Isola Bella is a picturesque rocky beach located below Taormina, known for its turquoise waters and views of the small island Isola Bella just offshore. With its pebble beach access and surrounding cliffs, it’s best suited for couples and beachgoers looking to relax rather than swim for long periods.
What to Do
📋 Key Features and Nearby Attractions
- Isola Bella beach is located right below Taormina, accessible by cable car, so it offers easy access to the charming hilltop town
- The beach itself has a shoreline of pebbles and is framed beautifully by vegetation and rocky cliffs
- Its iconic feature is the small island Isola Bella located just offshore, providing picture-perfect views
- The crystal clear waters are great for snorkeling and sightseeing boat rides around Isola Bella
Where to Eat
🍽 Ristorante Villa Carlotta
Perched on a clifftop overlooking Isola Bella, Villa Carlotta offers fine dining with breathtaking sea views. Run by attentive staff like Luigi, it serves high-quality seafood and pasta along with a cellar of fine Sicilian wines. With its romantic ambiance and locally-sourced ingredients, it’s a favorite special occasion restaurant despite the high prices.
Where to Stay
🏨 Maison Blanche Taormina Luxury B&B
Set on a hillside overlooking Isola Bella, this charming luxury B&B offers gorgeous sea views from its stylish, spacious rooms and common areas. Hosts Giovanna and Francesco provide attentive service, organizing tours and making dining reservations. The substantial fresh breakfast also draws rave reviews. It’s a 10 minute uphill walk from the town center.
Parking
🅿 There is a large paid parking lot at the bottom of the cable car which provides access up to Taormina center. Parking costs around 12€ for a full day. The parking area has shuttle buses going to and from Taormina as well. Street parking tends to be scarce.
Brief Info
🏙️ City: Taormina
✨ Island: Sicily
🇮🇹 Country: Italy
✈️ Fly to: Catania Airport, 50 mins by car (35 km)
🏖️ Ideal for: Couples, beachgoers looking to relax
Average Temperatures
| Month | Air Temp (°C) | Water Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 15 |
| February | 14 | 15 |
| March | 15 | 15 |
| April | 16 | 16 |
| May | 19 | 19 |
| June | 24 | 21 |
| July | 27 | 26 |
| August | 31 | 27 |
| September | 27 | 27 |
| October | 23 | 24 |
| November | 20 | 20 |
| December | 15 | 17 |
