Nestled in a bay of the Ionian Sea, Isola Bella is a small, verdant oasis that glows amidst crystal-clear waters.
Linked to the mainland by a narrow beach that appears with the tides, this islet in Taormina is often called the Pearl of the Mediterranean.
It's lush Mediterranean vegetation adds an air of mystery and allure. The island’s beauty can be admired from various viewpoints—above, from every corner of the bay, and below, from the nearby pebble beach that embraces it, offering a perfect view of this stunning natural gem.
The Story Behind Its Beauty
Today, Isola Bella is part of the Department of Cultural Heritage, but its history is rich with many owners. Originally granted to Pancrazio Ciprioti by Ferdinand of Bourbon, the King of the Two Sicilies, the island later became the property of Lady Florence Trevelyan, who transformed it into a unique oasis in the middle of the sea. In the late 19th century, her philanthropic husband, Salvatore Cacciola, had a small house built on the island and planted rare tropical plants to delight his wife. In 1954, the Bosurgi brothers from Messina took ownership, building a magnificent residence with 12 rooms.
These rooms, connected by stairs and terraces, were masterfully hidden among the island’s plants and rocky formations. In 1984, the Sicilian Regional Government officially recognized Isola Bella as a site of artistic, natural, historical, and cultural significance. Then, in 1998, it became a Natural Reserve, initially managed by the WWF and later overseen by the Province of Messina.
The Inhabitants of Isola Bella
Isola Bella is so small that it doesn’t have any permanent inhabitants. The remnants of the rooms and terraces built by Lady Florence and the Bosurgi family are now part of the island’s museum trail. The islet serves as a resting spot for various seabirds, including cormorants and different species of seagulls. The only resident of Isola Bella is the Podarcis sicula medemi, a rare, endemic lizard with a distinctive red chest. This lizard prefers to dwell in the shade of the island’s dry stone walls. To protect and preserve this species, the island remains unlit at night.
How to Get to Isola Bella in Taormina
Access to the stairway leading to Isola Bella is located on SS 114, between Giardini Naxos and Letojanni. From the A18/E45 highway, take the Taormina exit and follow the signs towards Catania. To reach Isola Bella from Taormina, head down Via Pirandello and pass through the Belvedere terrace. A path with steps will take you directly to the entrance of the island. Alternatively, you can take the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car from Via Pirandello.
Taormina to Isola Bella Cable Car
Ticket: €6 one-way, €10 round trip, €20 for an all-day ticket.
Schedule: The cable car operates every 15 minutes. In winter, it runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with a delayed opening on Mondays (9:00 AM). During summer, the service operates until 1:00 AM.
The Beach of Isola Bella
The beach at Isola Bella, nestled in a small bay, gets crowded in the summer months. For a more relaxed experience, you can visit the beach club, where you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, enjoy a delicious seaside lunch, and sip a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning surroundings.
Tip: Bring rock shoes as the seabed is rocky, with limestone boulders and sea urchins.
What to Do at Isola Bella
To fully appreciate the beauty of Isola Bella, snorkeling is a must. The waters around the reserve are teeming with diverse fish, marine plants, and vibrant corals. In addition to enjoying the sea and sun, consider taking a boat tour around the island. During the excursion, you’ll explore the entire coast of Taormina’s bay and discover breathtaking caves, including the Blue Grotto, where the sea’s blue hue is illuminated by the red glow of the corals.
Isola BELLA Taormina 4K, drone footage, Sicily Italy
Video by Epic Life Flashes
