic and luxurious, with fancy rooms, a wellness center, and lush gardens. Private beach service and top-notch dining make it perfect for a lavish stay.

Mazzarò Sea Palace - The Leading Hotels of the World
Mazzarò Sea Palace is a luxury gem on Mazzarò Bay. Elegant rooms with private terraces, a wellness center, and a gourmet restaurant. Right on the beach with amazing service, it's the ultimate beachside escape.

Weather in Taormina, Sicily

Spring

Spring in Taormina is awesome with mild temps and blooming landscapes. March can be cool, with temps in the upper 50s to low 60s. By May, it warms up to the mid-70s. Perfect for outdoor fun and sightseeing. Rain happens less as spring goes on, with some showers in March and April, tapering off by May.

Summer

Summer is peak tourist time in Taormina, with hot, dry weather. June kicks off the heat, with temps in the low 80s. July and August hit the upper 80s and sometimes 90s. Evenings stay warm, perfect for nightlife. Rain is rare, so expect lots of sunny days for the beach and festivals.

Fall

Fall in Taormina cools down from the summer heat. September is still warm, with temps in the low 80s. By October, it drops to the mid-70s, and November can see highs in the 60s. Rain picks up, especially in October and November, making everything green and lush. Many find fall charming with milder temps and fewer crowds.

Winter

Winter is the quietest in Taormina, with cooler temps and more rain. December and January are the coldest, with daytime temps in the mid-50s to low 60s. February warms up a bit, but nights stay cool, often in the 40s. It's the wettest season, with most rain in November and December, keeping the scenery green.

Best Time to Visit

Best time to hit up Taormina is spring and fall. May and June have warm, pleasant weather without summer's intense heat, ideal for exploring and outdoor cafes. September and October also offer comfy temps and fewer tourists. Summer is great for beach and nightlife lovers, but the crowds and heat might be a turnoff.

If You Have Only a Week, Is It Better to Spend It in Sicily, Sardinia, or Tuscany?

If you've got a week, hit up Tuscany for countryside vibes, vineyards, and cities like Florence and Siena. Tuscany has awesome wine, tasty food, and Renaissance art, plus it's easy to get around. But if you’re into cultural history and cool landscapes, go to Sicily for Mount Etna and Mediterranean food with tons of influences. For beach lovers, Sardinia’s the spot with some of Europe’s best beaches and clear waters. It’s pricier and less cultural. So, pick Tuscany for scenery, Sicily for history and volcanoes, or Sardinia for beaches.