Taormina, Sicily, is a beach paradise. It's all about sun, sand, and total chill vibes. Its beaches are absolutely top-notch- perfect for sun-lovers, adventurers, or anyone needing peace. Taormina's beaches will win your heart.
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Jump To
- The Best Beaches in Taormina
- Isola Bella (one of my favorite beaches in Taormina!)
- Giardini Naxos
- Mazzarò
- Letojanni
- Mazzeo (another one of my favorita beaches in Taormina!)
- Villagonia
- Spisone Beach
- Sant'Alessio Siculo
- Mermaid Bay
- Pirata
- Recanati
- Piazza Municipio
- Where to Stay Near the Beaches in Taormina
- Places to Eat Near the Beaches in Taormina
- FAQs (Frequently asked questions about the beaches in Taormina)
- Are you still hungry for more Italian adventures after the beaches in Taormina?
The Best Beaches in Taormina
Taormina on Sicily's coast has Italy's most enchanting beaches. We'll check out the best ones, each with its own charm. From Isola Bella's pebbles to Mazzarò Beach's calm waters, you'll find top spots for chilling, swimming, and sunbathing. These beaches are a refreshing break and show off Taormina's beauty. Get ready for clear waters and great views, making Taormina's beaches a must-experience.
Isola Bella (one of my favorite beaches in Taormina!)
Isola Bella, "Pearl of the Mediterranean," is a scenic speck near Taormina, Sicily. It's got beaches - pebbly ones, rocky patches - that sunbathers love. There's a narrow path to the mainland. Sometimes it's an isthmus (that's a fancy way to say a sandy land bridge) at low tide, a cool sight. It's in a bay on the Ionian Sea.
The place was private until 1990. Then Sicily bought it, turned it into a nature reserve. The World Wide Fund for Nature runs it. It's ringed with sea caves, birds, and lizards.
Now, it's the Isola Bella Marine Park. You can boat, dive, kayak here. Nearby is the Blue Cave of Taormina, with clear water, lots of fish. But they're limiting visitors now, to save the sea life.
There's a museum, a garden you can pay to see. A few pricey restaurants and beach clubs serve food. You can rent sunbeds on the public beaches and clubs.
You can reach Isola Bella from Taormina. Take a cable car for great views, just minutes. Or walk, drive, bus it. There's parking above Mazzarò Beach.
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Giardini Naxos
Isola Giardini Naxos, south of Taormina in Sicily, went from a quiet fishing village to a hot tourist spot. It's famous for its beaches. The town's ancient, the first Greek colony in Sicily, started in 734 BC. It's got old temples and ruins from the 5th century BC.
The beach? Golden sand, pebbles, against hills. The seafront's a crescent bay with clear waters. The beach has free sections and paid ones with umbrellas, sunbeds, food, toilets. For pebble beach fans, try Recanati. It's got clean, filtered water.
But Giardini Naxos isn't just beaches. It's lined with hotels, pubs, restaurants, and discos. It's buzzing, day and night. There are churches, an archaeological park too. So it's not just sun and sand; there's culture.
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Mazzarò
Mazzarò Beach in Taormina, Sicily, is a pebble beach in a bay near Isola Bella. It's famous for clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. The seabed near the bay and Blue Grotto is great for diving.
The beach has private clubs and free spots. Clubs offer umbrellas, beds, changing rooms, toilets, showers, and food. Free areas let you bring your stuff for a do-it-yourself vibe.
You can reach Mazzarò Beach by a cable car from Taormina. It's got killer views. If driving, there's parking, but it fills up fast in tourist season.
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Letojanni
Letojanni Beach, just north of Taormina in Sicily, is a hit for its beauty. It's got a long, golden sandy stretch, great for families and chill vacations. The clear blue waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.
Letojanni used to be a small fishing spot. Now, it's a busy summer resort but still calm, even when packed. It's got equipped beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas, plus cool seafood places. There are also free beach areas for a low-key vibe.
The town's got history too. You can see its Greek roots in the Temple of Apollo ruins. The Church of San Giuseppe, from the 18th century, is another historic spot.
Near Taormina, Letojanni offers extra dining and shopping. It overlooks the Ionian Sea, giving amazing views. It's a great base for exploring eastern Sicily.
Water sports fans will love it here. The mild weather and sun are perfect for beach lovers. The town's piazzas, with shops and cafes, buzz with life. In summer, music, shows, and festivals crank up the fun.
