Lido di Naxos

Lido di Naxos has been working the Schiso seafront at Giardini Naxos for over fifty years and is one of the largest beach establishments in Italy, which is obvious the moment you arrive: the beach runs a long way, and pitches are set out in separated blocks rather than packed rows. It sits in the bay below Taormina, roughly fifteen minutes by car from the town, on the fine sand the gulf is known for. The range of things to do is unusually wide for a lido. There are beach volleyball and beach tennis courts, aquagym and yoga sessions, an organised entertainment programme with group games and music, and a children's play area, plus a solarium with three hydromassage pools and a massage centre. Changing cabins with secure storage and hot showers cover the practical side, and the site is set up for wheelchair access. Eating is spread across several counters: a sea-view terrace restaurant, a pizzeria, a beach bar and kiosk, and a pastry and gelato shop where the thing to order is artisanal granita with a warm brioche. At sunset the aperitivo service starts, sometimes with a DJ, sometimes live music. Daily hours run 8am to 7pm.