Is Taormina a good destination if I mainly want a beach holiday?
Taormina offers a unique mix of a stunning hilltop historic town and beautiful coastal areas. While it has famous beaches like Isola Bella and Mazzarò, they are mostly pebble beaches reached by cable car or steps. If your priority is sprawling sandy beaches and staying right on the sand, nearby Giardini Naxos might be a better fit, though many enjoy Taormina for its combined cultural and beach experience.
What are the beaches in Taormina like – are they sandy or pebbly?
Most beaches directly associated with Taormina, such as Isola Bella, Mazzarò, and Spisone, are predominantly pebble beaches, sometimes with coarse sand mixed in. For wider, sandier beaches, many visitors head to nearby Giardini Naxos or Letojanni.
How do you get to the beaches from Taormina town?
Taormina town sits on a hill. The most popular way to reach the main beaches like Mazzarò and Isola Bella is via the 'Funivia' (cable car) that runs from Via Luigi Pirandello in Taormina down to Mazzarò. Alternatively, there are public buses, taxis, or you can walk down via steep paths and steps, though the walk back up is challenging.
Are the beaches in Taormina good for swimming? What's the water like?
Yes, the waters around Taormina's beaches are generally very clear and popular for swimming, especially from late spring to early autumn. The coastline features coves and grottoes, making it interesting for snorkeling too. Water is typically calm, especially in the bays.
When is the best time for a beach holiday in Taormina, considering water temperature and crowds?
For warm sea temperatures ideal for swimming, June to September is best, with July and August being the hottest and most crowded. May and October can also be pleasant for beach visits with fewer crowds, though the water will be cooler, especially in May.
Are there free public beaches in Taormina, or do you have to pay for a lido?
Yes, all beaches in Taormina have 'spiaggia libera' (free public access) areas. However, these can be smaller and more crowded, especially in peak season. Much of the desirable space on popular beaches like Isola Bella and Mazzarò is occupied by private lidos (beach clubs) where you pay for sunbeds and umbrellas.
Do I need water shoes for the beaches in Taormina?
It's highly recommended to bring or buy water shoes for Taormina's beaches. Since most are pebbly, water shoes make walking on the shore and entering the water much more comfortable.
Is Isola Bella always crowded? Can you actually go onto the 'island'?
Isola Bella is Taormina's most iconic beach and can get very crowded, especially in July and August and on weekends. There are both lido sections and free areas. The 'island' itself is a nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach that can be submerged at high tide. Access to the island may have a small fee for the nature reserve/museum.
Which is better for beaches: Taormina or Giardini Naxos?
It depends on your preference. Taormina's beaches (like Isola Bella, Mazzarò) are typically smaller, pebbly, and set in dramatic coves, accessed from the hilltop town. Giardini Naxos, a short bus or taxi ride away, offers longer, wider, and sandier beaches, and is more of a traditional beach resort town.
Are Taormina's beaches suitable for families with young children?
While families do visit Taormina's beaches, the pebble surfaces can be less ideal for very young children compared to sandy beaches. Access via cable car or steps might also be a consideration with strollers. Beaches in nearby Giardini Naxos are often preferred by families due to their sandier shores and gentler slopes into the water. However, the clear, calm waters in Taormina's coves can be enjoyable.
What's the average cost for a lido (sunbeds and umbrella) at Taormina's beaches?
Prices for lidos vary depending on the beach, the row, and the season. Expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €50+ for two sunbeds and an umbrella for the day at popular spots like Isola Bella or Mazzarò. Some lidos may offer discounts for half-days or include other amenities.
Is it better to stay in Taormina town or near the beaches (e.g., Mazzarò, Letojanni)?
Staying in Taormina town offers stunning views, easy access to shops, restaurants, and historical sites like the Greek Theatre, but requires travel (e.g., cable car) to reach the beaches. Staying in areas like Mazzarò, Letojanni, or Giardini Naxos provides direct beach access and a more resort-like feel but means traveling up to Taormina town for its main attractions. Your choice depends on your holiday priorities.
Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Taormina?
While Taormina's main beaches can be busy, Spisone beach, located just north of Mazzarò, sometimes offers a slightly quieter atmosphere with a mix of lidos and free areas. Further afield, beaches in Letojanni (a few kilometers north) are longer and can feel less congested than Isola Bella or Mazzarò, especially outside peak season. Exploring smaller coves accessible by boat can also lead to more secluded spots.
Can you easily find places to eat and drink right on the beaches in Taormina?
Yes, most of the main beaches like Isola Bella and Mazzarò have several lidos that also operate as restaurants or snack bars, offering everything from sandwiches and drinks to full seafood lunches. There are also some independent restaurants and cafes located very close to the beach access points.
What is the vibe of Taormina's beaches? Are they party beaches or more for relaxation?
Taormina's beaches, like Isola Bella and Mazzarò, tend to have a chic and lively, yet generally relaxed vibe, especially at the lidos. They are not typically 'party beaches' in the sense of loud, all-day DJ sets, but they are vibrant and popular. You can find quieter spots, particularly if you move slightly away from the main entry points or visit during shoulder seasons. Giardini Naxos might have a slightly more bustling, traditional resort atmosphere.
