If you’re coming to Sicily in search of golden sands and pebble-clad shores, the beaches in Taormina are sure to leave you awestruck.
I’ve been lucky enough to spend my whole life exploring my home island’s rugged coastlines and sandy stretches, but nowhere has taken my breath away quite like the Taormina beaches. There’s a little something for everyone on the sparkling Taormina seafront between vibrant beach clubs, quiet corners, and watersport hotspots.
Start planning your next day by the coast with my guide to the best beaches in Taormina, Sicily, from well-known beauties to hidden gems; grab your sunscreen, and let’s hit the ocean!
Isola Bella
Without a doubt, Isola Bella is the most visited beach in Taormina. This slice of paradise is actually a tiny island connected to mainland Sicily by a narrow stretch of sand. Despite being regularly dubbed an island, it’s actually more of a peninsula.
With its crystal clear waters and dreamy views, I don’t think I’ll ever tire of this place. It’s easily the most-visited Taormina beach, so it does get rather busy, but I promise, it’s worth facing the crowds for!
Isola Bella is a hotspot for sunbathers, but it’s also a hit with nature enthusiasts. The island is a designated nature reserve covered in dense shrubbery and soaring trees. For a more in-depth overview of the flora, I definitely recommend checking out the island’s quaint stone museum.
You’ll have a couple of options to pick from to get here. My personal preference is to take the cable car from Taormina’s Old Town and make the short walk from the lower station to Isola Bella. In my experience, this is the least stressful option and a round-trip ticket currently costs €6.
Provided it’s not too hot, the 30-minute stroll from Taormina is an excellent alternative, though the walk back up is much more strenuous. It’s also possible to drive here, but I don’t think it’s worth the hassle between the frequent traffic jams and shortage of parking spaces.
Mazzarò Beach
If Isola Bella is the most visited sandy beach in Taormina, Mazzarò Beach has to take second place. While it’s noticeably larger, it’s every bit as stunning and is just slightly further north.
Mazzarò Beach boasts private and free sections of sand, offering gorgeous views of the rugged cliffs and lush greenery. Several beach clubs and upmarket hotels line the coast, and their plush sunloungers and parasols will give you a taste of luxury. I usually stick to the free stretch of sand, but on a few occasions, I’ve opted for the privately owned areas to escape the sizzling sunshine.
This is among the best places in Taormina for boat tours, with dozens of excursions departing each hour. Alternatively, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard and explore the shimmering bay at your own pace.
Thanks to the Taormina cable car, getting here is super straightforward, and the beach is just minutes from the station. I’ve also ventured from Taormina to Mazzarò Beach on foot, but I would advise against it during the summer unless you wait until the evening rolls in.
While I’d usually say there’s no better way to explore Sicily than with a car, I’d urge you to ditch your wheels if you’re coming to Mazzarò Beach. Parking is limited, and you could potentially spend a lot of your time searching for a space.
Spisone Beach
Spisone Beach may not be quite as picturesque as some of the other public beaches on this list, but it offers the same azure blue waters and postcard-ready vistas that I know you’re going to love.
It’s just north of Mazzarò Beach and several kilometers long, meaning it tends to be quieter and much less crowded than many other beaches. There’s a mix of private and public areas, so it’s usually pretty low-key and is the perfect place to kick back for the day.
If basking in the Sicilian sunshine and enjoying a slow pace of life isn’t for you, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some watersports at Spisone Beach. The last time I was here, I noticed a slew of rental companies dotted along the beachfront with paddleboards, jet skis, and snorkeling equipment for hire.
Parking at Spisone Beach isn’t exactly abundant, but it’s more favorable than at some of the busier beaches. During the summertime, I suggest getting here early for the best chance to find a space quickly.
There’s also a local bus connecting Taormina to Spisone Beach. While I’ve yet to try it out, I’ve heard from a couple of friends of mine that it’s a much more convenient option. It typically takes less than 10 minutes and costs just €1.90 each way.
