Giardini Naxos – vacationing in the foothills of Mount Etna

It’s the land where lemons grow… but there is more. Sicily is lush with varied Mediterranean vegetation. The area surrounding Mount Etna owes its rich, fertile soil to the volcano.

In the foothills of Europe's largest volcano lies charming Giardini Naxos, once a tranquil fishing village, today a popular bathing resort, which stretches from the sea up into the lovely hilly landscape.

Across from Giardini Naxos and spectacularly perched on a mountain lies famous Taormina with its gorgeous centro storico and its ancient theater.

Vacationing so close to Mount Etna, in such extraordinary location in one of Sicily’s most beautiful spots, is sure to be special.

Beaches

Bathing beauties as well as their male counterparts get their money’s worth in this area. Long shingle and sandy beaches line the coast.

Just a tip: Not far from Giardini Naxos and offshore from the beach of Taormina, lies well-known Isola Bella. It might be better to enjoy a view of the beautiful island from above, instead of planning to go there for some 'bathing pleasure'. Very often it is so crowded with tourists and souvenir sellers that your 'pleasure' might not be too great.    

Dining and going out at Giardini Naxos

If you love to go out and mingle with locals and vacationers alike, enjoy a delicious cena at one of the restaurants, then stroll along the seaside at Giardini Naxos and 'dive into' the merry atmosphere of the south.

Recommendations by the owner of Villa dei Libri: A Putia, a wine bar in Via Umberto, and Porticciolo, a restaurant in Via R. Margherita.

Experiencing history

Giardini Naxos is interesting also from a historical point of view as one of the first Greek settlements on the island of Sicily. The name refers to the Greek island in the Aegean Sea and giardini is said to mean as much as "citrus orchards". Today, an archaeological site reminds you of those times.