A Tourist's Guide to Giardini Naxos

I've spent many years seeking out (and sampling) the best resorts in Sicily for our clients, travelling the length and breadth of this magnificent island in the process. It's far too difficult to play favourites (it'd be like choosing your favourite child!), but I must admit to a soft spot in my heart for the coastal resort of Giardini Naxos.

The Seafront

The best way to get a real feeling for this lovely place is simply to take a leisurely stroll along the seafront. If you're looking to soak up the sun, there's a good choice of lidos, and most are facilitated by a handful of casual bars and restaurants. You can hire a sunbed, swim, enjoy breakfast or lunch overlooking the ocean, or even rent a boat and explore along the coast. Tip: Keep an eye out for the two Roman granite columns that were discovered beneath the ocean nearby.

Castello di Schisò

It's not all about the beach, though, and, if you know where to look, there are a number of important cultural and archaeological legacies to be found. At the southern end of the town you'll find Castello di Schisò, which used to serve an important purpose as a fortress to defend the headland. Since then it's served as a commercial administration site (for the sugar industry) and a grand private home for an aristocratic family.

Today this lovely old building is, thankfully, under restoration, with a number of rooms and the courtyard currently open to the public. If you've got time to explore you can discern the original skeleton of the building's ramparts, along with some preserved Romanesque architectural details.

Archaeological Park and Museum

You may not expect it, but Giardini Naxos is actually a hugely important historical site in itself. Documents have revealed Naxos to be the first Greek colony on the island, and the remains of this ancient city are now preserved as the Archaeological Park and Museum, situated at the southern end of town, on Capo Schisò.

Excavations of this fabulous historic find are still being carried out, and if you want to make the most of the site it's advisable to visit the museum first to get an overview. Amongst the relics on display are pottery fragments, a marble altar, statuettes, a bronze Thracian helmet and other fascinating finds. Wandering around the ruins of the city, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt Etna, is an evocative and thought-provoking experience.

Boat Trips

If you'd like to get out and explore the coastline (and you really should) the very best way to do it is by boat. A handful of companies operate boat trips from the port several times during the day, which will take you up the coast to the beautiful Isola Bella and the Grotto Azura.

Taormina

You'd be remiss if you were this close to Taormina and didn't pay it a visit. One of the most elegant resorts in Sicily, Taormina's beauty is legendary and the views from the top of the cliffs are nothing short of spectacular. You can reach the town on the open-topped tourist bus, and this is an unbeatable way to soak up the scenery as you climb the 700ft elevation. Spend a day in this gorgeous town then, for the full experience, walk back down to Giardini Naxos. It takes around an hour, but for those with relative fitness and willingness to rough it just a little, the rewards (and views) are immeasurable.

While Giardini Naxos sits demurely under the shadow of its more famous neighbour, this lovely little place has plenty to offer in its own right. Beaches, culture, fabulous cuisine and home to some of our top resorts in Sicily – it's not hard to fall in love with it.

John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing holidays in luxury resorts in Sicily, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.