Taormina Travel Forum

Hello,

coming to Catania early August and need some budget accomodation in Taormina or Giardini Naxos (youth hostels, B&B etc). Grateful for any information.
Cheers.

I was there a few years ago. I don't have any specific places to stay but I think Naxos is better than Taormina for budget staying. Taormina is quite expensive and has Sicily's most expensive hotels. Also, even though they're close, Taormina and G.Naxos are completely different, so you should think about what you are looking for. Giardini Naxos is on the sea, with a bunch of hotels right on the beach, making it very convenient if that's what you'll be doing. On the other hand, it's not a very picturesque town. Taormina is a beautiful, quaint Sicilian town, but it's way above sea level, making beach access more difficult. I'd say G.Naxos probably has a better nightlife.
Hope that helps a little.

Budget doesn't go well in the same sentence with Taormina, especially in August.

But if you are happy to stay in Catania and drive (Taormina is 30 minutes away by car) you may get out with very nice fares as the city isn't that popular in August.

Tell you what? rent a convertible and drive along the coast and up to the mountain!

See my hotel tips for Catania.

Cheers,
mac

I'm probably too late for this but there is a string of small towns between Catania and Taormina which are much cheaper and more local than beautiful Taormina. But yes, if you want to be in nearby Giardini, the budget hotels are probably the ones close to the centre and inland rather than seafront. There were several such small ones although often occupied by charter tourists. But Giardini is indeed more convenient for seeing the rest of Sicily as you don't have the 20 minute climb up/down the mountain every time you want to sightsee.