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Mazzeo (another one of my favorita beaches in Taormina!)
Mazzeo Beach, tucked between Lido Mazzarò and Isola Bella near Taormina, is a quiet, absolutely pretty spot. It's got fine, golden sand, a total hit for summer crowds. It's calm, perfect for chilling in a village-like scene.
The beach mixes pebbly shores with equipped spots and free areas. Equipped parts have comfy sunbeds, bright umbrellas, seafood places, and cafes. The water's crystal clear, from turquoise to emerald, and it's ringed by greenery.
Getting to Mazzeo Beach from Taormina is easy. You can take the Beachbus or the cable car. It's handy for those around Taormina.
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Villagonia
Villagonia Beach, by Giardini Naxos and under Taormina, is a rock and pebble beach. It's pretty easy to reach, especially from Taormina's center. You can walk from the Taormina-Giardini train station in about ten minutes. Overall, it's super convenient for anyone staying in or near Taormina.
The beach is known for its calm, clear sea. It's peaceful, great for relaxing and sunbathing. Since it's next to Giardini Naxos, famous for its sandy beaches, it makes a nice change if you want to change the pace from Villagonia's pebbles.
Also, Villagonia Beach is close to some historic spots, if that's your thing, like the Castello di Villagonia. This adds a bit of culture to your beach day and will make your mom proud.
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Spisone Beach
Spisone Beach, on Sicily's Ionian coast, will give you different vibes from the other beaches. It's got sandy and pebbly parts. Some areas are free, others rent out loungers and umbrellas.
The beach has fine golden sand and clear blue waters. So yeah, that sand will come in handy for throwing down the beach towel for sunbathing, or a place to come back to after swimming and enjoying the views. Spisone's also got some pretty decent restaurants, cafes, and bars right on the beach for a cold Coca Cola. Naturally, they serve fresh seafood and your classic Sicilian eats. Plus, there are dance clubs for a lively scene a night to sweat off all that pizza.
Oh yeah, be sure to look up and catch the views of Mount Etna.
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Sant'Alessio Siculo
Sant'Alessio Siculo Beach is quiet and very, very pretty . I loved the fact that is has over a kilometer of fine black sand and pebbles, a totally unique standout on Sicily's east coast.
The sea is clean and clear. It's a peaceful spot. The view? A castle on a stack, adding magic to the scene. The beach has everything you need for comfort.
Sant'Alessio Siculo turns into a super fun tourist spot in summer. It's got good hotels too and is close to Taormina and Giardini Naxos. In the daytime or evening, the beach has a shaded promenade, perfect for moonlit walks with your significant other.
There's also the Castle of Sant'Alessio Siculo, which is this amazing Norman-era gem. It's got two towers and a so much rich history, all of Sicily does! Back in the day, it was a lookout, prison, and not that long ago, a WWII defense spot.
The town's also got the Villa Genovese, a spectacular 19th-century building, now a cultural center with a library and art shows.
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Mermaid Bay
Mermaid Bay, near Atlantis Bay Hotel in Taormina, Sicily, is peaceful with great waters. It's not too crowded, good for quiet seekers. To get there, find a ladder near Atlantis Bay Hotel. This free beach has no bars or restaurants. It's all about chill vibes. Great for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in nature.
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Pirata
Pirata Beach in Giardini Naxos, near Taormina, is this very lovely, charming actually, small bay with gorgeous deep blue waters. It's known for being relaxing and very clean. Totally great for a calm beach day if that's in your stars. It has both lidos (beach clubs) for sunbed and umbrella rentals if you like glamping and not camping, and free beach areas. In my experience, it was quieter than nearby beaches, offering a kind of private feel. So I'll give it an overall praising for its beauty and top-notch service, a must-visit in the Taormina/Naxos area.
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Recanati
Ahhhh Recanati Beach, which is also near Taormina in Giardini Naxos, is wide and very, very pretty, with these fine white sands. I noticed that it's a hit with families, thanks to its shallow waters and facilities. If you want to spend a full day, it's got equipped lidos for sunbed and sunshade rentals, and also these free sections for a natural vibe.
But keep in mind that Recanati's not just for chilling. There are bars (a staple in Sicily!), restaurants, and a nightlife around, making it lively if you're looking to get your summertime Sicilian jam on. It's totally bustling in summer, drawing fun and friendly locals and tourists too.
