Taormina’s Isola Bella, a stunning destination connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. It sits at the foot of Taormina’s historic center and overlooks the emerald waters of the Ionian Sea.
There are numerous ways to reach Taormina’s Isola Bella, uninhabited yet entirely worth admiring, linked to one of the most evocative beaches in eastern Sicily. This island has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Mediterranean” thanks to its unique location and lush nature, elements that have made it one of Sicily’s most enchanting (and must-see) destinations. Here is how to reach this place with its unique charm.
On Foot
There is no alternative physical way to reach Isola Bella: the islet can only be reached on foot. When the tide reveals the narrow sandbar that connects it to the mainland, you can reach Taormina’s Isola Bella strictly on foot, with the gulf receding behind you and the islet growing larger before your eyes: an unmissable experience.
During low tide, the trek is short and easily doable on foot (but beware of the hottest times of day in summer!), while as the sea level rises it can reach up to the knee, making the walk more demanding, but highly atmospheric: you’ll feel as if you’re walking on water with total freedom.
By Cable Car
If you find yourself in Taormina’s historic center, the most convenient, eco-friendly and quickest way to reach Isola Bella is the cable car. The line reaches Mazzarò in just 3 minutes, the coastal area located about 500 meters from Isola Bella’s beach, where the islet stretches out. Riding in the Taormina cable car’s panoramic cabins is not just a journey, but an exciting experience that allows you to admire the coastline from above.
In summer, the Taormina-Mazzarò line operates from 8:00 to 1:30 at night, while in winter from 8:00 to 20:00, with departures every 15 minutes. A single ride costs 6 euros, while a Round Trip ticket costs 10 euros (but weekly and monthly passes are also available to save money).
By Car
If you’re traveling along eastern Sicily with your own car or a rental, to reach Isola Bella you’ll need to head for Taormina. From Catania, follow the A18 motorway toward Messina, exiting at Giardini-Naxos, where you take the SS 114. The reverse route is for those coming from Messina, who should exit in Taormina after taking the A18 toward Catania.
Once you reach Taormina, you’ll need to park your car in a parking area: the closest options are paid parking along the SS 114, or near the Mazzarò cable car station. But be careful, especially in peak season prices are higher and finding a parking space can be more difficult due to the larger influx of tourists.
By Bus
A convenient way to reach Isola Bella is by bus that goes directly to the center of Taormina. An ideal option if you’re staying nearby or in Messina, or if you have a car but want to avoid time- and money-consuming parking searches. Leave your vehicle in the outskirts of Taormina and take local line 25, which, thanks to Interbus service, will bring you to the heart of Taormina. From there you can continue by cable car or on foot to the island. To check timetables and ticket prices, we recommend visiting Interbus.it.
By Train
The train is also a convenient option to reach Taormina and its Isola Bella. From Messina, several Trenitalia routes reach Taormina Giardini-Naxos in as little as 35 minutes; from Catania, the journey lasts a little over an hour.
The Taormina train station lies about 2.5 kilometers from Isola Bella Beach. You can then continue by bus for a 10-minute ride, or on foot, slowly admiring the stunning sea views along the main road.
