Isola Bella is also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea. The island has been likened to a glistening pearl shining in the beautiful ocean. Isola Bella is renowned for its incredible beach and amazing scenic views, which attract visitors from all over the world.

This paradise island of Sicily is famous for Villa Caronia, a small house perched on the island that is now one of the most visited sights in Taormina. In this post, I will explore the area and detail how you can visit this incredible island.

The History of Isola Bella

In 1806 King Ferdinand I of Borbon-Two Sicilies voted in favour of giving the Island of Isola Bella to the township of Taormina. The beautiful island was later bought in 1889 by Lady Florel Trevelyan, a British royal lady who was married to Mayor Salviente Cacciola.

The couple decorated Isola Bella by building a small house and planting rare flowers and trees around the island. This property later became known as Villa Caronia. When Lady Trevelyan passed away, the island was left to her son Cesare Acrosso. Eventually, the island was sold to the Bosurgi brothers in 1954. Leone and Emelio Bosurgi owned a citrus processing company, which ultimately went bankrupt in the 1980s.

The bankruptcy of the brothers left the island up for auction. Although no buyers were found, the Sicilian region ended up purchasing Isola Bella, a now protected natural site.

Isola Bella - Mazzaro Beach in Taormina

The Mazzaro beach at Isola Bella is the most visited in Taormina. This Instagrammable destination has become world-famous in recent years, and you will find no shortage of tourists basking in the Sicilian sun.

Mazzaro is a free beach to visit, so anybody who gets there early enough can put a towel down and sunbathe. However, the beach is usually packed with beachgoers, especially during the summer months when Italy reaches its peak in tourism. I recommend arriving at the beach early if you are looking for a spot to sunbathe.

The water was somewhat shallow, but there are plenty of spots with deep water as you swim further in. The water around the main beach area is perfectly suitable for swimming. This is a pebble beach, so be sure to bring some good sandals to walk with.

Restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops are all available near Isola Bella in the Mazzaro beach area. Although, you won't find as much variety as the bustling town center. The prices are similar, some places might be slightly inflated due to being located so close to Isola Bella, but that is to be expected.

Catch a Boat Tour to Nearby Caves and Beaches

Isola Bella is not the only little island in this part of the Ionian Sea. Sicily is packed with islands, caves, and beautiful beaches. If you want to experience some more idyllic spots that aren't so crowded, I recommend catching a boat tour.

Boat tours to Giardini Naxos and nearby caves are available through online bookings. The tour allows you to experience more of the secluded beaches near Isola Bella. Many tours include snorkeling.

Isola Bella is one of the most iconic islands in Italy, and the surrounding areas are some of the most beautiful along this stretch of the coast of Sicily. I recommend taking a boat trip; a tour is the best way to escape the crowded Mazzaro Beach and see more of the idyllic ocean and caves along the coast.

Lady Trevelyan's Villa Caronia

Isola Bella is linked to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that can be crossed by walking through a water path. Once you reach Isola Bella, the only way to enter the island's main area is to go through Lady Trevelyan's little house, formally known as Villa Caronia.

The house and gardens are all that is left on the island of Isola Bella. Lady Trevelyan was the former owner of Isola Bella Taormina, and her home has been left intact.

It is now a museum that many tourists visit when they visit the Isola Bella beach. The house requires an entry fee, which is quite cheap at around 6 euros at the time of visiting. Villa Caronia is definitely worth visiting, especially when you consider that you will have already reached the small island of Isola Bella, and this is all that inhabits the island.

Taormina to Mazzaro Beach

Cable car

The idyllic nature reserve of Isola Bella can also be reached by cable car from the hillside of Taormina. The cable car is an incredible experience and will transport you to Mazzaro Beach whilst offering stunning views of the ocean and hills of Taormina. Mazzaro is the central beach at Isola Bella. From there, you can admire the beautiful island of Isola Bella or even walk across the narrow strip of sand to the main island of Isola Bella.

Walking from the Mazzaro beach to the main island is the most popular way to reach Isola Bella and it only takes a minute or two. The cable car can also take you back up the hill to the town area of Taormina.

Walking

Walking from the town center is another great option. The walk through the hills of Taormina down to the Mazzaro beach provides fantastic ocean views of the Isola Bella island. It's a long walk and will usually take around 30 minutes. First, I trekked down the hillside walking paths, which were easy to navigate. Walking these paths offers incredible views and excellent photo opportunities. Then, returning to Taormina town, I took the cable car back up. I found this to be the best way to do it if you want to see all the amazing sea views and don't want to tire yourself too much after a long day out at Isola Bella.

Giardini Naxos

Giardini Naxos is one of the best beaches in Taormina. It is located within a one-hour walk of Isola Bella, Taormina, and buses are also available near the Mazzaro beach area. The beach is much bigger and less busy than Isola Bella and many visitors like to stay along the Giardini Naxos beach when visiting Taormina. This beach provides a getaway from the busy tourist-filled beaches of Taormina and Isola Bella, is well-suited for those looking to relax.

After seeing Isola Bella in person it's easy to understand why this magical island has become such a popular destination. The hillside of Taormina and the coast of Sicily make visiting even more worthwhile and make Isola Bella is an unmissable destination. Isola Bella is unmatched in natural beauty and should be visited by anyone traveling to Taormina, Sicily.