Two very different towns, a few minutes apart
Taormina and Giardini Naxos sit right next to each other on Sicily's east coast, but they offer noticeably different experiences — and travellers often ask which one to actually base themselves in.
Taormina: atmosphere and history
Taormina is the hilltop town with the Ancient Theatre, Corso Umberto's boutiques, and dramatic coastal views. It's more atmospheric, more historic, and — reflecting that — generally more expensive for both dining and accommodation. See our Things to Do guide for the full picture.
Giardini Naxos: beaches and value
Down at sea level, Giardini Naxos has longer sandy beaches (compared to Taormina's pebblier coves), a more relaxed, less touristy atmosphere, and typically lower prices for accommodation and food. It also has its own archaeological park, home to the first ancient Greek settlement in Sicily.
Which should you choose?
If atmosphere, history and walkability matter most, stay in Taormina. If you want a beach-first holiday with better value and don't mind a short bus or taxi ride into Taormina for sightseeing, Giardini Naxos is a genuinely good alternative. Many visitors do both — staying in one and visiting the other for a day.
Getting between them
Interbus runs frequent, inexpensive routes between the two, taking well under 30 minutes — see our transport guide for details.