Just to let you know, the beach has a wonderful view of Mount Etna, a real bonus in my option. And, being that's in Giardini Naxos, it's also a superb gateway to explore the local history and culture if you want to change things up a bit from sunbathing or swimming. Or do it all!
The beach's sandy-gravel mix and deeper waters are perfect for seasoned swimmers. It'll give you a cool, energizing swim.
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Piazza Municipio
Piazza Municipio Beach, near Giardini Naxos, is calm with clear waters. It's gravelly and not too packed, a local favorite. Great for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to the rocks.
It's between San Giovanni church and Town Hall Square in Giardini Naxos. Peaceful and pretty. Nearby restaurants like Roberto's serve great fish, adding to its charm.
You can get there by bus from Taormina or walk from Giardini. It's ideal for those wanting a real, low-key beach day in Sicily.
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Where to Stay Near the Beaches in Taormina
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Here are few places to stay in Taormina near the beach that are worth checking out!:
- Casa Giafari Taormina: Eco-friendly apart/hotel with sea-view terrace, 2,650 feet from the beach.
- Taormina Town - Guesthouse Sicily: Recently updated B&B, 2,200 feet from the beach. Has allergy-free rooms and a bar.
- Al Teatro Antico Rooms & House Taormina: Apartment near Villagonia Beach. Offers sea, mountain views, free WiFi, airport transfers.
- Villa Glamour Taormina: Sustainable apart/hotel with a pool and views, under 1,000 feet from Spisone Beach.
- Casanica-Taormina City Centre: 2,200 feet from the beach, offers a shared lounge, courtyard view, free WiFi.
- UNAHOTELS Capotaormina Beach Hotel: Excellent service. On a rock below Taormina, surrounded by sea, with views of Giardini Naxos Bay and Isola Bella Island.
- Eurostars Monte Tauro: 5 minutes from Taormina’s Greek-Roman Theatre. Panoramic Naxos Bay views, sea-view restaurant, pool with hydromassage.
- Zaormina Park Hotel: 4-star, great Ionian Sea views. 5 minutes from Taormina center, has free outdoor pool, large terrace.
- Hotel Isola Bella: Near the beach and cable-way to Taormina center, faces the bay.
Places to Eat Near the Beaches in Taormina
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Here are a few Taormina, Sicily beachside restaurants worth checking out:
- Ristorante Da Fabiana: Near Taormina Beach House. Serves Italian, Seafood, and Mediterranean.
- Lido Tropicana - Restaurant - Pizzeria - Beach Bar: Also by Taormina Beach House. Offers Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean by the beach.
- Girasole: Casual place near Taormina Beach House. Has Italian and fast food.
- Flamingo Beach: Close to Taormina Beach House. Known for Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean.
- Arco Rosso: Near Taormina Beach House. Specializes in Italian and Seafood.
- Maniel Beach Hotel Restaurant: By Maniel Beach Hotel. Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean, Barbecue on the menu.
- Da Cristina - Antica rosticceria: Near Puertorico Beach Club. Deli and Sicilian food.
- Raya Restaurant Taormina: Close to Puertorico Beach Club. Italian, Southern-Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean.
- Hosteria Pizzeria Casa Ciampoli: Near Puertorico Beach Club. Offers Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Mediterranean.
FAQs (Frequently asked questions about the beaches in Taormina)
You can walk from Taormina to the beach, but it's a hike. Taormina sits high on a cliff; its beaches, Taormina Mare, are below by the Ionian Sea. The walk down is scenic, about 30 minutes, longer if you stop for views. It's mostly stairs, so going down is easier than up. Or, take the cable car. It gets you to Mazzarò Bay in 5 minutes, then it's a 200-meter walk to the beach. Heading back up to Taormina is tougher, lots of stairs. Some hotels offer shuttles to their beaches. Buses are available, but no reliable Uber around here.
Isola Bella in Taormina has a free public beach. It's open to everyone, but there are no bathrooms or changing rooms. If you go, remember there's no natural shade. Bring an umbrella, as the beach is mostly pebbles and rocks.
You can swim in Taormina. Beaches like Mazzarò, Isola Bella, Spisone, and Mazzeo are great for swimming. They have clear water and sandy or pebbly shores. Isola Bella Beach is known for its pebbles and a tide-covered strip to an islet. These beaches have facilities, including beach clubs where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas.
Are you still hungry for more Italian adventures after the beaches in Taormina?
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