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Home / Beaches / Isola Bella

Isola Bella

Пляж Изола-Белла
Italy · Beach · Taormina
crystal
Best month: June

Best for

Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts. Suitable for those who appreciate scenic landscapes and are prepared for crowds. Not suitable for families with small children or people with limited mobility.

Best month

June

Water
+22.0°C
Length
300 m
Isola Bella, known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea", is a pebble beach connected to a small island by a narrow sandbar. It is a nature reserve with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling and photos.
Surface
pebbles
Waves
calm
Entry
moderate
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Isola Bella, known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea", is a pebble beach connected to a small island by a narrow sandbar. It is a nature reserve with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling and photos.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Scenic nature reserve
  • Crystal clear water
  • Excellent snorkelling conditions
  • Connected to the island by a sandbar
  • Stunning photo opportunities
  • Cable car nearby
  • Beach clubs and restaurants

Cons

  • Very crowded in high season
  • Coarse pebbles, not sand
  • Many steps for access
  • Pushy masseurs and vendors
  • Limited parking
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts. Suitable for those who appreciate scenic landscapes and are prepared for crowds. Not suitable for families with small children or people with limited mobility.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is part of the Isola Bella Nature Reserve. The island was bought by Lady Trevelyan, who turned it into a botanical garden. At low tide, a sandbar forms between the beach and the island.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
pebbles
Sand Color
Main sand colour
grey
Sand Texture
Grain size
gravel
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
pebbles
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
mandatory
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
300 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
crystal
Underwater Visibility
20.0 m
Average Water Temp
+22.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+26.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.2 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
May
Season end
October
Best month
June
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
low
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
3.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is popular with tourists but safe. Standard precautions are recommended.
Dangerous creatures
Jellyfish (including Pelagia noctiluca)
Sea urchins
Weever fish
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

Ristorante Isola Bella

Sicilian, Seafood

Beachfront restaurant with island views, specialises in seafood and Sicilian dishes

Lido Il Gabbiano

Sicilian, Seafood

Beach club with restaurant and bar

Nearby cuisines

Sicilian

Traditional Sicilian cuisine with seafood and pasta

Must try: Seafood pasta, arancini, cannoli
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
overcrowded
Silence Level
noisy
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
No
Natural Shade
little
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
No
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Water shoes Cash Hat Sunglasses First aid kit Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
The best time to visit is early morning, especially in high season, to avoid crowds. Swimming season is from May to October.
Local Rules
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Use water shoes due to coarse pebbles. Do not leave litter.
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Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Isola Bella Nature Reserve

Nature reserve with a botanical garden on the island

Taormina Cable Car

Cable car connecting Taormina centre with the beach

Grotta Azzurra

Scenic sea cave accessible by boat

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Isola Bella: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +22.0°C, warms up to +26.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Isola Bella: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.2 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Isola Bella: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — pebbles. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable.
Isola Bella: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — pebbles. Sand colour — grey. Texture — gravel. Beach length — 300 metres.
Isola Bella: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in May. It ends in October. The best month for a holiday is June. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Isola Bella: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Isola Bella: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: Jellyfish (including Pelagia noctiluca), Sea urchins, Weever fish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Isola Bella: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Isola Bella: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor.
Isola Bella: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Ristorante Isola Bella, Lido Il Gabbiano. Cuisines available: Sicilian. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Isola Bella: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash, Hat, Sunglasses, First aid kit, Snorkel mask.
Isola Bella: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is early morning, especially in high season, to avoid crowds. Swimming season is from May to October.
Isola Bella: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Use water shoes due to coarse pebbles. Do not leave litter.
Isola Bella: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Isola Bella: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for couples and snorkelling enthusiasts. Suitable for those who appreciate scenic landscapes and are prepared for crowds. Not suitable for families with small children or people with limited mobility.
Isola Bella: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is part of the Isola Bella Nature Reserve. The island was bought by Lady Trevelyan, who turned it into a botanical garden. At low tide, a sandbar forms between the beach and the island.
Isola Bella: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Scenic nature reserve, Crystal clear water, Excellent snorkelling conditions, Connected to the island by a sandbar, Stunning photo opportunities, Cable car nearby, Beach clubs and restaurants. Cons: Very crowded in high season, Coarse pebbles, not sand, Many steps for access, Pushy masseurs and vendors, Limited parking.
Isola Bella: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Isola Bella Nature Reserve, Taormina Cable Car, Grotta Azzurra. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Isola Bella: how do I get to the city of Taormina?
The beach is located near the city of Taormina. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Taormina.

City

Taormina

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.