Mazzeo holidays

Holidays to Mazzeo make dolce vita look easy, set on a chilled-out beach in easy reach of the highlights of Taormina.

Sea-view suburb

Within nipping distance of big-ticket Taormina, Mazzeo is often described as a suburb of Sicily’s hilltop city. Despite this, the town feels quite secluded, backed by steep green hillsides and separated from the city by a rocky headland. It strikes just the right balance between the laidback vibes of a small beach town and the bustling energy of the island’s star attractions. Taormina is just a 20-minute taxi or 30-minute bus ride away when the mood strikes, while Mazzeo’s beach is perfect for days spent topping up your tan.

Life’s a beach

Mazzeo is famous among locals for its extra-long beach with fine, dove-grey sand. It runs the entire length of the town and is fringed by towering palms and crystal blue waters. The whole thing is dotted with lidos – the Italian word for beach club with sunbeds for rent – and free areas of the beach, where you can pitch up with a towel. Take your pick between lounging on the sand or getting involved in watersports galore – the likes of paddle-boarding and kayaking are on offer. It’s the ideal way to explore the rocky shoreline and miniature islets that frame the bay.

Famous daytrips

Spend your days browsing exclusive boutiques in Taormina’s old town or visiting the Ancient Greek and Roman ruins on offer. The most dramatic is a Greek amphitheatre known as Teatro Antico, where the crumbling pillars of an ancient stage frame views of Mount Etna and the Mediterranean. There’s also a Medieval old quarter here to discover, famous for its elegant plazas and cathedrals, designer shops and well-heeled nightlife scene. For the more adventurous, an ascent of Italy’s largest live volcano is only an hour away, with guided tours available.