Isola Bella Taormina
A tiny, protected island nature reserve in Sicily, known for its crystal-clear waters, pebble beaches, and 'White Lotus' aesthetic.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Isola Bella Taormina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tiny, protected island nature reserve in Sicily, known for its crystal-clear waters, pebble beaches, and 'White Lotus' aesthetic.
"Absolutely stunning place! Isola Bella is a real gem of Sicily — beautiful nature, crystal clear water, and views that look like a postcard."
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The pebble beach and seabed are slippery and can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfort and safety!
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Take the Funivia from Taormina for easy access. It's a scenic and efficient way to get down to the beach area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Island Itself
Isola Bella
A tiny, protected nature reserve with lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters. A true gem of Sicily.

Pebble Beach Bliss
Isola Bella Beach
Enjoy the sun on a unique pebble beach with stunning views of the island. Perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.

Crystal Clear Waters
Ionian Sea
Swim and snorkel in incredibly clear waters teeming with marine life. You can often see fish without any equipment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Isola Bella
Best Time to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The pebble beach and seabed are slippery and can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfort and safety!
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Take the Funivia from Taormina for easy access. It's a scenic and efficient way to get down to the beach area.
💰 Island Access Fee
While some say it's free, others mention a fee to enter the island itself. Be prepared for a small charge.
📸 Postcard Perfect Views
The 'White Lotus' vibes are real! Capture stunning photos of the island and the bay.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water Shoes!
The pebble beach and seabed are slippery and can be tough on bare feet. Water shoes are a must for comfort and safety!
🚠 Cable Car Convenience
Take the Funivia from Taormina for easy access. It's a scenic and efficient way to get down to the beach area.
💰 Island Access Fee
While some say it's free, others mention a fee to enter the island itself. Be prepared for a small charge.
📸 Postcard Perfect Views
The 'White Lotus' vibes are real! Capture stunning photos of the island and the bay.
💧 Wading to the Island
You'll likely need to wade through shallow water to reach the island. It's not deep, but can be slippery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isola Bella is widely praised for its breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and unique island charm, often described as a postcard-perfect paradise. Visitors love the vibrant marine life and the 'White Lotus' aesthetic. However, the pebble beach can be uncomfortable, and access to the island can be slippery, making water shoes a highly recommended essential.
"Crystal clear water, fishes easily seen at shallow water without snorkelling equipment. Got shower facilities and umbrella rental. Be careful of the rock at the beach and seabed. Some review suggests you need to pay to get in, but we cannot find any ticket office at the beach, which seems to be an open area free for access."
Lydia Chong
"Very beautiful island! I wasn’t allowed to enter because I was wearing just my bikini top and shorts, swimwear is not allowed. Be aware that the ground is covered in pebbles, not sand, so water shoes are highly recommended."
Alexandra Dragan
"I took the Funivia down from Taormina-10 euro for a round trip ticket, departs every 15 minutes, and the 4 carriages can hold 48 passengers. After you're down at the station, you take a short walk down a road with a small shoulder past shops to find the staircase on the seaside of the road.
The stairs are a bit deep and may be challenging for children or those with mobility issues. There is a hand rail. Folks selling merchandise line the staircase.
Walk past the beachfront bars, restaurants and chairs for rent to find a very pebbly, crowded beach.
Lots of ladies walking around trying to sell you massage.
I didn't make it across bc I was on a time crunch and it was too busy.
Worth the stop in the off season- I'm not sure it'd be worth coming down in the summer. Really a beautiful spot, but just as enjoyable from above. I'd recommend finding one of the sandier beaches just north of town."
Kat Bonham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the Funivia (cable car) from Taormina down to the Mazzarò area. The round trip ticket costs around 10 euros and it runs frequently. From the cable car station, it's a short walk down a road with shops to find the staircase leading to the beach and Isola Bella.
While it's possible to walk down from Taormina, it's a steep descent and can be quite tiring, especially on the way back up. The cable car is generally recommended for ease and speed.
Driving directly to Isola Bella is not recommended due to limited parking and restricted access. It's best to park in Taormina and use the cable car or walk down.
