The Beaches of Taormina
Taormina itself does not have many beaches, but in the immediate vicinity, on the north-eastern coast of Sicily, there are enough options to satisfy even the most demanding tourists.
1. Isola Bella Beach
It might not be to everyone's taste, since it is mostly pebbly, but the beach at Isola Bella, connected to the island by a strip of sand, is certainly the most famous in Taormina. It is worth going there at least once (ideally not in August, when it is very crowded) to enjoy the extraordinary beauty of the landscape. You can choose to stay at one of the three organized beaches, with sunbeds and umbrellas, or you can place your towel on the free section of the beach. The area is also very good for snorkeling, being included in the Isola Bella Marine Park. Nearby is also the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra).
To get to Isola Bella beach, you will need to descend 134 steps from the SS114 road. To get there from above, in the historic center, you can take the Taormina cable car.
2. Mazzarò Beach
Further up from Isola Bella, beyond Cape Sant'Andrea, lies Mazzarò Bay (roughly across from the Taormina cable car station), which has an organized beach with sand and pebbles. It is quite crowded, so it would be wise to reserve a sunbed in advance. A small portion of the beach is free. On either side of the bay are two of Taormina's 5-star hotels: Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea and Mazzarò Sea Palace (see also the article Where to Stay in Taormina).
3. Spinsone Beach
Continuing north, you will find Spinsone Beach, located above Baia delle Sirene (Mermaids' Bay).
It is pebbly and can be less crowded, but the train passes in the immediate vicinity, which could be a disadvantage if you are looking for peace and quiet.
To reach Spinsone Beach, you will need to take a bus (Beach Bus) from Piazza San Pancrazio in Taormina.
4. Mazzeo Beach
Even further north, towards Letojanni, lies Mazzeo Beach, which is quieter and has beautiful waters. It has sand and pebbles and is frequented mostly by locals.
There is a private beach, but also a free section. The sea deepens quickly, and you will find stones on the seabed.
You can reach Mazzeo beach by the Beach Bus from Piazza San Pancrazio in Taormina.
5. The Beaches of Giardini Naxos
The most numerous and varied beaches near Taormina are located to the south, in the resort of Giardini Naxos. This is very close by, and you can get there quickly, in about 15 minutes, by bus from the Taormina bus station.
You will find both wide, stretching sandy beaches, as well as beaches covered with pebbles or rocks and views of Mount Etna. The most popular is Schisò beach, and the longest and widest is the beach in Recanati, which also has the most free beach sections.
Many boat trips are also organized from Giardini Naxos.
