Giardini Naxos Holidays

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.

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

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Call us on 01293 900934

Experience some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Italy
Drive though glaciers and mountain passes
Stop off in the region’s scenic alpine towns

Where Italy, Austria and Switzerland meet, you’ll find the Dolomite Mountains – some of Italy’s most breath-taking scenery. Our full-day excursion is the perfect way to experience this spellbinding – but relatively untouched – part of Italy.

You’ll be taken through the heart of the Dolomites and its most striking, snow-capped mountain ranges. You’ll see the majestic Marmolada Glacier and drive through the Pordoi Pass, at an altitude of 2,239 metres. From there, you can take Trentino’s highest cable car to reach the Sass Pordoi, a panoramic viewing platform at 2,950 metres.

In the afternoon, you'll head down the Gardena Valley with a stop at Ortisei, an alpine town in South Tyrol, one of northern Italy’s finest food and wine regions.

Price: From £80 per person (depending on resort).

Operates: Monday and Friday from Limone, Riva, Malcesine and Garda. Friday from Bardolino, Peschiera, Sirmione, Desenzano, Salo, Gardone and Gargnano

Duration: Full Day.

Start time: 7:00am - 8:00am approx. (depending on resort)

Included: Coach transport, professional guide, optional ride in Trentino's highest cable car (additional charges may apply).

Not included: Hotel pick up and drop off, lunch.

To pre-book your excursion please call one of our Italy Experts. Please note that excursions operate seasonally from May - September and are subject to availability and minimum numbers. Start times and departure points shall be reconfirmed once in resort.

Handpicked hotels in Giardini Naxos

Discover the real Giardini Naxos while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Sicily, Giardini Naxos

UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia

Located in picturesque resort of Giardini Naxos, 6km from bustling town Taormina
Wide choice of sports and activities to suit the whole family

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Things to do in Giardini Naxos

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.

Things to doRelax on the BeachThe beach of Giardini Naxos is a big draw for many of the town’s visitors. Soft golden sands slope gently into the sea and the backdrop of Mount Etna is truly stunning.Find out more about the beach

Things to doVisit TaorminaTaormina is Sicily’s most popular destination, and with its beautiful views, warm seas and picturesque streets, it’s easy to see why many people flock to this coastal town. Find out more about Taormina

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.