Giardini-Naxos

When coming to Sicily, many people have Taormina as a destination, as it is an amazing town, with a beautiful view of the Ionic Sea and a wonderful Greek Theatre. Yet, Taormina is an expensive place, as it is full of tourists and priced accordingly.

Lying just 3 km away, at the bottom of the mountain, by the beach, sits Giardini-Naxos. A less expensive option, Giardini is an enchanting town with many bars, restaurants, pastry and gelato places. A small, old and cute train station makes you think of a museum.

This train station serves both Taormina, which is up the mountain from here, and Giardini, the town near-by. The old iron work and wood furniture in this station are detailed and picturesque,  and the view of the sea, with it’s arriving and departing vessels, is unique and pleasant.

Walk downtown by the beach and you will find many colorful buildings right across from the water, and fisherman’s colorful boats lining the beach. Gelato places will make your walk fresher and sweeter. Try the locally grown flavors like pistachio and lemon gelato. One other specific thing you should try as well is the Granita Con Brioche, the right breakfast for the hot months, as the granita is made with shaved ice. Try the Ice Go-Go place, where the flavors are delicious, as part of an old local tradition.

Walking the street by the water, one funny thing I did was walking in someone’s house! They had the door open towards the street and some people were sitting on a couch facing the open upstairs balcony. I mistakenly believed this place might be a B&B and it was so small and charming that I wanted to see it inside. The kitchen was just to the left of the entrance door and it was all decorated and furnished with the yellow lemon motives specific to the region. After I walked in and realized my mistake I was, unfortunately, too embarrassed to ask for a picture in their house. I wish I had asked. It was too cute to be forgotten. Yet, I still have hope, as I was told that Gianni, the owner of Gianni House, and my new friend, knows the owner of the place. Maybe I can talk him into taking me back there for a better view and picture. Hmm…