Isola Bella, Taormina: Address, Isola Bella Reviews: 4/5
Isola Bella
Isola Bella
4
About
Taormina is a region that is rich in natural beauty and scenic beaches, especially Isola Bella that means "the beautiful island."
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
427 within 3 miles
Villa Antonio
1,344
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ristorante Da Giovanni
654
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Villa Carlotta Restaurant
545
0.4 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Sicilian
Ristorante del Lido La Pigna
716
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Seafood
Bell'assai
40
0.2 miItalian • Pizza • Southern-Italian
Il Gabbiano
551
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ai Paladini Lounge Bar
89
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Cafe
Pizzichella
533
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Ristorante Sant'Andrea
215
0.2 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Mediterranean
Restaurant Mazzarò Sea Palace
77
0.4 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • International
Attractions
111 within 6 miles
Ancient Theatre of Taormina
13,893
0.5 miAncient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Mendolia Beach Club
102
0.2 miBeach & Pool Clubs
Lido la Pigna
103
0.3 miBeach & Pool Clubs
Villa Comunale
3,700
0.5 miParks
Grotta Azzurra
1
0.2 miGeologic Formations
Lido Mazzarò
354
0.4 miBeaches
Piazza IX Aprile
1,851
0.8 miScenic Walking Areas
Italian Opera Taormina
773
0.8 miOperas
Corso Umberto
3,597
0.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Chiesa Madonna della Rocca
335
1 miLookouts • Religious Sites
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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
5,819 reviews
Excellent
2,985
Very good
1,608
Average
799
Poor
285
Terrible
142
VinnyP1
London, UK443 contributions
Couples
Taormina is gorgeous and it all grew up around the beach. This "Island" is reached from the beach along a small sand bar. The issue is like the beach it's about its proximity to Taormina rather than any intrinsic attraction.
The Island is only accessible for a 10m stretch of sand which like the rest of the public beach areas is sought after so is a patchwork of people on towels. Umbrellas are banned. It is a nature reserve and should be accessible via the museum. That seems permanently closed with no details of when it will reopen in May 2022. During the high season crowds will be an issue.
The Island is only accessible for a 10m stretch of sand which like the rest of the public beach areas is sought after so is a patchwork of people on towels. Umbrellas are banned. It is a nature reserve and should be accessible via the museum. That seems permanently closed with no details of when it will reopen in May 2022. During the high season crowds will be an issue.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bluebellplasnewydd
Cardiff, UK1,454 contributions
This is an iconic tourist trap accessed via the cable car and then a step set of steps. You have a choice of walking along the pebble beach or staying for the day in which case you may want to pay for a beach club. Everywhere is packed with sunbathers. There is an isthmus to the island but I was covered with about 5cm of water when we visited. You can take your shoes off and paddle to the island although access is severely restricted to a few square meters. Best to sit at one of the bars and enjoy the view.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
feherp88
Budapest, Hungary455 contributions
Couples
Amazing beach with wonderful view. Highly recommended to visit. You can access via stairs or with Funivia from the city of Taormina. Be prepared there is only sporadic bus ride from/to Taormina train station if you don't access via Taormina.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James T
London, UK10 contributions
Couples
My wife enjoyed touring the house on the island and a dip in the small bay. I found the whole experience existentially alienating. This is a small rock beach overcrowded with people shuffling around trying to find a square metre or two to lower their behinds onto the stony ground inches from the next pair of buttocks. Meanwhile tourist boats circle like sharks looking to bite a chunk out of your wallet in exchange for a puffy ride around the bay and the bars on the beach are like the economy section of a cut price airplane stuck on the runway - people packed like sardines shouting in vain for service and filling the place with the scent of desperation. They’ve come because the place seems a romantic idyll only to discover that Satre was right: l’enfer c’est les sutures. My advice : read about the place 100 years ago. It is a place much better imagined in the mind than in reality. And for god sake don’t go if there’s a cruiser in the local harbour.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Aiwyne
Sheffield, UK28 contributions
It was a real disappointment after having unrealistic expectations from reading good reviews about it. Perhaps I should say my experience is in August and the height of “holiday season “ although there has been no school terms since February because of Covid-19. Not only was it overcrowded with towels and umbrellas in every bit of space possible, to the point one can’t find a way through the bodies, too many people leave rubbish behind. Some wear masks but it’s impossible to keep 1m apart from others. We visited the island for €4 each, although it’s a coold relief from the sun, quite few parts were closed to public for whatever reason. Needless to say we didn’t stay long.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie K
County Durham, UK87 contributions
Couples
A honeypot of a place. It is quite pretty with rocks covered in greenery, rock pools and bathe dipping pools and the water quality is clear and great for snorkelling. The ‘island’ is reached by a narrow short stretch of shingle sand, which also serves as a beach so expect to be stepping over people as you get there. The gardens and museum are currently closed for renovation, but you wouldn’t know it until you got to the gate. The beach itself is extremely popular and you will be lucky to get a small scrap of it to sit on. The peak season must be horrendous. The tourist pictures of it must have airbrushed out the people. There are sellers of various items (massages, beach shoes, sunglasses) plying their wares up and down the beach - some in particular quite intrusive and persistent. There are also restaurants and bars. You can hire kayaks and boat trips around the island.Access down is via a steep set of steps from the main road. If coming from the cable car, don’t take the first lot of steps you see as that takes you to the other cove which is laid out as private (restaurant) areas of the beach (the public bit is small at the end). Instead go to the main road, turn right for about 200metres and the steps down are well signed with an information sign about the nature reserve, although hiring jet skis seems a bit anathema to the whole protected area.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
michaelpoto4
Boston, MA89 contributions
Very nice scenery and clean water, but difficult to walk on as the rocks are literally 3-4 inches long. They sell rubber shoes (galoshes) on the beach. If you want to rent a chair under an umbrella, it costs 20 euro each. You can’t lay on a towel on the rocks as it’s too painful.
