Know before you go
Taormina itself has no beach — it sits 200m above the sea. All beaches are reached by cable car, bus or taxi. The water is crystal clear Ionian Sea — among the cleanest in the Mediterranean. Most beaches are pebble or gravel (not sand) — bring water shoes if you hate that. July and August are packed: arrive before 9am or after 5pm for space. Free beach (spiaggia libera) means no cost — bring your own towel and mat.
Cable car from Taormina
5 min · €3 one way · €5 return · runs until 20:00 (later in summer)
Free sections
3 lidos
Pebble · Nature reserve
Isola Bella
Below Taormina · Pearl of the Ionian Sea
Cable car from Via Luigi Pirandello → cross the coastal road → walk down the stairway (2 min). Or: walk down 700 steps from Taormina centre (30–40 min, great views). Taxi also available.
TT recommends
The postcard beach of Sicily — and it deserves the reputation. A WWF and UNESCO protected nature reserve with twin crescents of pebble beach sweeping out to a tiny island you can walk to at low tide via a sandy spit. The water is extraordinary: crystal, turquoise, calm. Three beach clubs with loungers and umbrellas, plus free sections. The island itself has a historic villa-museum (€5 entry, open summer). Snorkelling here is some of the best in Sicily.
🤿 Snorkelling
🚣 Kayak hire
⛵ Boat tours depart here
📸 Best photo spot
🏛️ Villa museum
TT insider: The sandy spit to the island disappears at high tide — go in the morning to walk across. In July–August arrive before 9am or the lidos fill up. The free beach section is to the left as you face the sea.
Free sections
Multiple lidos
Pebble · Bay
Mazzarò
Baia di Mazzarò · directly below Taormina
Cable car — the station drops you right above the beach (2 min walk). Alternatively walk 700 steps down from Taormina (30–40 min). Check last cable car time before dinner!
TT recommends
The most popular beach in all of Taormina — a small bay set between two rocky promontories with sparkling, clean shallow water, perfect for families. The pebble seabed makes the water incredibly clear. Multiple beach clubs line the shore with restaurants, bars and sunbeds. Also hidden marine ravines and grottos to explore with a mask and fins. Boat tours depart regularly from the pier.
🤿 Snorkelling
⛵ Boat hire
🚣 Kayak
🍽️ Beach restaurants
👶 Family-friendly
TT insider: Very crowded in July–August — sunbeds touch each other. Go in June or September for the same beautiful water with half the people. The free beach stretches are to the far ends of the bay.
Hidden gem
Sea cave · By boat
Grotta Azzurra
Blue Grotto · near Isola Bella
By boat only — hire a small boat from Mazzarò beach or join a guided boat tour from Isola Bella pier (departs hourly in summer). Cannot be reached on foot or by cable car.
TT recommends
A sea cave near Isola Bella with an enchanting blue glow — sunlight refracts through the water and bounces off the cave walls, turning everything an electric turquoise. The effect is most dramatic on sunny mornings between 10am and noon. One of the most beautiful natural spectacles on the Sicilian coast. Often overlooked in favour of Isola Bella — don't skip it.
🚤 Boat tour
📸 Photography
🤿 Swimming inside
TT insider: The Taormina boat tours (departing from Isola Bella pier) always include Grotta Azzurra alongside Mermaid Bay and Capo Taormina — it's the best way to see all three in one 2-hour trip. Prosecco and fresh fruit included on most tours.
Secret coves
Rocks · Grottoes
Capo Sant'Andrea Coves
Between Mazzarò and Isola Bella
By kayak or small boat from Mazzarò beach — 10 min paddle around the headland. Or swim around the cape from the Mazzarò side (strong swimmers only).
TT recommends
The secret that separates those who know Taormina from those who don't. Around the Capo Sant'Andrea headland between Mazzarò and Isola Bella are hidden grottoes with extraordinary light effects on the seaward side. Tiny coves accessible only by water. The colours of the sea here — deep greens and blues — are genuinely otherworldly. A kayak from Mazzarò beach takes you there in minutes.
🚣 Kayaking
🤿 Snorkelling
📸 Photography
TT insider: Hire a kayak from Mazzarò beach (€10–15/hour) and paddle around the cape yourself. Morning light (9–11am) hits the grottos at the perfect angle. Bring a waterproof phone case.
