If you want to combine Etna and the coast on the same day, the best beach is not necessarily the most famous. Isola Bella is the most scenic, Mazzarò the most convenient for facilities, Giardini Naxos the easiest choice for sand and families, Letojanni the most spacious, and Spisone a good alternative near Taormina. Your choice depends on when you return from the excursion, parking availability and the type of beach you prefer.
A quick comparison of beaches in and around Taormina
| Beach | Beach type | Ideal for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isola Bella | Pebbles and rocks | Views, snorkelling and a first visit | Crowds, stairs and getting into the water |
| Mazzarò | Pebbles | Beach clubs, sunbeds and facilities | Limited space in high season |
| Giardini Naxos | Sand and mixed sections | Families, seafront walks and greater convenience | The beach and seabed vary along the seafront |
| Letojanni | Shingle, pebbles and mixed sand | More space, restaurants and a local atmosphere | The water can become deep close to shore |
| Spisone | Pebbles and shingle | An alternative to the best-known bays | Check access and parking for your chosen stretch |
Isola Bella: beautiful, but not the easiest choice
Isola Bella is Taormina’s signature bay. A thin strip of pebbles connects the coast to the islet when sea conditions permit. Clear water and rocks make it interesting for snorkelling with a mask, but the seabed is not sandy and space fills quickly during busy periods.
Bring water shoes, especially for children or sensitive feet. From upper Taormina, you go down towards Mazzarò and then reach the bay on foot; there are stairs and stretches that are not ideal for pushchairs or people with reduced mobility. Arriving in the late afternoon after Etna can be pleasant, but in summer you also need to allow time to find a place.
Mazzarò: the most convenient choice for beach clubs and bars
Mazzarò is beside the lower station of the Taormina–Mazzarò cable car. Note: this is Taormina’s urban cable car and has nothing to do with the Etna Cable Car at Rifugio Sapienza. The bay offers beach clubs, places to eat and access to boat trips, providing a more organised experience than a free public beach.
Pebbles and rocks predominate here, too. Prices and sunbed availability vary by season and venue, so we do not publish a single figure that is bound to become inaccurate. If you arrive after a tour, call your chosen beach club or have a backup plan.
Giardini Naxos: sand, seafront and families
Giardini Naxos extends along a broader stretch of coast, a few kilometres from Taormina. There are areas of fine sand and stretches of shingle or pebbles: choose the spot according to the children’s ages and the facilities you want. Its seafront promenade, restaurants and greater availability of space often make it the most practical option after a morning on Etna.
Not every section is the same. Recanati has beach clubs and a broad beach; the stretch towards Schisò is closer to the town centre and harbour. Check the actual seabed in front of your chosen facility rather than assuming that all of Giardini Naxos is sandy.
Letojanni and Spisone: alternatives with more room to breathe
Letojanni is north of Taormina and has a long seafront promenade, wider beaches and numerous restaurants. It is convenient for people staying on the northern side or returning from Etna North along the coast. The water can become deep quickly: with children, check the sea and the point of entry.
Spisone is closer to Taormina and alternates between public and serviced stretches. It can be a useful option when Isola Bella and Mazzarò are full, but access and parking vary along the coast. Do not wait until you are already in your swimsuit to decide where to leave the car.
Combining Etna and the beach in one day
The most realistic plan is a half day on Etna followed by beach time, or the beach in the morning and a sunset tour. Avoid combining a five-hour high-altitude trek with a fixed beach reservation: the return journey, traffic, shower and parking can take up two hours.
Half-day Etna trekking
An introduction to Etna North, among the Sartorius Craters and a cave.
€60
Etna at sunset
Volcanic landscapes in late-afternoon light.
€80
Etna and Alcantara Gorges
A day among volcano landscapes and gorges, with lunch included.
€80
- Half-day Etna trekking: from €60, approximately 3 km and 100 m of elevation change. It is the option most compatible with an afternoon in Giardini Naxos or Letojanni.
- Etna at sunset: from €80, an easy route of about 4 km and 250 m of elevation change. It lets you spend the morning at the beach and go up when the light changes.
- Etna and Alcantara Gorges: from €80, a full day with lunch and admission to the gorges listed as included. It is an alternative combining water and volcano, not a beach day in Taormina.
Check the pick-up point: free pick-up on Dream Island group tours is available within 30 km of Linguaglossa only at the listed points. “Accommodation in Taormina” does not automatically mean a pick-up at the hotel door.
Parking and transport: the real challenge of the day
The bays below Taormina have limited space and summer traffic is intense. If you are staying in upper Taormina, consider the urban cable car or local connections instead of driving down. If you arrive from Etna with luggage or equipment, Giardini Naxos and Letojanni may be easier for parking and changes of plan.
Do not leave gear visible in the car
After trekking, put backpacks, shoes and valuables in the boot before reaching the car park. Bring a separate bag for dusty clothes and volcanic footwear.
What to bring from Etna to the beach
- Water shoes for Isola Bella, Mazzarò and many stretches of Letojanni.
- A dry change of clothes and a bag for trekking clothes covered in dust.
- Water and sunscreen: high-altitude sun and wind increase dehydration.
- A lightweight towel or mat for the pebbles.
- A sweatshirt for the evening journey back, especially after a sunset tour.
Frequently asked questions about beaches near Taormina
What is the most beautiful beach near Taormina?
Isola Bella is the most iconic and photographed. However, if you are looking for sand, space or greater convenience with children, Giardini Naxos may be the better choice.
Which beach is sandy?
Giardini Naxos has several sandy stretches. The bays at Isola Bella and Mazzarò consist mainly of pebbles and rocks.
Can you do Etna and Isola Bella on the same day?
Yes, with a half-day tour and flexible timing. Allow for the return journey, traffic, parking and walking access to the bay.
Does the Taormina cable car go to Etna?
No. It connects upper Taormina with the Mazzarò area. The Etna Cable Car departs from Rifugio Sapienza on the volcano’s southern side.
Which beach is best with children?
Giardini Naxos is more likely to offer sand, space and facilities. Still, check the specific stretch and sea conditions on the day.
Useful resources for planning your time on the coast
For local information and services, consult: