My cousin and I are planning a trip to Sicily in May (2 women). We will begin in Palermo and work our way to Taormina/Giardini Naxos. We will arrive in Taormina/Giardini Naxos on Friday 5/20 and depart on Wednesday 5/25. My questions are: 1) is this to long of a time to spend in this area 2)should we stay in Taormina or Giardini Naxos 3)will the town be open on a weekend. Thank You

What do you plan to do while based in this spot? How do you plan to get around? Have you already seen much of Sicily? Which town are you asking about (re weekend openings)?

Given the choice, I'd stay in Taormina over Giardini Naxos anyday. Taormina is more expensive but it's much nicer in terms of hotels, restaurants, shops and views. Giardini Naxos is not much more than a small town around budget motels. Both towns are open on the weekends and the end of May is already high tourist season. Five days might be a long time in the area if you don't have a car to explore or arrange a daytrip to Etna.

We had planned on traveling by bus/train to see other sites. Though Taormina would be a nice area to stay in while doing day excursions.

I have to disagree with the characterization of Giadini-Naxos as "not much more than a small town around budget hotels." In fact, Giardini is larger (both in size and population) than Taormina. There is a wide range of hotels and restaurants there. The beach at Giardini is much nicer than that of Taormina. Taormina, IMHO, is not particularly Sicilian but more of a generic jet-setter destination like Portafino or Capri. If you like Benetton stores, you'll love Taormina. Giardini is a town where Sicilians go for vacation. The passeggiatta on Saturday evening has to be seen to be believed. It's more honky-tonk than Taormina, but IMHO, a lot more fun. And you can always take the bus (15 minutes) from Giardini to Taormina for dinner or shopping.

Message: I love Taormina but I prefer to stay in Giardini. Train stops in Giardini not Taormina. The hotel I like best in the area is Arathena Rocks Hotel in Giardini Naxos. We stayed in middle of September which was low season at the hotel and was about 100 euro a day total(for 2) with breakfast and dinner with a room that had a view only of the sea and balcony with table and chairs. I think May is also low season. They had a minibus that went to Taormina 2 or 3 times a day. I agree Taormina is for Tourists and Italians stay in Giardini. I would not miss going to Taormina. Last time we went we stayed in both Taormina and Giardini. I lived in Italy for 2 years and wanted to be sure my spouse got the feeling of both areas. Spouse liked Giardini better. Taormina is a very romantic place but my spouse prefered the 180 degree view of the ocean in Giardini to the view of hill down to ocean that we had in our Taormina hotel. It is really a matter of taste. May is the best time to go IMHO you get the snow on Mt Etna from the Greek theater and weather is great. If you do not have a car I would try to find a travel agent in Giardini or Taormina on line. There were lots of bus trips to Syracusa and other areas from Taormina when we were in Taormina and Giardini in September. The travel agent would be able to give you an idea what tours are available in May and if they are in English. Then you will know how long you want to spend in area without a car.

Giardini Naxos is all about the beach.
Taomina is all about the views.
Giardini Naxos is tacky and fun.
Taormini is upscale and fun.