Hidden · Boat only
Cove
Mermaid Bay
Baia delle Sirene · near Isola Bella
By boat only — included on the standard Taormina coastline boat tours departing from Isola Bella pier. Not reachable on foot.
TT recommends
A tiny, sheltered cove accessible only by sea — hence the name. Crystal water in shades of green and blue that look digitally enhanced but aren't. The boat tours that run from Isola Bella always stop here for a swimming break. One of the most beautiful swimming spots on this stretch of coast. Completely invisible from land.
🏊 Swimming
🤿 Snorkelling
⛵ Boat tour stop
TT insider: Book the 2-hour Taormina boat tour from the Isola Bella pier — it covers Mermaid Bay, Grotta Azzurra and Capo Taormina in one trip. Most tours include Prosecco and fruit. Roughly €25–35/person.
10–20 minutes away
By bus (Beach Bus from Piazza San Pancrazio) or taxi
Beach Bus from Taormina
The Beach Bus departs from Piazza San Pancrazio and runs to Spisone, Mazzeo and Letojanni in summer. Check schedules at the bus stop — runs frequently in peak season. Taxi to any of these beaches costs €10–15. The ride down the coast road has stunning views of Etna.
Good free sections
Some lidos
Pebble · Quieter
15 min
Spisone
North of Mazzarò · Taormina Bay
Beach Bus from Piazza San Pancrazio (summer only) or taxi (~€12). Walking from Mazzarò along the coast road takes about 20 minutes.
TT recommends
The locals' alternative to Mazzarò — same turquoise Ionian water, fewer tourists, lower prices. Longer stretch of free beach than anywhere near Taormina. Stone islets poke up from the water and create a photogenic, evocative setting. The southern end (towards Capo Mazzarò) has dramatic rock formations; the northern end is a wide, calm sandy stretch perfect for swimming.
🏊 Swimming
🤿 Snorkelling
☀️ Sunbathing
🌅 Views of Etna
TT insider: If you want a free beach without the Mazzarò crowds, this is your go-to. Prices at the lidos here are noticeably lower. No toilets or showers on the free section — use the beach club facilities if needed.
Free sections
Private lidos
Fine sand · Calm
20 min
Mazzeo
Between Spisone and Letojanni
Beach Bus from Piazza San Pancrazio (summer) or taxi (~€15). The bus to Letojanni also stops at Mazzeo.
TT recommends
Mazzeo is the hidden gem of the Taormina coastline — a beach mostly frequented by locals. Over 1 kilometre of fine golden sand (extremely rare in this area — almost all other beaches are pebble), thick Mediterranean vegetation backing the shore, and calm crystal-clear water. Quiet even in high season. The sea deepens gradually, making it excellent for families.
🏊 Swimming
🏄 Water sports
🚶 Beach walking
👶 Family-friendly
TT insider: This is where Taormina residents go when they want a proper beach day without tourists. The sea deepens quickly just off the shore — not ideal for very young children near the water's edge without supervision.
Wild & quiet
Free beach
Gravel · Clear water
15 min
Villagonia
North of Mazzarò, near Letojanni
Taxi from Taormina (~€12) or bus towards Letojanni and ask the driver to stop at Villagonia.
TT recommends
A small, wild, gravel-covered beach known for its natural beauty and exceptionally clear water. Almost no facilities — it's a proper escape from the tourist circuit. The rugged coastline backdrop makes it highly photogenic. Very few tourists make it here, which is precisely the point. Bring everything you need — food, water, shade.
🏊 Swimming
🤿 Snorkelling
📸 Photography
🌿 Wild nature
TT insider: No facilities, no restaurants, no toilets. Bring your own food, water and shade. That's the whole point — it's one of the last genuinely wild stretches of this coastline.
30 minutes away
By bus from Taormina bus station or taxi
Long free beach
Private lidos
Sand & pebble · Lively
20 min bus
Letojanni
North of Taormina · Ionian coast
Bus from Taormina Interbus station (~20 min, runs frequently). Or taxi (~€18). Train from Taormina-Giardini station also possible — Letojanni has its own stop.
