Giardini Naxos, directly overlooking the sea is a town of 10,000 inhabitants. The first Greek colony in Sicily, it has an extensive archaeological area and museum. Very few landscapes embrace the traditional beauties of Sicily as Giardini Naxos. The historical origins of Giardini Naxos date back to 735 BC when a group of settlers landed at Cape Schisò and founded what ancient historians agree upon as the first Greek colony. In the past local people made their living from fishing, the cultivation of citrus fruits and handicrafts made from wrought iron. Today tourism has become a primary part of life in Giardini Naxos turning the village into one of the most popular and important holiday spots on the east coast and whole of Sicily.

Giardini Naxos was discovered for tourism 30 years ago and since that time its infrastructure has been developed thus permitting the village nowadays to attract large numbers of tourists. The archaeological area near the port shows interesting finds of Greek civilization and is a must for the visitor as well as the seafront promenade with stunning views over the city of Taormina and Capotaormina on Mount Tauro.

A visit to the lovely train station of Taormina-Giardini Naxos (known from the film “The Godfather”) is also a “must”.