Isola Bella
Isola Bella
4
About
Isola Bella, or "beautiful island," is a picturesque gem just a stone's throw from Taormina in Sicily. Relax on the pebble beach and swim in the turquoise waters with the stunning Sicilian coastline as your backdrop—the beach has plenty of sunbeds available for rent. To get to the island, you can either take the cable car or climb a steep flight of steps, then walk down the narrow strip of sand that connects the island to Taormina.
You can explore the island and the surrounding waters of Taormina on a boat tour. Visit during the summer months for warmer weather and waters.
– Tripadvisor
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See what travellers are saying
- Love2TravelAlabamaMonroeville, Alabama173 contributionsWhat a beautiful placeWe walked down from Taormina and that was an adventure because I am really out of shape. I did it, though, and the views were worth it all along the well-maintained path. We walked to the island, but beyond the shore the was not accessible without a paid admission, and we opted out. Walked back to the shuttle stop, bought one-way tickets back to Taormina for 1.20 euros. What a bargain! We were glad we made the trek.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2023
- vonman8860 contributionsStick to the viewpointStick to the viewpoint and see it from above. It really wasn't worth going down there. If you do get there it's little more than a very rough pebble beach (with some broken glass thrown in) with an average beach club/restaurant/cafe that dominates half of it. Sunny day in May and there was barely any space on the "free" part of the beach, god knows what hell it would be in peak Summer.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 May 2023
- acostajorge44Miami, Florida765 contributionsDid not meet expectations.We took a long walk to view the quaint island but it is closed to the public. You can walk up to gates but not on the property. The beach is rocky and there are a couple of restaurants that were very crowded. We were disappointed with the different vendors that kept hounding us for massages to boat excursions.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2023
- angelaofcastletonRochdale, United Kingdom565 contributionsLovely gardensSituated not far from the port in Stresa as soon as you get off the boat on the island there are many souvenir stalls and restaurants. It has an olde worlde charm but a bit too commercialised. In order to visit the gardens you must pay at the Palace and allow time to do this as there may be long queues. Don't go to the islands at the weekend as they are very busy and it's hard to appreciate the islands. Part of the island is private so you cannot walk all round it. Use the public ferries to get to the islands as they are cheaper and run more frequently than the private hire ones.Visited June 2023Written 17 June 2023
- Joe JSouthington, Connecticut118 contributionsIf you are near Lake Maggiore you must make a stop here.A beautiful summer palace built by the wealthy Borromeo family over several centuries. Begun in the 1600's, it features a spectacular villa with grand halls, wonderful dining room and well decorated anti rooms, many used as bedrooms for famous guests (Napoleon slept here). Rooms are full of period furniture and works of art. The bottom floor rooms are covered in shells to help keep the rooms cool during the hot summers. There are specular gardens that overlook Lake Maggiore. Everywhere you look is a post card view.Visited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 21 July 2023
- Jenny TNorthampton, United Kingdom14 contributionsA wonderful experience!Near to this beach on the main road is a restaurant called the Cafe Isola Bella, Mazzaro. We had the most wonderful Vegan pizza there cooked by a lovely lady called DiDi. The staff were wonderful, attentive, and helpful and the prices were amazing. There is also music played at night which helps to create a lovely atmosphere. Try it out, you will not be sorry.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2023
- GinaLeeSydney, Australia69 contributionsTourist trapComing from Australia and seeing other destinations in Italy, this beach is certainly not as beautiful as others we’ve seen. Way too many people, sun-beds and hawkers trying to sell junk and massages. Despite this we spent the day on a sun bed 25€ pp as we had planned . This was because the beach around the other side was worse, it was hot and we’d made the trek down. Don’t go to Taormina just to see Isola Bella.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2023
- Remi'smum001Truro, United Kingdom96 contributionsBeautiful to look at not so easy to walk!To get to this beach you walk down 140 plus steps😠that is from the town not Taormina that's way more, take the cable and book it for the week if you are staying... it was busy in September and very stony, would advise you wear jelly shoes. We booked a boat ride 40 minutes 25 Euros each and also some paddle boards 20 euros each for an hour both fantastic, and we ate and had our drinks at Pizzichella reasonably priced but the view was amazing. The beachclubs were packed and the little van selling drinks extortionate! Watch your feet I took a tumble and the steps back OMG..but still well worth a visit.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 September 2023
- ScottingtonEngland, United Kingdom416 contributionsExploring the Island!While visiting Taormina we took the cable car down to the coastal front and walked along to the Isola Bella trail. We took the steps down to the beach front and then kept going until we came to the small island. To get across don't be afraid to get wet as you walk across the tiny casueway which is quite crowded with sunbathers. We then paid the 4 euro charge and followed the path which becomes very still and calming despite the crowds on the beach front. The trees of the island hide all the hidden paths you can take and buildings making it really surprising and enjoyable to discover. The look out points also give some nice views of the surrounding area with lots of boat tours passing by.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2023
- Neil bytheriver17 contributionsNot worth the trip.Not amazing. Nowhere near as impressive or pretty as many Greek islands. Tatty beach fully of second rate cafes. Just not worth the €10 cable car fee. Wish we had stayed in town.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,909 reviews
Excellent
3,011
Very good
1,632
Average
816
Poor
298
Terrible
152
Scott W