TT recommends
One of the best-known beaches on Sicily's eastern coast — a vast expanse of sand and tiny pebbles with the iconic silhouette of Taormina on the hill behind you and crystal-clear sea in front. Paragliders love the wind here. Backed by a lively promenade with cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. Good mix of free beach and private lidos. More spacious and relaxed than Mazzarò.
🏊 Swimming
🪂 Paragliding
🏄 Water sports
🛍️ Promenade shops
🍽️ Beach restaurants
TT insider: Letojanni is the choice if you want a full day out with everything provided — restaurants, bars, shops, water sports. Much more relaxed than the Mazzarò area. The town itself is charming for an evening passeggiata.
Long free beach
Many lidos
Fine sand · Longest beach
15 min bus
Giardini Naxos
South of Taormina · biggest beach in the area
Bus from Taormina Interbus station — 15 min, runs very frequently all day. Or taxi (~€15). The train from Taormina-Giardini station is also an option (5 min).
TT recommends
The biggest and longest beach in the area — a wide stretch of fine golden sand and pebbles backed by lush Mediterranean vegetation with Mount Etna visible in the background. Both free beach and equipped lidos. Famous for its lively evening scene: the promenade has some of the best bars, restaurants and nightlife near Taormina. If you want sand (rather than pebble), this is where to come.
🏊 Swimming
🏄 Water sports
🍽️ Beachfront dining
🌙 Nightlife
🚶 Long beach walks
TT insider: Come for the beach during the day, then stay for an aperitivo and dinner on the promenade. The nightlife in Giardini Naxos is livelier than Taormina itself — easier to get to and much less expensive.
Off the beaten track
Free beach
Sand · Castle views
25 min
Sant'Alessio Siculo
North of Taormina · under the castle
Taxi from Taormina (~€20) or bus towards Messina — ask to stop at Sant'Alessio Siculo (about 25 min).
TT recommends
One of the most dramatically located beaches near Taormina — the 10th-century Castello di Sant'Alessio rises on a promontory directly above the beach. Soft sand, a small protected bay, and the kind of views that feel like a film set. Almost no tourists. Swim right under the castle walls or take a dinghy around the promontory to discover more coves beyond.
🏊 Swimming
🏰 Castle views
🚤 Dinghy hire
📸 Photography
TT insider: Bring your own food and water. This is a proper escape — facilities are minimal. The castle on the promontory is one of the best photo spots on the whole Ionian coast. Go on a weekday for maximum solitude.
Premium lido
Sand · Pool · Restaurant
20 min
Lido Copacabana
Mazzeo · between Spisone and Letojanni
Beach Bus from Piazza San Pancrazio or taxi (~€15). Ask for Mazzeo / Lido Copacabana.
TT recommends
The most complete lido experience near Taormina. New sunbeds, umbrellas perfectly spaced (rare on Sicilian beaches), spotlessly maintained, plus a swimming pool for those who prefer not to swim in the sea. The highlight is the panoramic terrace restaurant — fresh fish, Sicilian Mediterranean cuisine, lovely breeze and breezy service. €25 for umbrella + 2 sunbeds in the front row.
🏊 Pool + sea
🍽️ Restaurant
☀️ Sunbeds included
🚿 Showers & cabins
👶 Family-friendly
TT insider: The only lido near Taormina with a proper swimming pool — useful when the sea is choppy or for families with very young children. The restaurant gets excellent reviews independently of the beach. Book ahead in peak season.
🏖️
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What to bring
Water shoes — almost all beaches are pebble. Snorkel & mask — the sea here is worth it. Cash — many beach clubs don't take cards. Sun cream — Sicilian sun in July/August is brutal. Your own towel if using free sections.
Cable car warning
Check the last cable car time before you go down. It closes earlier than you think — especially in low season. Missing it means a 700-step walk back up or an expensive taxi. In summer: runs until around 10pm. Off-season: 8pm.
Best snorkelling spots
In order: Isola Bella (around the island), Capo Sant'Andrea grottoes (by kayak), Mazzarò marine ravines, Grotta Azzurra (boat only). The pebble seabed keeps the water exceptionally clear at all these spots.