Hotel Ariston and Palazzo Santa Caterina
Taormina - Via Bagnoli Croci, 168
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Just a short walk from the coast of Taormina, nestled in the stunning bay bordered by the Blue Grotto to the east and Capo Taormina to the west, lies Isola Bella, separated from the mainland by a narrow strip of land that extends just far enough into the water to make this rocky outcrop, quite literally, an island. It sits so close to the shore that at low tide it becomes a peninsula—a small promontory reachable even on foot, surrounded by crystal-clear waters of the most vivid hues.
Along with Taormina, part of the UNESCO Tentative List for candidacy as a World Heritage site, Isola Bella, or Isula Bedda in Sicilian, is a true landmark of Taormina, one of the must-visit spots for anyone holidaying or passing through this area. The strip of land separating it from the coast becomes a magnificent beach in summer, besieged by tourists and locals alike keen to admire one of eastern Sicily’s most beautiful vistas.
The Isola Bella beach is undoubtedly the main attraction along Taormina‘s coastline. Its unique shape, stretching along the promontory that leads to the island, is a true icon of Sicily.
Access is via a flight of steps leading down from the main road to the beach: along the short walk you’ll enjoy stunning views and get some magnificent photos.
Once on the beach, you’ll find it largely equipped with parasols and sun loungers available for hire right down to the shoreline, where the water is transparent and crystal-clear. The beach consists of small pebbles and stones, so we recommend bringing water shoes to wear in the water too, given the uneven seabed.
There is also a small section of free beach, right along the strip of land separating it from Isola Bella, though this area tends to get quite crowded. Another free-access area of Isola Bella beach is at the eastern end, where boats depart for trips to the Blue Grotto and the Shell Grotto.
There’s actually not much to see at Isola Bella, as it’s a small conical islet with a diameter of just 100 metres and a maximum height of 33 metres above sea level, with no easy access to the sea due to jagged rocks and a small wood in the central section. The only building on the island is the Natural History Museum, which is nonetheless worth a visit.
There’s no need for an admission ticket to visit Isola Bella or its beach. The Natural History Museum is part of the Isolabella and Villa Caronia Regional Natural History Museum, and is open daily from 9 am until one hour before sunset, though winter opening hours may vary due to bad weather. Admission costs 4 euros, with reduced tickets at half price. Visits are staggered in groups of no more than 15 people, a limit extended to 20 for school groups accompanied by teachers.
There are no guided tours exclusively for Isola Bella. However, you can book a full Taormina tour that includes the island, allowing an expert guide to reveal the secrets of this natural wonder.
It’s also possible to join a private boat trip departing from Mazzarò coast that circles the island for a variable duration, offering views of the surrounding caves (Blue Grotto and Shell Grotto), as well as the bay of Naxos.
Isola Bella sits just metres offshore from Taormina‘s coast, in the elegant Mazzarò area, so it’s natural you’d want to visit in summer. But be warned that the adjacent beach can become extremely crowded in this season, and summer heat can make your stay uncomfortable. Better to visit Isola Bella in spring, especially from mid-April to late May, when days are already quite long, the climate is warm yet mild, and there are fewer crowds—ideal for truly savoring this slice of paradise.
Late summer and early autumn are also perfect months: in September, for instance, sea temperatures reach their peak, and August’s crowds have thinned considerably. You’ll practically have the island to yourself and can enjoy wonderful swims.
Those choosing to visit Isola Bella in winter will obviously have to forgo swimming or sunbathing, but the sea views during this season are certainly unique and enchanting, whether under clear skies or overcast ones.
Isola Bella is located in the Mazzarò area, within the municipality of Taormina. It’s an integral part of the coastline profile, and therefore impossible to miss. However, it lies outside Taormina’s historic centre, about 40 minutes’ walk or roughly 7 kilometres by car, though you can reach it easily from the A18 motorway, exiting at the Taormina junction and following the main road. You can park along the road or at one of the many private car parks.
If travelling by bus, you can reach central Taormina on one of numerous services from major Sicilian cities, then take the cable car from Taormina to Mazzarò: you’ll reach Isola Bella in just 3 minutes for 3 euros per single journey or 10 euros for a daily pass. Departures are every 15 minutes, the first at 9 am, the last at 1 am the following morning.
As mentioned, there are no buildings on Isola Bella except the Natural History Museum, so it’s impossible to stay on the island. But along Via Nazionale, the coastal road overlooking the island directly, there are 3 hotels allowing you to sleep and reach it on foot. Alternatively, if you’re after something more economical, you’ll find accommodation nearby: there are plenty of hotels, apartments and bed & breakfasts in the area able to suit all types of traveller.
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