Taormina Isola Bella Review: The Pearl of the Mediterranean

Taormina, a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily, is that special place, famed, too it’s almost, for its history, its views, and, most of all, its proximity to Isola Bella – basically, a little island jewel just below Taormina connected to the mainland by a small, sandy strip. Seeing photographs really doesn’t do it justice; you sort of need to be there to get a feel for the azure waters, the rugged cliffs, and the way the Sicilian sun kisses everything. Visiting this location, I want to say is that it is a feast for the senses and the best time to enjoy all of that is from late spring to early fall.

Getting To and Around Isola Bella

So, arriving at Isola Bella really is, I feel, relatively easy, and getting there tends to be part of the fun. The easiest way that I have found is to take a bus from Taormina’s bus terminal and those run quite regularly, and yet it’s just a short ride. Alternatively, and if you’re up for some exercise, the walk down isn’t too bad, like your legs will get a workout, particularly the climb back up, of course! Another cool option could be taking a cable car from Taormina down to Mazzarò, just a short stroll away from Isola Bella and that just adds a fun twist. Once you are down there, that little slice of beach that joins the mainland to the island will be beckoning, or you could wade across, depending on the tide level.

What to Do: Activities and Experiences

Isola Bella might be compact, still, and it packs a wallop in terms of things to experience. A total must is that you should bring a snorkel as that spot offers crystal-clear waters which make it totally dreamy for anyone who likes messing about and exploring marine life. For those who want a bit of adventure, various outfits close by offer boat trips, very, really that go around the island or offer views of the nearby grottos. If you’re that way inclined, that’s to say, a proper sun-seeker, there is nothing wrong with stretching out on the shore, and letting the sun do its work, and, anyway, that’s where you’ll soak in all that atmosphere. Or, just maybe, check out the historic house which provides a glimpse into the island’s history and its past inhabitants and owners.

The Best Time to Visit Isola Bella

So, time can be a big consideration. Visiting in the sweet spots that are late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), and just generally dodging that intense heat and tourist rush that is the summer, means you’ll have a cooler, more relaxed trip, as I see it. That is to say, and if you go during the peak months (July and August), Isola Bella will be completely alive, just be prepared for bigger crowds and higher costs; if that is no problem then that’s okay too. Still, personally, those calmer months offer more breathing room for enjoying that shoreline and all the sights on offer.

Tips for a Fantastic Visit

Here are a handful of pieces of wisdom so that you get the most from your day in Isola Bella:

Arrive nice and early: Very popular in particular and during high season, it’s just far easier to grab yourself a premium beach spot before it all goes bonkers.
Wear beach footwear: To go and explore and swim in the sea you may feel the necessity to bring suitable footwear given the pebbles on both the beach and in the shallows.
Stay hydrated and fed: Make sure you bring more than enough water as well as snack bits; even if places selling refreshment surround the spot they sometimes come at a slightly higher charge.
Bring a camera: I would like to bet that there are so many spots offering amazing photo ops. That Sicilian scenery is definitely something you will not forget.
Bear in mind the nature reserve: Do all you can to protect that precious habitat. Clear up all the refuse and keep to paths made for going about.

Basically, and when prepared properly, you’ll have the means, actually, to properly appreciate everything Isola Bella gives people.

Nearby Gems Worth Exploring

Isola Bella is a true highlight of what Taormina brings but yet more places in this very stunning area also beg to be visited. I mean, in just Taormina, there’s the Teatro Antico (a old Greco-Roman theatre boasting striking Mount Etna facing view), together with the centre which has lanes jam-packed with boutiques selling charming handicrafts along with some superb restaurants.

Arguably a very brief distance along that coast gives people additional magnificent tourist locations like Castelmola (located higher compared to Taormina that gives scenic vistas), not forgetting the wonderful beaches at Giardini Naxos that’s ideal simply relaxing next to the Mediterranean.

Where to Eat: Local Cuisine Around Isola Bella

After a few happy hours bathing around Isola Bella or doing a spot of sightseeing around Taormina that the food choices will have some appeal. Quite nearby you’ll discover all sorts of restaurant together with snack stops to fuel people right back up after having a day packed full of adventure. Of course, you simply must sample genuine Sicilian treats for instance arancini (loaded rice balls), pasta alla Norma (with aubergine plus tomato), plus the finest seafood pulled out of the sea on that same morning.

Numerous eateries within both Mazzarò and as well as Taormina provides amazing vista’s accompanying any cuisine that’s prepared using local resources when people watch it, and thus creates memories surrounding delicacies that are definitely amazing! You ought not fail, so, too it’s almost, to finish everything off perhaps that’s what’s going to happen including gelato, cannoli not forgetting a glass or two made from wine that has some Sicilian heritage!

Accommodation Options: Where to Stay Near Isola Bella

Seeking somewhere ideal if perhaps you are planning travel experiences near Isola Bella and you get a selection; it simply boils completely lower than precisely what meets people expectations. Actually many elegant accommodations can be obtained over within Taormina while those can also be found very very close when people decide something overlooking an extraordinary shoreline but not so from town that simply may offer something rather tranquil; as previously mentioned earlier for every vacation choice something exists there suitable for your desires!

You might want perhaps tiny boutiques, places displaying luxurious extras together self providing accommodations but yet many hotels additionally make amazing excursion beginning details just for seeking anything gorgeous encompassing Sicily while seeing what gems are around while feeling snug! To put it simply, for everyone in existence that may travel at this point as you prepare an escapade as the target, seek it very early whenever vacationing during optimum times mainly as places tend, usually, too can sometimes replenish easily.