Cruise port Giardini Naxos (Sicily)
Port information & tips for Giardini Naxos (Sicily)
Giardini Naxos is a picturesque coastal town on the sun-drenched east coast of Sicily and serves as an enchanting gateway to the world-famous Taormina. The idyllic bay impresses with its crystal-clear water, the spectacular panorama of the majestic Mount Etna, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Cultural highlights in the immediate vicinity include the Archaeological Park of Naxos with ancient ruins, as well as the magnificent Teatro Antico di Taormina and the elegant Corso Umberto promenade. Cruise ships usually anchor in the protected bay, with tender boats bringing guests directly to the central Porto Scaro Nuovo pier. From this landing stage, the lively beach promenade and cozy cafés are reachable within a few minutes, and shuttle connections also enable a comfortable ride into the historic center of Taormina.
Giardini Naxos is a picturesque tender port located below Taormina and serves as an ideal gateway to the sights of eastern Sicily. Since cruise ships usually drop anchor in the bay, guests can conveniently reach the centrally located pier on Via Calcide Eubea by tender boat.
Airplane
Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport (CTA) is located approximately 55 kilometers south of the port and is served by direct flights from many German cities as well as from Vienna and Zurich. The onward journey is easy by rental car or private transfer via the A18 motorway in about 50 minutes; additionally, bus companies such as Etna Trasporti offer regular direct connections from the airport directly to the center of Giardini Naxos.
Train
Taormina-Giardini station is located on the scenic coastal route between Messina and Catania and is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in Italy. From there, you can reach the tender boat landing stage in just a few minutes by taxi or a short walk along the coast, while regional trains provide direct and regular connections to the island's major transport hubs.
Auto & Parking
Via the A18 motorway Messina-Catania, you can easily reach the port town via the Giardini Naxos exit and follow the signs towards Lungomare. For parking, supervised parking spaces are available in the city area as well as the large Lumbi parking garage in Taormina, which guarantees good accessibility to the port area thanks to comfortable shuttle buses.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Giardini Naxos is a picturesque tender port located below Taormina and serves as an ideal gateway to the sights of eastern Sicily. Since cruise ships usually drop anchor in the bay, guests can conveniently reach the centrally located pier on Via Calcide Eubea by tender boat.
Airplane
Catania-Fontanarossa International Airport (CTA) is located approximately 55 kilometers south of the port and is served by direct flights from many German cities as well as from Vienna and Zurich. The onward journey is easy by rental car or private transfer via the A18 motorway in about 50 minutes; additionally, bus companies such as Etna Trasporti offer regular direct connections from the airport directly to the center of Giardini Naxos.
Train
Taormina-Giardini station is located on the scenic coastal route between Messina and Catania and is considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in Italy. From there, you can reach the tender boat landing stage in just a few minutes by taxi or a short walk along the coast, while regional trains provide direct and regular connections to the island's major transport hubs.
Auto & Parking
Via the A18 motorway Messina-Catania, you can easily reach the port town via the Giardini Naxos exit and follow the signs towards Lungomare. For parking, supervised parking spaces are available in the city area as well as the large Lumbi parking garage in Taormina, which guarantees good accessibility to the port area thanks to comfortable shuttle buses.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times may change at short notice.
Cruise ships anchor in the picturesque bay and transport guests by tender boats directly to the pier in the heart of the town. Thanks to the central location of the landing stage, you can quickly reach the most important sights and transport links.
On Foot
The charming waterfront promenade of Giardini Naxos with its beaches and cafes is located directly in front of the port. You can reach the town center easily on foot in just a few minutes and enjoy the Sicilian flair immediately.
Public Buses (Interbus)
Stops for the regional Interbus lines are located just a few steps from the landing stage. These buses run regularly and offer a straightforward connection to the famous mountain town of Taormina as well as to the regional train station.
Taxi
Numerous taxis wait directly at the port for passengers wishing to travel to the higher-situated Taormina or to other excursion destinations in the surrounding area. The journey time is approximately 15 minutes and also offers magnificent views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna.
To make the most of your stay in Giardini Naxos, we recommend a combination of the sophisticated flair of Taormina and the relaxed highlights directly on the sunny coast.
Taormina & Teatro Antico
Perched on a rocky terrace, this town enchants with its magnificent palaces and the world-famous ancient theater, which offers guests one of Sicily's most beautiful panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea thanks to its unique backdrop.
Lungomare Giardini Naxos
Located directly at the harbor, the beach promenade is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the lively cafés, while also providing access to fine sandy beaches and the fascinating archaeological excavation sites of the island's first Greek settlement.
Isola Bella
This picturesque nature reserve at the foot of Taormina fascinates with its turquoise waters and the striking island connected by a narrow sandbank; furthermore, the bay is perfectly accessible for a refreshing swim stop via short boat trips from the harbor.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina
The impressive Teatro Antico di Taormina is the cultural heart of the region and is located about twenty minutes' drive above the port of Giardini Naxos, which guarantees easy accessibility thanks to the taxis or shuttle buses available. This historic site captivates with its fascinating ancient architecture and also offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the world with a direct view of Mount Etna and the azure coast of Sicily. The immediate proximity to the elegant promenade Corso Umberto is ideal for combining your visit with an espresso in one of the charming cafés or a stroll through high-quality boutiques. Ideally, start your excursion directly in the morning to explore the site before peak visitor times and return to the ship completely relaxed in the early afternoon thanks to the short distances.
The return journey to the port of Giardini Naxos is very convenient thanks to the central location of the pier and offers you a wonderful view of the bay until the very end. Since ships here usually lie at anchor, the path leads you directly to the Molo di Giardini Naxos, from where the tender boats will bring you safely back to the ship.
Public Bus and Shuttle
The blue buses of the Interbus company connect the higher-altitude Taormina with the port area of Giardini Naxos at short intervals. Board at the bus terminal in Taormina and exit the bus at the Piazza IV Aprile stop or directly at the Giardini Naxos Port station to reach the pier in just a few steps. The regular departures and short travel times allow for relaxed planning of your time buffer for the tender crossing.
Taxi
Taxis are available at central points such as Piazza San Pancrazio and the Terminal Bus in Taormina, as well as along the beach promenade in Giardini Naxos. The drivers will take you comfortably and directly to the Molo di Giardini Naxos and know the cruise ship berths exactly. Thanks to the good availability in front of major hotels and at the central Piazza Abate Cacciola, you can reach the port area quickly at any time.
On Foot
If you spend the day at the beach or in the town of Giardini Naxos, simply stroll back to the port along the flat Lungomare Schisò shore promenade. The path is paved throughout and leads you directly to the guarded port entrance, which is easy to find thanks to the signage and the view of the ship lying off the coast. The lively promenade also ensures a safe and pleasant atmosphere until reaching the tender station.
