Isola Bella in Taormina: How to Get There and What to See

A slim strip of sand connects Taormina to the enchanting Isola Bella.

A patch of green surrounded by the blue of the Ionian Sea facing the eastern coast of Sicily. Also known as the

The story of Isola Bella begins with Ferdinand I of Bourbon, King of the Two Sicilies, who, in 1806, donated it to the Municipality of Taormina. The island was then purchased around 1890 by a wealthy English noblewoman, Florence Trevelyan, for the sum of 14,000 lire.

Lady Florence Trevelyan was exiled to Sicily by Queen Victoria of England due to her affair with her cousin, the future King Edward VII. In Taormina, she married surgeon Salvatore Cacciola, and at Isola Bella, she loved to spend the hottest hours of the day in a little house she had built in the greenery. Passionate about botany, Lady Florence Trevelyan had tropical plants planted on the islet that, along with the Mediterranean vegetation, still today create a unique landscape.

Subsequently, Isola Bella was inherited by her nephew and lawyer, Cesare Acrosso, who sold it to the Lo Turco family for 30,000 lire, and it later passed to the Bosurgi family from Messina, owners of an important factory, Sanderson, which was involved in citrus processing. Although the Municipality had prohibited construction on the island, the Bosurgis managed to build a house nestled among the stones and covered with dense vegetation.

In 1982, the bankruptcy of Sanderson led to the sale of the Bosurgi family's assets, including Isola Bella, at auction. Meanwhile, completely abandoned, the island was targeted by vandals who destroyed much of its beauty.

Only in 1984 did attempts begin to remedy this by declaring the island a site of historical and artistic interest and therefore a World Heritage site. In 1990, it was then purchased by the Department of Cultural Heritage for about ten billion lire.

In 1998, the island was declared a nature reserve and came under the management of the WWF first and then of Cutgana, which continue to contribute to preserving this corner of paradise today. In 2010, the Archaeological Park of Naxos was established, which includes, in addition to Isola Bella, the Ancient Theater of Taormina, the Museum of Giardini Naxos, and Francavilla. In 2011, the islet became the Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isolabella.

Arriving at Isola Bella, you will be welcomed by lush and vibrant vegetation. While exploring the islet, pay attention to the rare tropical plants, now perfectly integrated into the Mediterranean scrub, planted by Lady Florence Trevelyan.

Returning toward the center of Taormina, you will then see the Public Gardens, which were once part of Florence Trevelyan Cacciola's vast estate. Here she created her Sicilian Hallington, reminiscent of Hallington Hall where she had lived as a child: an English-style garden filled with peacocks, parrots, canaries, rare plants, and "Victorian follies," or open buildings made of stone, brick, tiles, and wood, with arches and double windows, which she called "beehives" and used for birdwatching or having tea with guests. From the viewpoint, a spectacular view opens up over the Bay of Taormina and Mount Etna.

Then, visit the Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isolabella, open every day except Monday from 9 until one hour before sunset. In winter, hours may vary depending on the weather. But plan your visit ahead as tours are staggered into groups of 15 people. The cost is 4 euros for a single full ticket, 2 euros for a reduced single ticket, and 1 euro for residents in the province of Messina.

In front of Isola Bella, you can also visit Villa Caronia, a villa surrounded by a wonderful garden that harmoniously connects with the nearby Capo Taormina. Terraces adorned with flowers, various plant species, and olive trees shade the pathways and viewpoints from which you can admire the Taormina coastline and the bay of Giardini Naxos. Due to the great variety and quality of the planted plant species, the park was designated as a botanical garden in 1970 by the De Agostini Geographic Institute.

Finally, relax on the beach of Isola Bella, a picturesque pebble bay washed by turquoise waters. On the north side of the marine park, you will find three beach establishments: Lido Mendolia, Lido Pizzichella, and Lido La Plage. Otherwise, you will find a free beach nearby.

Then board a boat to admire Isola Bella and the Taormina coastline from the sea. On the east side of the islet, boat excursions to the Blue Grotto, the Shell Grotto, and the Bay of Naxos depart at a cost of 10-15 euros per person.

Cable Car

The quickest and most relaxing way to reach Isola Bella is via the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car, open from 8 am to 10 pm with departures every 15 minutes. The cable car leaves from Via Pirandello and arrives about 200 meters from the beach, accessible by a comfortable pathway. The ticket price is 3 euros for a round trip. In three minutes of travel, you can enjoy a wonderful view of one of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily.

On Foot

If you enjoy walking, you can take the shortcut to Isola Bella that starts from the Belvedere along Via Pirandello, not far from the Taormina bus terminal. But avoid this on hotter days.

By Bus

Several bus routes depart daily from the Taormina terminal. The journey takes ten minutes, and a round-trip ticket costs four euros.

By Car

Driving is the most stressful way to reach Isola Bella. There are two parking lots, but in summer, they are often full by early morning, and the road leading to Isola Bella is small and congested. Alternatively, budget about 10 euros for a taxi ride.

Isola Bella is accessible year-round, but currently, as of February 7, 2022, it is closed to the public due to restoration and safety work. The best time to swim and enjoy the beach is clearly in the summer, but it is advisable to avoid peak season due to excessive crowds. Spring and autumn are ideal times to appreciate the magical atmosphere of Isola Bella.