London, UK34 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The small island hides an extensive network of hidden paths, grottos, tunnels and a villa built into the rock. Like a giant Victorian grotto. Easy walk from the main road down the signposted path. Only 4€ and even has a clean toilet and shower. Looking forward to visiting again in a couple of years when the conservation and path rebuilding should be complete.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil bytheriver
17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Not amazing. Nowhere near as impressive or pretty as many Greek islands. Tatty beach fully of second rate cafes. Just not worth the €10 cable car fee. Wish we had stayed in town.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scottington
England, UK416 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
While visiting Taormina we took the cable car down to the coastal front and walked along to the Isola Bella trail. We took the steps down to the beach front and then kept going until we came to the small island. To get across don't be afraid to get wet as you walk across the tiny casueway which is quite crowded with sunbathers. We then paid the 4 euro charge and followed the path which becomes very still and calming despite the crowds on the beach front. The trees of the island hide all the hidden paths you can take and buildings making it really surprising and enjoyable to discover. The look out points also give some nice views of the surrounding area with lots of boat tours passing by.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Remi'smum001
Truro, UK96 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
To get to this beach you walk down 140 plus steps😠that is from the town not Taormina that's way more, take the cable and book it for the week if you are staying... it was busy in September and very stony, would advise you wear jelly shoes. We booked a boat ride 40 minutes 25 Euros each and also some paddle boards 20 euros each for an hour both fantastic, and we ate and had our drinks at Pizzichella reasonably priced but the view was amazing. The beachclubs were packed and the little van selling drinks extortionate! Watch your feet I took a tumble and the steps back OMG..but still well worth a visit.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda L
Broad Brook, CT2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We enjoyed our very pleasant boat ride through this area. Beautiful scenery, lots of caves and warm water to swim off the side of the boat!
Written 18 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GinaLee
Sydney, Australia69 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Coming from Australia and seeing other destinations in Italy, this beach is certainly not as beautiful as others we’ve seen. Way too many people, sun-beds and hawkers trying to sell junk and massages. Despite this we spent the day on a sun bed 25€ pp as we had planned . This was because the beach around the other side was worse, it was hot and we’d made the trek down. Don’t go to Taormina just to see Isola Bella.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny T
Northampton, UK14 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Near to this beach on the main road is a restaurant called the Cafe Isola Bella, Mazzaro. We had the most wonderful Vegan pizza there cooked by a lovely lady called DiDi. The staff were wonderful, attentive, and helpful and the prices were amazing. There is also music played at night which helps to create a lovely atmosphere. Try it out, you will not be sorry.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julieewhite12
Oklahoma City, OK38 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Beautiful. Beautiful scenery and clear water. Fairly crowded, but arrive early and there will be room. Water shoes are a must as the ground is very rocky.
Written 9 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda
7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Crowded, filthy, jewellery hawkers and massage ladies who will not take ‘no’ for an answer, touching you even though you’ve politely declined.
Too many people on a tiny stoney beach with broken glass from beer bottle in the rocks.
Such a disappointment and way below expectations for a supposed stunning beach In Taormina!
Too many sun-beds crammed together with extortionate pricing for what can only be described as a very expensive disappointing ‘Disneyland’ theme of a beach.
Stay well away and give it a miss as there are way more beautiful beaches in Sicily.
Truly wish I could have written positive remarks but feel people should really no the truth!
Too many people on a tiny stoney beach with broken glass from beer bottle in the rocks.
Such a disappointment and way below expectations for a supposed stunning beach In Taormina!
Too many sun-beds crammed together with extortionate pricing for what can only be described as a very expensive disappointing ‘Disneyland’ theme of a beach.
Stay well away and give it a miss as there are way more beautiful beaches in Sicily.
Truly wish I could have written positive remarks but feel people should really no the truth!
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bdearl41
Greensboro, NC299 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
My family and I walked down through the way too crowded and trashed beaches to visit Isola Bella. There was entirely too many people on the rocky beach l, and the beach clubs we walked through were both unfriendly and smelly.
Once wading across the water (which was nice) and arriving to the island it was quite nice. Just a few euros to visit, our 5 year old was free, we enjoyed about 30 minutes wandering on the island. Great views and some good history to be sure.
Walking back to leave though, the beaches had grown even more crowded. Worth a visit if you can arrive first thing but honestly just look at the island from the lookout point up top. That’s what you really want to see.
Once wading across the water (which was nice) and arriving to the island it was quite nice. Just a few euros to visit, our 5 year old was free, we enjoyed about 30 minutes wandering on the island. Great views and some good history to be sure.
Walking back to leave though, the beaches had grown even more crowded. Worth a visit if you can arrive first thing but honestly just look at the island from the lookout point up top. That’s what you really want to see.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martina R
1 contribution
Buon giorno, qualcuno saprebbe dirmi se Sono ammessi i cani grandi nella spiaggia libera? Io ho un labrador e mi piacerebbe venire con il mio amico a quattro zampe. Grazie
Loris E
Rome, Italy149 contributions
Non se se, a norma di legge, siano ammessi ma io ne ho visti diversi, ovviamente tenuti al guinzaglio.
