Are you looking for the best beaches in Taormina? After Corsica, Sicily is probably my favourite island.
Sicily, in fact, has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable holiday. You don’t really have to go to the other side of the globe to find some of the best beaches in the world. You can find them right here … in the Mediterranean Sea.
What I’m going to describe here are the best beaches in Taormina, perfect for celebrating, for families with children, for relaxing, playing sports… they are really suitable for anyone and anything!
Giardini Naxos
The first Greek colony in Sicily, located in the province of Messina and 45 km (28 mi) from Catania, Giardini Naxos is a town on the Sicilian coast which only in recent decades has established itself as a tourist destination other than a fishing village. Not even an hour away from the airport of Fontanarossa, it offers wonderful excursions, also organized, for families and nature lovers in the nearby pine forest of Linguaglossa, in the Alcantara valley and the town of Taormina which is just 5 km (3 mi) away.
In the embrace of the gentle hills that raise from the crystalline sea are wonderful beaches for all tastes: we find both soft beaches with fine sand and beaches formed by small stones.
The long Recanati beach, alternating sandy and gravel stretches, is ideal for those in fun seekers because of the many clubs, restaurants and nightclubs, but is also perfect for families thanks to its shallow waters with seabeds that progressively descend away from the shore and to the presence of bathing establishments and free beaches.
Lovers of fine sand will find the Schisò beach paradisiacal, with free and paid beaches and surrounded by the magical memory of the landing of the first Greek colonies and by lush vegetation.
Of fine sand is also the beach of San Giovanni; behind it stands the church with the same name located in the historic center that hosts many commercial activities.
Of different nature is the beach of Porticciolo Saia, unanimously recognized as a realm of relaxation and characterized by the typical lava rocks.
The free beaches of Giardini Naxos are within walking distance or reachable by bus.
The local archaeological site is a unique opportunity to admire what remains of the buildings dating back to the Roman and Greek periods, as the Mother Church of Santa Maria Raccomandata, the church of Santa Maria Immacolata and the church of San Pancrazio, or the Naxos Door, a monument erected as the symbol of the twinning with the Naxos in the Cyclades.
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Isola Bella
Just 7 km (4.3 mi) from Taormina, Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”) can be reached by cable car and bus, or on foot with a scenic hike that leads up to the access located on a state road. Incredible is the view that opens down the short flight of steps that leads to the beach, facing the island of the same name and surrounded by vegetation.
Being it composed only of stones it is advisable to wear shoes to protect yourself from sharp rocks; in around you could even find sellers of rubber water shoes!
Families, and those who do not want to renounce to the comfort during the holidays, will find bars and bathhouses with deckchairs and umbrellas, while adventurers can find about 2 Km (1.2 mi) of beach to explore on the east side, where waters are deeper and attract snorkeling enthusiasts.
It is the starting point for boat trips to the Grotta della Conchiglia (“Cave of the Shell”) and the Blue Grotto, other than offering the opportunity for a water scooter ride.
Not to forget is the visit of the Natural Reserve of Isola Bella.
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Mazzeo beach
A fraction of the municipality of Taormina, the Mazzeo beach is ideal for those who want to spend holidays in peace and tranquility, it is in fact one of the least known and crowded, yet it can be easily reached from Taormina thanks to the coach services connecting it to Letojanni and thanks to the Beachbus.
If you are a family with children you will find useful the car park and the availability of bathhouses equipped for the needs of children and grownups; they are often open also for dinner. The free beaches are wonderful, very spacious and close to bars, services and playgrounds for children.
The beach is mainly gravel, with a rocky and deep seabed that keeps the water crystal clear, attracting snorkeling enthusiasts thanks to the rich marine fauna.
Not to be forgotten is the presence of a beach for dogs.
Spiaggia di Mazzarò
Opposed to the the Island of Isola Bella is the Mazzarò bay, at the other side of Cape S. Andrea, which act both as a natural barrier and tourist attraction with its evocative caves; they can be explored with visits organized by boat and by diving.
The two places are connected by state road 114, which also makes them easy to reach on foot, descending from via dei Pescatori and walking for a few hundred meters/yards. If you prefer public transport, you can take the cable car that starts from Taormina and arrives at the square right before the beach entrance.
Full of charm deriving from the past tradition of one of the local fishermen’s favorites fishing area, it has recently been rediscovered by tourists, who take advantage of the numerous boat excursions.
Another access is the stairway of Via Castelluccio, located slightly more to the north of the cable car arrival square. The beach is made of pebbles and welcomes visitors with sun beds and umbrellas, leaving space for stretches of free beach.
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Villagonia Beach
An authentic natural gulf, Villagonia beach is mainly composed of rocks and gravel, creating a marvelous contrast with the heavenly golden sand beaches of the adjacent Giardini Naxos.
Located close to the Taormina-Giardini train station is one of the most easily reached beaches even from the center of Taormina.
Its waters are calm and clear most of the time, unlike the nightlife that breaks out in the establishments at sunset, an example is Lido Panasia which turns into one of the most popular discoteque near Taormina.
Spisone Beach
Very close to the A18 motorway exit in Taormina, easily reached thanks to the Beachbus, Spisone beach is characterized by the large number of paid beaches and services that make it accessible.
There are stretches of beach left free, with the chance to bring deck chairs and sunbeds, although there are no toilets nor showers.
Evocative are the small rocky islands that emerge from the crystal clear waters and turn towards the pebble beach. To be remarked are the San Nicola beach close to the Atlantys Bay hotel, and the beach of the former Stockholm hotel, with its overhanging rocks, from here the landscape changes dramatically, opening up into enormous expanses of sand.
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