I don't know why people insist on going to "popular" beaches when right by them, there are gems like these. We went to Isola Bella which was meh, and then by chance, stopped by an almost empty beach at the beginning of Giardini Naxos. We liked to so much we came back again the next day. The water is so clean and fresh, there are many small shops where you can grab a bite without the crowds of Taormina. Definitely a must.