Sailing in Sicily: The Best Taormina Shore Excusion

Sailing in Sicily is a bucket list experience. At least, it certainly was for me.

I love being on the water, so when I found out our ship would be docking near Taormina, I knew right away I wanted to go sailing. The question, of course, was whether a sailing tour would be worth the cost and time when cruise days are always limited.

After taking the plunge, I can say without hesitation—it was one of the most unforgettable days of my Mediterranean trip.

This wasn’t just another shore excursion.

Sailing in Sicily gave me a view of the island that you simply don’t get from land. I’ve sailed the Adriatic before and spent time along the Italian coast, but this day out on the Ionian Sea was different. From swimming in hidden coves to sipping wine on deck with Mount Etna in the distance, it felt like living inside a postcard.

Let me share my experience, the pros and cons, and why you might want to add this adventure to your list when you dock in Sicily.

Giardini Naxos Marina

Here’s something Mediterranean cruise passengers don’t always realize: when your ship stops in Taormina, Italy, you’re not actually in Taormina.

The ships anchor in Giardini Naxos, a small coastal town at the foot of the active volcano, Mount Etna. To get to Taormina, you’ll need to take a shuttle or taxi up the hill.

But here’s the perk: Giardini Naxos is also where many sailing tours launch, which means you can walk right off your ship and meet your captain without losing time shuttling to town.

That’s precisely what I did. I booked a charter trip with Sicily Sailing Experience.

My half-day Sicily sailing itinerary included three stops around the islands off Taormina, snorkeling, a sailing lesson, and a light lunch paired with local wine.

My Sicily Sailing Experience

I love being on the water, so when we pulled into Taormina’s port, I was already buzzing with excitement.

After taking a tender to the Naxos cruise dock, we walked a short distance to meet our captain at a local beach club.

Once onboard, we listened to a quick safety rundown and then stepped aboard a beautiful sailboat with just a handful of other passengers. Small group tours make all the difference. You actually feel like a guest instead of being herded around like cargo.

As we pulled away from the dock, the Ionian Sea stretched out in front of us, calm and sparkling under the Sicilian sun. The view alone was worth the ticket.

From the boat, Taormina looked picture-perfect, perched high on the cliffs.

In the distance, Mount Etna was puffing out little plumes of ash, a reminder that Sicily is as wild as it is beautiful.

With slight winds, we had excellent sailing conditions.

We cruised past landmarks like the White Lotus hotel (yes, the very same one from the show), and then sailed along the coast to the Faraglioni of Capo Taormina. The jagged rock formations looked dramatic against the deep blue sea.

Before long, we dropped anchor in Mazzarò Bay, a private cove that felt like a secret hideout with deep blue clear waters.

The water was impossible to resist. We dove in and snorkeled around; the sea was cool but refreshing.

Schools of fish darted through the clear water, and for a moment, it felt like we had the coast of Sicily all to ourselves.

Later, we sailed over to Isola Bella, one of the most famous spots along the coast.

Again, we jumped in for another swim before climbing back on board for a picnic. Fresh local snacks, crisp wine, sun on my shoulders; it was Mediterranean perfection.

We even had the chance to stop at the Blue Grotto.

Having just explored the blue caves in Montenegro, I decided to skip it, primarily because with our sails up, we would have to swim, rather than sail in.

Our sailboat did have life jackets and swim noodles for those who wanted to explore.

Instead, I sipped more wine, took in the coastline views, and enjoyed watching the neighboring yachts. Sometimes the best decision is to sit back and let Sicily show off.

By the time we returned to the dock, I still had time to explore Giardini Naxos before heading back to the ship. It was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Pros and Cons of Sailing in Sicily

Like anything, sailing in Sicily comes with its trade-offs. Let’s talk through them honestly.

Pros:

• Easy access from Giardini Naxos without wasting time getting to Taormina first
• Small group size for a more personal experience
• Stunning coastal views of Taormina, Mount Etna, and iconic landmarks
• Swimming and snorkeling in private coves
• Picnic and wine on board included
• A mix of relaxation and adventure

Cons:

• You don’t actually dock in Taormina, so if you’re set on shopping and strolling its narrow streets, sailing eats into that time.
• Weather matters. Calm seas make for smooth sailing, but a windy day could change the vibe
• If mobility is an issue, the long dock walk to the sailboat could be a challenge.

For me, the pros far outweighed the cons. In fact, sailing gave me a unique view of Taormina that I never could’ve gotten from land.

Giardini Naxos: More Than Just a Docking Point

It’s easy to overlook Giardini Naxos since most passengers rush straight to Taormina. But this seaside town has its own charm.

The Giardini Naxos beaches stretch for miles, lined with beach clubs, gelato shops, and casual restaurants. After sailing, it’s the perfect place to grab a lounger, order an Aperol Spritz, and soak up the view of Mount Etna in the distance.

Right off the tender pier in Giardini Naxos, you can catch the City Sightseeing bus that takes you up to Taormina and other nearby spots.

In the same area, you’ll also find the Olympic Torch monument. This is a quick landmark to see before heading on with your day.

Giardini Naxos Beach Clubs

Many of the Giardini Naxos beach clubs, often called lidos, offer day passes. You can rent a chair and umbrella, use the facilities, and enjoy food service without lifting a finger.

We did something similar at the Olbia, Italy port, and had such a relaxing day.

I’ll be honest, though, the locals at the lidos didn’t seem overly helpful or friendly. If that doesn’t bother you and your main goal is simply a spot by the sea, it’s still a good option.

The beaches are separated from the boats with buoy ropes, which helps keep swimmers safe, and the water here feels calm and inviting. A beach day is a relaxing option if you’re looking to extend your day by the water instead of rushing up to Taormina.

Speaking of Taormina, the town is just a 20-minute drive uphill from Giardini Naxos.

Shuttles, taxis, or even private tours can whisk you up the winding roads.

You’ll trade the seaside vibe for historic streets, designer boutiques, and the famous Greek Theatre with its jaw-dropping views.

Is Sailing in Sicily Worth It?

So, back to the original question: is a sailing Sicily worth the cost and time? Absolutely.

For cruise passengers, sailing in Sicily offers a rare chance to step away from the crowds, get a different perspective on the island, and actually enjoy the Ionian Sea instead of just looking at it from the deck of a ship.

I’ve done plenty of shore excursions, and this was one of the best.

Between the views of Taormina and Mount Etna, the swims in hidden coves, and the relaxing time spent on deck with wine in hand, it felt like the very definition of a Mediterranean dream.

When your ship docks in Giardini Naxos Taormina, consider skipping the crowded tours and setting sail instead.

Wander the Giardini Naxos beach, dip your toes in the clear water, and let Sicily reveal itself from the sea. I promise; it’s a day you’ll remember long after you’ve sailed away.