Isola Bella Nature Reserve
A breathtaking nature reserve in Sicily, Isola Bella is a small island connected to the mainland by a sandbar at low tide, boasting lush gardens and c...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Isola Bella Nature Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking nature reserve in Sicily, Isola Bella is a small island connected to the mainland by a sandbar at low tide, boasting lush gardens and clear waters.
"A garden straight out of a fairytale, Isola Bella is a must-see for its unique beauty and history.
"🪞 Check Tide Times
Crucial for walking to the island! Consult local tide charts before your visit.
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Island Itself
Isola Bella
A picturesque nature reserve with lush greenery and crystal-clear waters, once a private garden.

Rocky Beach Access
Mainland beach facing Isola Bella
A unique beach experience where you can walk to the island at low tide.

Underwater Exploration
Surrounding waters
Perfect for snorkeling with clear waters and diverse marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Key
Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🪞 Check Tide Times
Crucial for walking to the island! Consult local tide charts before your visit.
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
🚤 Consider a Boat Tour
A great way to see the island and surrounding coast, and escape crowds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Options on the island can be pricey; packing your own is wise.
Tips
from all over the internet
🪞 Check Tide Times
Crucial for walking to the island! Consult local tide charts before your visit.
👟 Pack Water Shoes
The beach is rocky, so water shoes are a must for comfort and safety.
🚤 Consider a Boat Tour
A great way to see the island and surrounding coast, and escape crowds.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Options on the island can be pricey; packing your own is wise.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is breathtaking, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isola Bella is a visually stunning nature reserve with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors praise its historical villa and unique tidal connection. However, the beach is rocky, and it can get extremely crowded, with high prices for amenities like sunbeds.
"Beautiful spot for photos and crystal-clear water, but the beach is rocky, very crowded - water shoes are highly recommended. Worth seeing once, but not really a place for relaxation - book a boat tour… escape the crowded"
Carolins Oprea
"Isola Bella is so beautiful and rich in history. The house/museum has so much character that it’s just so nice to sit and take it all in. Such a beautiful building and scenery. My only downside is that the beach gets so crowded that it didn’t make me want to swim and the cost of sunbeds is atrocious! I got charged €100 for 2 sunbeds which I declined. I of course do not blame anyone for the beach being too busy as there is no one to blame for that. Overall I really enjoyed the museum and scenery. It was a beautiful morning out."
Lily Mcgilloway
"The place is amazing but can be very crowded with people. Do to the many tourists, the area and the beach and water has plastic and left behinds. If they are free, rent a peddle board at the diving centre in the left corner of the beach. You will have a better view of the whole area and can swim more freely."
Paulas de Groot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Isola Bella is located near Taormina, Sicily. You can reach it by car, taxi, or bus to Taormina, then walk down to the coast. At low tide, a sand strip connects the mainland to the island, allowing you to walk across. If the tide is high, you'll need to take a boat or pedalo from the nearby beach.
Yes, you can take a bus to Taormina and then walk down to Isola Bella. Some local buses might also go closer to the area.
If the tide is high, you can rent a pedalo or take a short boat trip from the diving center on the left side of the beach to reach the island.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in Taormina. There are paid parking lots near the cable car station that connects to Mazzarò beach, which is close to Isola Bella.
It's a significant walk downhill from Taormina town to Isola Bella. Many visitors opt for the cable car from Taormina to Mazzarò beach, which is a short walk from Isola Bella.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee to access the nature reserve and the small museum on the island. You can purchase tickets at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Ticket prices can change, but typically there's a modest fee for entry to the nature reserve and museum. Check current prices online or at the ticket booth.
The beach in front of Isola Bella is generally accessible, but to explore the island itself and its museum, you will need to purchase an entrance ticket.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not widely publicized. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket office upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the lush gardens, visit the small museum housed in the villa, swim and snorkel in the clear waters, and relax on the rocky beach. Boat tours are also popular.
Absolutely! The waters around Isola Bella are known for their clarity and are excellent for both swimming and snorkeling. There are shallow areas for kids and deeper spots for adults.
The beach is primarily rocky, not sandy. Water shoes are highly recommended for comfort and ease of walking.
Showers are usually available on the beach. However, dedicated changing rooms might be limited, so it's good to be prepared.
Yes, Isola Bella can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist season and when the tide is low, making it accessible by foot. Visiting early or late can help.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited options directly on the island itself, primarily small kiosks or cafes. Many visitors choose to dine at restaurants in nearby Taormina or Mazzarò.
You'll find typical Sicilian cuisine, including fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and local specialties. Restaurants in Taormina offer a wider range of dining experiences.
While you can bring your own food, be mindful of waste and keep the area clean. There are no designated picnic areas, but finding a spot on the beach might be possible.
Taormina offers many family-friendly restaurants. Look for places with outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
Prices can be on the higher side, especially for sunbeds and food directly on the beach. Dining in Taormina town might offer more variety in price points.
📸 📸 Photography
The view from the mainland looking towards the island, the island itself with its lush vegetation, and the clear turquoise waters are all prime photo opportunities. The museum interior also offers unique shots.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a beautiful atmosphere.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to check signage or ask staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on interior photography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the landscape. If you plan to snorkel, a waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for underwater shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in nature reserves and protected areas. It's highly unlikely drones are permitted. Always check local regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider renting a pedalo or taking a short boat trip to explore the waters, which can be a fun adventure for kids. While there are showers, changing facilities might be limited, so plan accordingly. Packing snacks and plenty of water is also advisable, as options on the island can be limited and pricey. Visiting early in the day can help avoid the biggest crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Be aware of the high cost of renting sunbeds and umbrellas; consider bringing your own beach towel or mat. Visiting during the off-peak season or early/late in the day can also help avoid the highest prices and crowds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the dramatic landscapes. If you're interested in marine life, a waterproof camera is perfect for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling. Be mindful of the crowds, as they can be a challenge for composition, but try to find angles that minimize them or incorporate them to show the vibrancy of the location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Tides
This tidal connection also influences the beach experience. When the tide is out, the beach expands, offering more space. When it's in, the beach can become quite narrow. The rocky nature of the beach is a consistent feature, making water shoes a highly recommended item for comfort and safety when walking or swimming.
For those who want to fully appreciate the marine life, snorkeling is a popular activity. The clear waters around Isola Bella teem with fish, making it a delightful experience for all ages. Renting a pedalo can also offer a different perspective and allow for more freedom to explore the coves.
The History and Villa of Isola Bella
After Lady Trevelyan's passing, the island changed hands several times, eventually becoming a nature reserve managed by the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) in the late 20th century. Today, visitors can explore the remnants of this historical garden and the villa, which often houses small exhibitions or serves as a museum. The biodiversity of the island is a key focus of its protection, with various plant species and birdlife finding refuge here.
Walking through the villa and its terraces, you can still feel the historical ambiance and appreciate the effort that went into creating this unique sanctuary. It's a place where nature and human artistry have intertwined to create a truly memorable destination.
Navigating the Crowds and Costs
One of the most frequently mentioned downsides is the cost of amenities, particularly sunbeds and umbrellas. Reports of exorbitant prices, such as €100 for two sunbeds, have been noted, leading many visitors to decline rentals. This makes it even more important to consider bringing your own essentials if possible, or to factor these costs into your budget. The beach itself is rocky, so while it's beautiful, it's not the soft sand experience some might expect.
To mitigate the impact of crowds, visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or early autumn) or opting for early morning or late afternoon visits during the summer can significantly improve the experience. Booking a boat tour is also a popular strategy to see the island from a different perspective and potentially find quieter spots on the water.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit