Arathena Rocks Hotel

We stayed in this fantastic hotel for two weeks in July and could not have enjoyed it more. A beautiful hotel with amazing views. The salt water pool and access to the sea from the rocks just beyond. I noticed a lot of people commenting on how the place needs updating but I think they are missing the point as the place is full of interesting antiquities and is full of the history of the island. All the staff, were out of this world whether on reception, housekeeping or in the restaurant, all were helpful, caring and went out of their way to make you feel at home. the hotel is in a quiet area about a fifteen minute walk from the beaches, harbor, shops and restaurants we were able to get the bus into Catania and Taormina, and could also get a bus to the train station to go to Messina. The receptionist was also on hand to book excursions for us to Etna, Syracuse and a boat trip around the coast. I would highly recommend this Hotel to visit the beautiful island of Sicily, and hope to return again in the near future. Thank you to the incredible staff at the Hotel Arathena Rocks for making our stay so memorable.

Our sea view bedroom in the annexe was large, very comfortable, air conditioned and with good washing facilities. The room was cleaned each day and fresh towels supplied. We liked the buffet breakfast, especially squeezing fresh orange juice, and also the evening dinner. As the hotel is a little distance from main restaurants it was our preference to eat in and we met many interesting people by doing this. The reception staff, Elisa and Manuela, were extremely helpful and friendly. We also had excellent service from the restaurant and bar staff - Alessandro, Michela, Piero and Anca.

There’s quite a mixture of reviews here and having spent 6 nights in the hotel here’s my pros and cons and in balance I would go back and really enjoyed Giardini Naxos Pros * exceptionally clean *mostly friendly staff ( older dark hair woman was very helpful as was the waiter at breakfast) * magic location for direct access into sea and this made up for the extra walking distance to the town * 15/20 mins walk to main restaurant ***** and loads of great ones to choose from including La Cambusa ( white lotus scene shot here) * very comfortable beds * always sun loungers in shade or sun * good location to visit Taormina which we did one early morning To go to isola Bella by bus ( €1.90 each way but a good 25 mins walk to get to bus stop) and another later evening for a meal, bus a short journey and you buy a ticket before you get in the bus - not with the driver. We didn’t use a taxi but the sign at Taormina bus station said €30 to Naxos so not sure if there is a cheaper option * transfer from Catania airport was 45 mins and I used Transfeero and cost €92 , I also used them to back to Catania city for a night there and it was also €92 * the main bus terminal is really just another bus stop and similar distance to walk to as the one in the town but a nicer walk and we also found Bar Oasis which had a fantastic lunch menu option and granita to try here- it was so good we went twice Cons *our room was at the back and the last 2 mornings we were woken at 5am with a delivery, if you can book a sea view room * tired in places for the outside areas * you need to be able to walk to get into the town/restaurant area but that’s the trade off for having direct sea access