Laura V
Monza, Italy20 contributions
Buongiorno, è possibile raggiungere l'isola a piedi lungo la striscia di sabbia che si vede in foto? Ci sono orari? Magari per la marea? Per visitare Taormina, Naxos e l'isola è meglio lasciare l'auto in centro a Taormina e scendere con la funivia o viceversa? Come si può organizzare il giro in barca? Grazie mille.
Scottyc74
Brisbane, Australia46 contributions
Hi Laura,
Yes you can access by foot. The beach is made from pebbles rather than sand. We were there a few days and it doesn't look like the tide typically gets high enough to cover it.
I suggest to avoid driving where possible. Parking is very limited and the streets are very narrow. The cable car takes you to the beaches (if operating). You can also walk down the 200+ steps if you are feeling fit.
To get to Naxos there is a frequent bus service from Taormina. There are also frequent buses to Isola Bella from Taormina too. The buses are about 1.90 Euro each way
There are a lot of boat tour operators, running from Mazzaro, Naxos or even from beach at Isola Bella. There are people selling boat tours everywhere, if you are there for few days suggest organising that when you get there.
Hope that helps... Enjoy your time there.
S
ciao a tutti non riesco a capire se ci sono dei lidi attrezzatinella spiaggia di fronte l'isola. Se si, qualcuno sa dirmi il nome?
grazie
Anna Maria L
Favara, Italy23 contributions
Cioa io ci sono andato a Gennaio e non c'erano
Jacqueline
Godalming, UK12 contributions
Are the bars on isola bella beach open at the beginning of May? Ty
Xandrix
Vercelli, Italy695 contributions
Yes of course. I I went swimming in the sea 29.09. I think march...April will be the same. Summer starts really early there. May sure is open.
AlessandroDeMarco86
Melissano, Italy2 contributions
Ciao buongiorno la settimana prossima dovrei venire a taormina e giardini naxos,ma in questo periodo le spiaggie tipo l isola bella ad esempio sono ancora affollate di gente o no?
Attualmente le spiagge sono abbastanza tranquille,ti consiglio di venire, buona vacanza.
Danalore🌼
355 contributions
Salve. Sarò a breve a Taormina. Leggo nelle recensioni di una funivia. posso sapere da dove parte e dove arriva? Inoltre, per arrivare nel punto più alto per scorgere l'Isola Bella bisogna passare tramite il centro di Taormina? Grazie.
Tamagio
Prato, Italy245 contributions
Parte di fronte al Lido La Pigna. Costo del biglietto 6 euro A/R a persona.consigliatissima perché arriva in centro
Ilariacarletti
Mantua, Italy22 contributions
A che ora è meglio essere in spiaggia per avere un posto vicino alla striscia di spiaggia che collega Isola Bella la costa? Grazie 😊
Alessandra B
30 contributions
bisogna andare abbastanza presto
Posso andare in spiaggia con un cane di piccola taglia?
Sonia S
339 contributions
Sì, ma non so fino a che punto ti conviene, soprattutto nel periodo estivo. C'è troppa marmaglia di gente che a stento si riesce a camminare. Dipende che periodo vai
Giuseppe
Bagheria, Italy6 contributions
La struttura nell'isola cos'è? Quanto costa entrare? Vale la pena?
apariello
Pompeii, Italy242 contributions
Ciao Giuseppe, si tratta di una casa appartenuta un tempo ad un privato e acquisita dal demanio.
I minorenni non pagano, gli adulti pagano 4 euro.
La visita e breve e consente di vedere begli scorci panoramici e un piccolissimo museo con oggetti antichi. Non ci sono guide.
Pomto
Toronto, Canada184 contributions
How do you get from Taormina town centre to Isola Bella? Is there a bus that takes you to the cable car? Which bus and how often does it run? Where is the bus stop? Thank you!
jrsci
Shelby Township, MI20 contributions
You can walk from the town center to the cable car and once st the bottom it is a short walk until you get to about 100 steps to get down there. There is no transportation to get to the bottom
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Frequently Asked Questions about Isola Bella
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Isola Bella:
- Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto (From ₹ 3,235.29)
- Taormina - Classic Boat Tour (From ₹ 5,546.58)
- Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania (From ₹ 8,597.73)
- Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour (From ₹ 10,169.14)
- Giardini Naxos, Taormina and Castelmola daily tour From Catania (From ₹ 8,320.28)
- Hotels near Isola Bella:
- (0.22 km) La Plage Resort
- (0.38 km) Panoramic Hotel
- (0.47 km) Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
- (0.22 km) Il Pescatore Isola Bella
- (0.52 km) Maison Blanche Luxury B&B
- Restaurants near Isola Bella:
- (0.31 km) Ristorante Da Giovanni
- (0.45 km) Villa Antonio
- (0.30 km) Pizzichella
- (0.38 km) Bell'assai
- (0.37 km) Il Gabbiano