Isola Bella Tours
The Italian name of Isola Bella contains both a truth and a misnomer: though worthy of being called beautiful, this tiny rocky outcrop along Sicily’s coast near Taormina is not actually an island. Located off the Lido Mazzaro beach on the Mediterranean Sea, Isola Bella is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that is often covered with water at high tide. The picturesque point was gifted to Taormina in 1806 by the King of Sicily and later purchased by the Scottish Lady Florence Trevelyan—her villa still sits on the highest point—until being taken over by the region of Sicily and made a nature reserve in 1990.
The Basics
You can walk out to Isola Bella when the strip of beach connecting it to the mainland is not covered by water, but it’s best to visit this "beautiful island" by sea. Boat tours exploring the coastline of Taormina typically include a sail along Capo Taormina and a stop at the Grotta Azzurra sea cave. The craggy coast is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving tours, and full-day tours sometimes include lunch at a seaside restaurant featuring fresh fish and local wine. Other popular day trips or shore excursions that can be combined with a boat trip include a walk through the hilltop village of Castelmola above Taormina; a hike on Mount Etna, the largest volcano in Italy; or a trip to the popular resort town of Giardini Naxos.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring your swimsuit if taking a boat tour or simply exploring the island by foot, as the beaches are prime for sunbathing and taking a dip.
- Don't forget a hat, sunblock, and plenty of water to stave off the heat if hiking on the island.
- Passengers must be agile enough to board and disembark on boat tours, so travelers with limited mobility should confirm accessibility before booking.
How to Get to There
Isola Bella is located along the Taormina coast halfway between the cities of Messina and Catania, and can be reached on foot from the mainland at certain times of day, or by boat from any city along the Sicilian coast.
When to Get There
Sicily is most crowded in summer, when Italians flock to its beaches to escape the heat. Late spring and early fall have days that are warm enough to take a swim in the crystalline waters off Isola Bella without the hassle of the summer crowds.
Taormina's Famous Sights
Most excursions to Isola Bella depart from Taormina, so be sure to see some of this beautiful city's most remarkable monuments, including the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, the Cattedrale di Taormina, the Villa Comunale gardens, Corso Umberto, and Piazza IX Aprile.
Address: Isola Bella, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Isola Bella
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Mount Etna Nature and Flavors Half-Day Tour from Taormina
Spend a day discovering Europe’s highest active volcano and lava caves on this Mt. Etna tour. As you travel from Taormina or Giardini Naxos, learn all about the infamous Sicilian volcano from a guide. Then, leave the vehicle to trek along the trails of Parco dell’Etna, and visit an intriguing lava cave back at ground level. On your return to Catania, you have time for one last stop at an organic farm where samples of wine and honey await.
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From
$78.22
From
$78.22
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Private Isola Bella Fishing Tour from Taormina
Take part in an age-old Sicilian tradition with a fishing trip off the shores of Taormina’s idyllic Isola Bella nature reserve. Admire the coastline’s bays, grottoes and sea cliffs while traveling aboard a traditional wooden fishing boat, and get tips and techniques from your local fisherman guide. After reeling in some local swimmers, enjoy a waterfront lunch featuring your fresh catch of the day expertly prepared by a chef. Tour size is limited for a more intimate small-group experience.
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From
$474.04
Price varies by group size
From
$474.04
Price varies by group size
Full Day Boat Tour Taormina Coastline Including Lunch at Isola Bella
Spend a memorable day at sea exploring Taormina’s spectacular coastline in style aboard a private luxury yacht. Soak up the Sicilian sun while your captain navigates along the grottoes, sea cliffs and capes that have inspired dozens of artists over the years. Stop to swim and snorkel in the secluded Bay of Mermaids, and refresh throughout the day with an open bar and gourmet snacks on board. Step ashore at the enchanting Isola Bella, and admire the verdant island nature reserve while savoring a delicious multicourse meal at a waterside trattoria.
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From
$2,690.15
per group
From
$2,690.15
per group
Messina's Tour With Horses Carriage, + Taormina And Isola Bella With Minivan
You will have the opportunity to visit the city of Messina with one of the most ancient means of transport in the world, the famous horse-drawn carriage, at the end of the Messina tour your driver will be waiting to take you to Taormina passing by the famous beautiful island. 2 hours of relaxation will be waiting for you walking in full autonomy in one of the most beautiful cities in Sicily.
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From
$230.62
Price varies by group size
From
$230.62
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Best of Eastern Sicily: Taormina and Castelmola private tour from Giardini Naxos
Explore three charming cities on the east coast of Sicily - ancient Giardini Naxos, picturesque medieval village Castelmola and Taormina - Pearl of the Ionic sea. Churches and palaces, views of rocky mountains and azure sea, smells of orange blossom, oregano, and mint … Sicily is an inspiring island!
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From
$600.00
Price varies by group size
From
$600.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Taormina private boat tour
Being a private tour you can celebrate a birthday or a bachelorette party or a moment with your family or a romantic sunset tour with your loved one. Captain Angelo for more than 36 years of experience and a profound connoisseur of the area will take you to discover the most beautiful spots of Taormina and Naxos gardens, together you will have unforgettable moments.
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From
$580.69
per group
From
$580.69
per group
Half Day Boat Tour Taormina Coastline
Soak up the Sicilian sun like a VIP with a private boat tour along the coast from Taormina. As a captain navigates the waters of the Ionian Sea, just relax and enjoy the island scenery from the deck of your own luxurious boat, which can accommodate up to 10 people. While you sunbathe and take in sights like Grotta Azzurra and Isola Bella, indulge in provided wine, beer, prosecco, soft drinks, juice, fruit, bread and cheese.
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From
$746.61
Price varies by group size
From
$746.61
Price varies by group size
Private Taormina Sunset Cruise with Dinner on Board
Spend an evening relaxing and enjoying the views with this 2.5-hour sunset cruise from Taormina, followed by dinner. Drift past some of Sicily's most beautiful coastline, and then dine on seafood on board.
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From
$829.56
Price varies by group size
From
$829.56
Price varies by group size
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