The magic of Eastern Sicily lies in being able to touch the snow (or lava) in the morning and swim in a crystal clear sea in the afternoon. If you have finished your excursion on Etna, in about 45-60 minutes you can reach the coast of Taormina for a well-deserved relaxation.
Isola Bella: The Pearl of the Ionian
It is the most famous and photogenic beach. A strip of pebbles connects the mainland to the islet (nature reserve). The water is transparent, rich in fish (great for snorkeling), but be careful: it is a beach of large stones.
Rock shoes are essential here, entering the water barefoot is torture for those not used to it. In high season it fills up a lot, so arrive early or in the late afternoon.
Mazzarò: Elegance and Comfort
Right next to the cable car that goes up to Taormina center, there is the bay of Mazzarò. Here you find equipped and elegant lidos, ideal if you are looking for sunbeds, umbrellas and bar service. It is less 'wild' than Isola Bella but more comfortable for families.
Many boats also leave from here for the tour of the Blue Grotto and the coast, an activity we highly recommend at sunset.
Giardini Naxos: Sand for Everyone
If you hate stones and are looking for fine sand, you have to move a little south, to Giardini Naxos. The Recanati area and the seafront offer large sandy beaches (both free and equipped) with a gently sloping seabed.
It is the number one choice for families with small children who want to play with shovel and bucket without risks.
Letojanni: The Relaxed Choice
Just north of Mazzarò is Letojanni. An endless promenade full of seafood restaurants. The beach is gravel mixed with sand, very wide. It is frequented more by locals than by international tourists, so prices (lidos and bars) are more human.
It is famous for paragliding: if you look up, you will see dozens of colored sails gliding from the mountains to land right on the beach.
Fondaco Parrino: The Secret
Few know it. It is located between Letojanni and Sant'Alessio Siculo. It is a wild beach, with waters that turn emerald green due to the vegetation coming almost to the sea. It is not easy to reach (narrow streets), but guarantees privacy and nature.
Parking Tips in Taormina Mare
Parking is the nightmare of Taormina. In Mazzarò there is a paid municipal parking, but it fills up by 10:00. The cost is about 15-20 euros per day.
The trick: park at Lumbi (high up, at the entrance to Taormina town), take the free shuttle to the center and then the cable car to go down to the sea. It takes longer, but saves you the stress of driving around aimlessly on the congested seafront.
Why Choose It
- Isola Bella: Beautiful but uncomfortable (stones)
- Mazzarò: Equipped lidos and cable car
- Giardini Naxos: Fine sand and space
- Letojanni: Less crowded, gravel
- Fondaco Parrino: Spectacular water, little known
Practical Info
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Stone Beach | Isola Bella, Mazzarò |
| Sand Beach | Giardini Naxos |
| Parking | Expensive and difficult |
| Sea Cable Car | Connects Taormina to Mazzarò |
| Shoes | Recommended everywhere in Taormina |
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