Isola Bella

Isola Bella is a small nature reserve on the coast below Taormina, known for its pebble shore, turquoise water and rocky island. At low tide, a narrow strip of shingle can connect the island to the mainland, giving you a chance to walk across. The protected marine area is popular for snorkeling, with fish, starfish and other sea life visible in the water. For a view from above, look for the viewpoint reached by a 5 to 10-minute walk from Taormina’s main town.

A small island with a changing shoreline

Isola Bella sits in the marine park off Taormina. The island is joined to the mainland by a slim strip of pebbles that can be crossed when the tide is low. The route changes with the water, so check conditions before setting out to walk across.

The island once belonged to Florence Trevelyan, who bought it in 1890, built a house there and brought in plants for a Mediterranean garden. It later became a nature reserve. Its small scale and rocky setting are part of the appeal, but the shore and water are the main focus for many visits.

Snorkeling and views along the coast

The protected waters are a draw for snorkelers and divers. Fish, starfish, coral and sea urchins are among the marine life found in the area. The seabed is rocky, so water shoes are useful when entering or walking along the shore.

For a view over the coast, a lookout platform is a 5 to 10-minute walk from Taormina’s main town. From there, you can see Isola Bella and the beach from above without going down to the water. If you do head to the shore, the upper road has food and drinks, including freshly made panini.