Isola Bella, Taormina
Isola Bella is a small rocky islet just off the coast of Taormina, connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar that's sometimes submerged depending on tides and sea conditions. Once privately owned, including by an English aristocrat who developed its gardens in the early 20th century, it's now a protected nature reserve.
The surrounding cove is one of Sicily's most photographed beaches, with clear turquoise water framed by cliffs and Taormina's hillside town visible above. It gets busy in peak summer months, when both the beach and islet paths can feel crowded.
As a day trip from Catania, it pairs naturally with a visit to Taormina's old town and the Teatro Antico, both a short walk or cable car ride uphill.
Isola Bella, Taormina FAQs
Yes, it's roughly an hour away by train or car, commonly combined with a visit to Taormina town.
There's a small entrance fee for the nature reserve on the islet itself; the beach and sandbar are free to access.
Usually yes across the sandbar, though it can be partly submerged depending on tides and weather.
A cable car (funivia) runs from central Taormina to the coast, or you can walk down a steep path.
It's a mix, mostly pebble and sand, with clear, calm water good for swimming.
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