Car Hire Giardini-Naxos - Mini guide to Giardini-Naxos

Situated just five kilometres from the resort of Taormina, and equally as popular, is Giardini-Naxos. The city is believed to have been the first conquest of Greek invaders back in 735 BC, and mixes its historical past with its present day resort status.

In the Archaeological Museum, which is housed on two floors of an old Bourbon-built fort, you’ll find marvelous terracotta and architectural artefacts. The centrepiece of the museum is a statuette of Aphrodite Hippias, dating from the 5th century BC.

While exploring this ancient town, don’t miss the ruins of the Naxos excavations, which are the site of the first Greek colony in Sicily. The site retains its former character, despite having been restored a number of times.

While staying at this charming resort, it would be impolitic not to indulge in the local seafood. At Ristorante Sea Sound, located in the centre of Giardini-Naxos, you can try freshly caught swordfish, salmon and tuna. The atmosphere at this restaurant is particularly charming, with the sounds of waves reverberating between the walls.

Giardini-Naxos has in recent years undergone considerable development and now attracts many visitors from the resort of Taormina, just five kilometres to the south. This may be because the beach at Naxos is only a short walk from the town, while the beach at Taormina must be accessed by shuttle bus. Nevertheless, Taormina is well worth a visit, and buses to the resort run frequently throughout the day.

By car from Messina, follow autostrada A18 south, exiting at the turnoff for Giardini-Naxos. The airport nearest Messina, Svincolo Aeropoerto is located five kilometres south of Reggio di Calabria, on the Italian mainland.