We went to a beach in Taormina called Re del Sole. It was much better, and far less crowded. You could lay on a towel comfortably as the rocks were very small and much easier to walk on. Both beaches are free to access.
We went to a beach in Taormina called Re del Sole. It was much better, and far less crowded. You could lay on a towel comfortably as the rocks were very small and much easier to walk on. Both beaches are free to access.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mervyn m
Hinckley, UK25 contributions
Crystal clear waters , lots of fish. Recommend hiring a sunbed [ £20 per day for 2 beds plus umbrella from the lido near the scuba place . Left hand side as you come down the steps.
Very stony beach but beautiful setting.
Very stony beach but beautiful setting.
Written October 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
garethmorgans
Caerphilly, UK113 contributions
Solo
Absolutely stunning beach adjacent to isola bella Island which is easily accessible on foot. I was here in September 2018 and loved it so much spent most of my 9 days here relaxing on the beach. You can hire a sunbed from the beach bar for €10 a day. The beach bar serves a wide range of great food and snacks and drinks and a special mention for one of the waiters Roberto who is always welcoming providing great customer service as do the rest of his colleagues. I will be coming here again in September without hesitation
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EverydayOdissey
Bologna, Italy19 contributions
A paradise among the beauty of Sicilian sea. I totally advice the visit inside the Isola Bella Villa (yes it was a victorian villa with a fascinating story). They accept Apple Pay, and it is totally worth the price. You will see the change of temperature thanks to the luxuriant vegetation, and enjoy the view form the open balcony, in armony with the Island natural shape. It is like a little world of peace inside the chaos of one of the most visited beaches of Sicily (and I can get why). Unfortunately, there had been some urbanization abuses: these buildings right on the seaside are like knives to the peaceful harmony of nature. I hope and pray for the authorities to solve this problem and let the beauty if Sicily breath free like during the Greek Age
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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, Italy690 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, Italy1 contribution
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.
Ld9
285 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, Italy232 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
337 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, Italy4 contributions
La struttura nell'isola cos'è? Quanto costa entrare? Vale la pena?
apariello
Pompeii, Italy241 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
giandomenico b
Turin, Italy1 contribution
chi furono i proprietari dell'isola
Claudia P
San Mauro Torinese, Italy13 contributions
Donata nel 1806 da Ferdinando I di Borbone a Pancrazio Ciprioti sindaco di Taormina, fu acquistata nel 1890 da Florence Trevelyan che la valorizzò costruendovi una casetta e piantumandovi rare essenze pregiate. L'isola andò poi in eredità all'avv. Cesare Acrosso,[1] figlioccio adottato da Salvatore Cacciola, marito di Florence Trevelyan.
Nel 1954 fu acquistata per 38.000 ₤ dai fratelli Leone ed Emilio Bosurgi, che vi realizzarono un villaggio con 12 residenze autonome ed una minuscola piscina camuffata fra rocce e piantagioni, al fine di allietare ed ospitare i loro amici imprenditori e banchieri.
La famiglia Bosurgi era proprietaria della Sanderson, storica azienda messinese di trasformazione degli agrumi. Il fallimento di questa nel 1982,[2] aprì la strada alla vendita per asta giudiziaria dei beni di famiglia che garantivano i debiti della società con fidejussioni. Tra questi beni vi era anche l'isola Bella con la sua villa
zingarella78
111 contributions
Salve gentilmente desidero sapere se c'è più di un lido sulla spiaggia di isolabella e quali ed eventuali prezzi. Grazie mille
cicca67
Sulmona, Italy70 contributions
si ci sono piu' lidi ma i prezzi non erano visibili, posso dirti che per quanto riguarda l'alimentazione il meno costoso sembra essere il primo lido quando scendi in spiaggia a dx.
Frequently Asked Questions about Isola Bella
- We recommend booking Isola Bella tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 43 Isola Bella tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Isola Bella:
- Excursions by boat, Giardini Naxos Taormina, Isola Bella, Blue Grotto (From $26.52)
- Taormina - Classic Boat Tour (From $44.55)
- Small-group Taormina Coastline and Isola Bella Boat Tour (From $95.47)
- Mt. Etna and Taormina village full day tour from Catania (From $95.47)
- Taormina and Isola Bella Day Tour Including Boat Tour (From $105.02)
- Hotels near Isola Bella:
- (0.13 mi) La Plage Resort
- (0.24 mi) Panoramic Hotel
- (0.29 mi) Villa Sant'Andrea, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Mare
- (0.33 mi) Maison Blanche Luxury B&B
- (0.14 mi) Casetta sulla spiaggia dell'Isolabella a Taormina mare
- Restaurants near Isola Bella:
- (0.19 mi) Ristorante Da Giovanni
- (0.19 mi) Pizzichella
- (0.28 mi) Villa Antonio
- (0.17 mi) Mendolia Beach Hotel Restaurant
- (0.23 mi) Il Gabbiano