Mermaid Bay
Tucked away beyond the southern corner of Spisone Beach is Mermaid Bay. This small but scenic bay is predominately occupied by the Atlantis Hotel, a lavish five-star lodging. What many visitors don’t realize is that it’s also partially open to the public.
I’d go as far as to say that Mermaid Bay wins out of all the beaches in Taormina for its beauty, with its secluded location, glass-like water, and rocky surroundings. As well as being easy on the eye, it’s also a playground for snorkeling and is among the top places in town for under-the-sea explorations.
Amenities here are essentially non-existent unless you’re planning to hit up the hotel. As such, it’s worth stocking up on water and snacks before making your way down here. If you have your own snorkeling gear, be sure to pack that, too.
Mermaid Bay is less than a 5-minute walk from the cable car station, making this by far the simplest way to get here from Taormina’s Old Town.
The station’s car park is the closest you’ll find to the bay if you’d prefer to arrive by car. Walking is another option, as just a 25-minute amble separates Taormina from the steps leading you to Mermaid Bay.
Schiso Beach
In addition to Taormina’s most centrally located beaches, the picture-perfect town is just a short trip from many other sun-drenched spots. One of my favorites is Schiso Beach, which I’ve been visiting almost every year since I was a kid.
Schiso Beach is situated in Giardini Naxos, less than 10 km south of Taormina. While technically a resort in its own right, Giardini Naxos is a much-loved spot amongst locals and is well-connected to Taormina.
Because of its powdery sand, bustling beach clubs, and mesmerizing views, Schiso Beach is a hive of activity during peak seasons. Luckily, there are still a few hidden, cost-free corners towards the south end of the beach for a more serene trip to the coast.
If you find yourself getting restless, the numerous boat trips and jet-ski tours are sure to keep you entertained.
From Taormina, you can reach Schiso Beach by public transport. The local bus runs multiple times an hour and usually costs €1.90 per person. At over one hour long, walking from Taormina is a rather time-consuming option, but from the heart of Giardini Naxos, it’s a mere 15-minute stroll.
Driving between the two resorts generally takes less than 20 minutes, and there are a handful of car parks within walking distance of Schiso Beach. I’ve also availed of street parking on more than one occasion, but you’ll need to have luck on your side to snag one of these spots.
San Marco Beach
If you’re hoping to get off the beaten path and steer clear of the more populated spots, San Marco will be exactly what you’re looking for, as it’s one of the best stretches near Taormina, but not in the center. It’s slightly further south than Schiso Beach and is completely free to enter.
San Marco Beach is one of the most local spots on this list. It may not be aesthetically as striking as many other Taormina beaches, but the unspoiled nature, lack of crowds, and tranquil surroundings more than make up for it. Not only that, but it also has a stellar view of Mount Etna!
Even as a Sicilian, I was relatively late to the game with San Marco Beach and only discovered it a few years back. It’s a pebble beach, so it’s not the most comfortable spot, but the never-ending rays will make up for it. Don’t be too worried, though; the sand becomes finer once you move a little back from the waterfront.
Using public transport to get here isn’t ideal, as a couple of bus changes are required. Because of this, I’d advise you to travel here by car and take advantage of the free onsite parking. From Taormina Old Town, this drive takes about 30 minutes.
Are you planning a Trip to Taormina?
If that’s the case, you have to check out my full guide on Taormina: I’ll show everything from how to get to Taormina, to the main tourist spots and experiences to make your journey unforgettable.
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Grab Your Bathing Suit and Sunscreen, and Check out These Sublime Taormina Beaches!
Now that you’ve gotten the lowdown on the finest beaches in Taormina, you’ll need to decide which sandy spots are going to the top of your must-see list.
While the likes of Isola Bella are bucket list destinations for any visitor, you can also take your pick from snorkeling havens like Mermaid Bay and the glamorous Mazzarò Beach.
With that, it’s time to pack your bags and hit the dazzling beaches around Taormina!