Sicily, Giardini-Naxos: description, features, hotels, attractions and reviews

The population of this resort village has only ten thousand people, but they are rightfully proud of Sicily. Giardini-Naxos, which you read about in this article, is located on the shores of the Ionian Sea between the cities of Catania and Messina. Near the village is one of the most fashionable resorts not only of Sicily, but of all of Italy - Taormina. Therefore, vacation in Giardini-Naxos is chosen by wealthy couples who love to travel around the island during the day, and in the evening relax in a tavern with a romantic atmosphere. This small village has its own characteristics. In addition to a set of standard resort services (beach, hotels, entertainment industry of tourists), there is a large number of historical and cultural attractions. This is what makes the town so original and memorable.

How to get there?

The town of Giardini-Naxos, as already mentioned, is exactly halfway between Catania and Messina, on the eastern coast of Sicily. For those who arrived on this island by air, it is easier to navigate the airport of Fortranarossa as a starting point. Many harbors from Moscow and St. Petersburg arrive in this harbor in the summer.

If you want to fly to Sicily at another time, you will be able to travel with transplants in Rome, Milan or Venice. The airport of Catania Fortranarossa is only fifty kilometers from Giardini-Naxos. They can easily be crossed by an excellent motorway, along which buses, in particular, run. And those tourists who come to Sicily by sea, it is easier to get out in the port of Messina. Reviews say that from this city to the village can also be reached by bus.

History of Giardini-Naxos

In Antiquity, the entire island of Sicily was a Greek colony. And already then, in the eighth century BC, there was a small fishing village called Naxos on the shores of the Ionian Sea. He was not famous for anything special. Men were fishing or making pottery, and women were spinning, making carpets and mats. So, in the flowering of the gardens, the village existed until Nero began to reign in Rome . The emperor sent troops to Sicily. But the men of Naxos preferred to fight rather than become slaves in the quarries. Women and children fled to the mountains.

Survivors founded the new town on the hill of Tauro, four kilometers from their former home. They strengthened it and made it impregnable. The city received the name from the name of the mountain - Taurmina. Then, when the danger was over, some of the inhabitants returned to their former homes. Naxos was decorated with magnificent gardens and flower gardens, which is why it got its second name - Giardini. At the end of the eighteenth century, the fishing village gained the status of a city. But the connection with Taormina was not interrupted. Now the resort connects with this city funicular.

When to go to Giardini-Naxos?

The reviews say that it is possible to swim comfortably in the Ionian Sea near the eastern coast of Sicily from the middle of May to the end of October. But the peak of the season (the influx of tourists and, as a result, a jump in prices) falls on the summer months and September. Particularly good for rest is the first month of autumn. Then the sea and air reach the most comfortable temperatures - + 25-28 degrees. This should be taken into account for those travelers who want to relax in Giardini Naxos with their children.

But if your goal is to see the historical and cultural sights of Sicily, it is better to choose May or October for the trip. Winter in the Mediterranean climate of the island is mild, warm, but very rainy. It can be said that almost the entire annual rainfall rate falls from November to February. But even in winter the water temperature in the sea does not fall below + 16 degrees. Summer here is dry and hot. On the coast the heat is softened by the sea breeze. But I do not want to go on excursions in the summer months.

Giardini-Naxos: hotels, private apartments. Where to stay?

The resort is mostly restored, respectable public. The front page is occupied by luxury hotels of "Premium" class. They have a vast park area and an ideal range of services. From such hotels you can call "Elleniya Yachting Club" - the undisputed leader in popularity among wealthy tourists, and "Hilton 5 *", for fans of online hotels. Naxos Beach is very close to the beach. In it you can live both in the building and in the bungalow. This hotel offers a free shuttle service to the funicular.

In the northern part of the resort are more budget hotels Giardini-Naxos (Sicily). Among the "foursome" reviews praise "Sant Alfio Garden Beach" and Giardino dei Greci. The last hotel has an indoor pool.

Of the three-star hotels, tourists gave positive feedback about such as "Kalos" and "Nike", which are located in the northern part of the resort on the first line. An alternative to hotels can serve as an apartment. Among them, the Holiday Club Naxos is popular.

Beaches

The bay of Giardini-Naxos is wide and long, with yellow and fine sand, unlike Taormina, which is famous for its small coves. Most of the coast belongs to the hotels of the first line. But in the heart of the town is the beach of Giardini-Naxos - Lido. It is famous for white and the smallest sand. In the northern part is another paid section of the beach - La Romantica. And in the south of the village stretched Rekanti. This beach is municipal, that is, you will pay only for renting a lounger and an umbrella.

The reviews reveal some of the nuances of Giardini-Naxos. Lido has a shallow bottom, therefore on this beach it is good to have a rest in May - water here warms up quickly. The town is located between two picturesque capes. If you walk away from the center, you can find pebble beaches and even rocks, from where you can dive with stones. True, they may not be as equipped as the central ones, and parachuting, water skiing and scooters are not offered there.

Attractions in Giardini Naxos

This town, as already mentioned, is very ancient. It was founded by the Greeks, or rather, the descendants of Chalcis. Therefore, the visiting card of the resort is the sculpture of Niki di Kalkis, which symbolizes the connection of the inhabitants of Naxos with their historical homeland. It should be noted that archaeological excavations continue to this day, and new findings complement the exhibition of the Historical Museum with the ruins of the temple of Aphrodite at Cape Skiso.

In the Middle Ages Giardini-Naxos was surrounded by walls with a gate. From this era there was a castle with the Vinjazzo tower. In the town of the reviews advise to see the church of St. Pancrasion with magnificent frescoes and the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Rakkomandata, erected in the eighteenth century. Also tourists are strongly advised to climb the funicular to the city of Taormina. There is also no shortage of architectural and historical sights.

Excursions

Jardini-Naxos is a convenient starting point for self-drive around the island in a rented car. In addition, the island is well-developed bus service. From the reviews it becomes clear that many tourists used this public transport for visits to Messina, Catania, Syracuse.

Having a sensible guide to Sicily, you can thus save considerably and at the same time make your holiday full. Judge for yourself: you can go to Catania and Messina for eight euros (the price for the ticket there and back), to Syracuse - for twenty, and to Castelmola (via Taormina) - for seven. Popular is the excursion to the top of Etna. This volcano is quite high - over three thousand three hundred meters - but it can be driven by car.

What to try and bring?

It is necessary to visit the typical Sicilian taverns, which are so rich in Giardini-Naxos. Reviews and advice from tourists often mention desserts that will remain in your memory for a long time: tubes with cream or ricotta cannoli, casserole cake, crushed ice with granite fruit, excellent gelato ice cream. Refined Sicilian wines will not only decorate your meal, but will also be an excellent gift brought to friends from the sunny island.

Naxos was always famous for ceramic products and carpets. This tradition is continued by tiny family artels, where you can buy wonderful gizmos.