Isola Bella and its stunning scenery were featured in the popular HBO series 'The White Lotus,' adding to its allure and drawing visitors seeking that aesthetic.
The stairs leading down to the beach can be steep and challenging for those with mobility issues. While there is a handrail, it's something to consider.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There's some conflicting information, but generally, accessing the beach area is free. However, there might be a small fee to actually step onto the island itself, as it's a nature reserve. It's wise to have some cash on hand just in case.
As a natural reserve and beach area, Isola Bella is generally accessible during daylight hours. The cable car has specific operating times, which you should check locally.
Yes, you can rent chairs and umbrellas on the beach. This is a popular option for those wanting to relax comfortably.
Restroom facilities and showers are available at Isola Bella beach, which is convenient for visitors spending the day there.
This refers to the naturalistic museum located on Isola Bella, highlighting the island's status as a protected nature reserve and its biodiversity. [^SEO]
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
The beach is primarily made of pebbles, not sand. This means it can be a bit challenging to walk on without proper footwear. The water is incredibly clear and shallow near the shore.
Absolutely! The water is crystal clear, making it fantastic for swimming. Snorkeling is also highly recommended as you can see many fish even in shallow areas.
You can expect to see a variety of fish in the clear waters. The marine life is a significant draw for snorkelers and even those just wading in the shallows.
Isola Bella can get very crowded, especially during peak summer months. Visiting in the off-season or early in the morning can offer a more peaceful experience.
Comfortable clothing and swimwear are essential. Given the pebble beach and the need to potentially wade, water shoes are strongly advised. Avoid wearing just a bikini top and shorts if you plan to enter the island itself, as swimwear might not be permitted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are beachfront bars and restaurants near Isola Bella where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good option for saving money, especially if you plan to spend a full day at the beach.
Besides the immediate beachfront options, Taormina town offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes with various cuisines and price points.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers stunning photographic opportunities. The view from the cable car station looking down, the island itself from the beach, and the clear waters are all iconic.
Drone footage of Isola Bella showcases its unique beauty, with the island nestled in the bay and the surrounding coastline.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the vibrant blue of the sea during the day is also spectacular.
Yes, photography is encouraged to capture the natural beauty of the reserve. Be mindful of any specific rules within the protected area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The cable car ride down is an adventure in itself for kids. While the stairs to the beach can be a bit steep, the overall experience of visiting a unique island and enjoying the sea is memorable. Ensure you have sun protection as it can get very hot.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers & Influencers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Reserve of Isola Bella
Visitors can explore the island's trails and observe its natural beauty. The clear waters surrounding Isola Bella are also a significant part of its ecological value, supporting a vibrant marine ecosystem. This makes it an excellent location for snorkeling and observing marine life without needing extensive equipment, as fish are often visible even in shallow areas.
The history of Isola Bella is also noteworthy. It was once privately owned by Florence Trevelyan, an English noblewoman, before being acquired by the Region of Sicily. This transition from private estate to public reserve has helped maintain its pristine condition for all to enjoy.
Accessing the Island and Beach Experience
The beach itself is a pebble beach, which means it's crucial to wear water shoes. The pebbles can be uncomfortable to walk on, and they can be quite slippery, especially when wet. Many visitors recommend them to avoid discomfort and potential slips. To reach the actual island, you'll often need to wade through shallow water, which can also be slippery. The depth is usually minimal, but caution is advised.
Once on the beach, you'll find amenities like showers and restrooms, and the option to rent chairs and umbrellas for a more comfortable stay. While the beach area is generally free to access, some visitors have noted a small fee to enter the island itself, so it's good to be prepared for that possibility.
The 'White Lotus' Effect and Taormina's Charm
Taormina itself is a charming hilltop town with a rich history and stunning views. The area around Isola Bella offers a taste of the 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea', a nickname that perfectly encapsulates its beauty. Visitors often combine a trip to Isola Bella with exploring Taormina's ancient theatre, charming streets, and panoramic viewpoints, making for a comprehensive Sicilian experience.
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