What is Isola Bella?
Isola Bella is a small island just off the coast below Taormina, connected to the mainland by a narrow sandbar you can walk across (except during unusually high tides). The island and surrounding waters are a protected nature reserve, which is part of why the water stays so clear. It's the single most photographed spot in the Taormina area, and genuinely lives up to the pictures.
How to get there
The easiest route is the Funivia, Taormina's cable car, which connects the town centre to the coast at Mazzarò in about two minutes. From the Funivia station, it's a short walk down to Isola Bella. Driving down is possible but not recommended — parking near the beach is extremely limited, especially in summer.
📍 View on Maps Full Transport Guide →What to expect once you're there
The beach itself is pebble rather than sand, and split between free public sections and paid lido areas with sunbeds and umbrellas. The island is a short walk across the sandbar and has a small nature trail you can follow — it doesn't take long, but the views back toward Taormina are worth it.
The water is some of the clearest along this stretch of coast, making it excellent for snorkelling near the rocks.
Best time to visit
Arrive early — by mid-morning in July and August, the free sections fill up fast. May, June and September offer a much calmer experience with still-warm water.
Nearby options if it's busy
If Isola Bella feels crowded, Mazzarò is right next door and slightly calmer, or head a bit further to Spisone for a quieter, more local stretch of coast. All three are covered in our Best Beaches guide.