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Things to do in Isola Bella, Taormina

Our most recommended things to do in Isola Bella, Taormina

Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

1. Giardini Naxos: Semi-Submarine Tour to Isola Bella

Discover the rich underwater world of Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Isola Bella on this guided tour aboard an air-conditioned submarine. Have the chance to spot sea creatures like dolphins, barracudas, octopuses, big groupers, and stingrays. Hop aboard a comfortable, bright-red submarine in Giardini Naxos and plunge down to the seabed. Have the option to go below or head up to the above deck area. Look for moray eels and schools of juvenile barracudas as you cruise through the vast meadow of oceanic posidonia grass in Isola Bella.  Feel the romance as you pass by the Cave of Lovers and experience the Blue Grotto from below. Take a look under the waves at the Bay of Sirens and venture into the protected waters of a nature reserve.   Upon returning to your meeting point, if the weather and sea conditions allow it, there is the possibility of spotting playful dolphins which populated this stretch of sea in eastern Sicily.

Taormina: Kayak Coastal Tour to Isola Bella and Blue Grotto

2. Taormina: Kayak Coastal Tour to Isola Bella and Blue Grotto

Then don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this original excursion aboard a Kayak and discover the Marine Park of Taormina's Isola Bella. You will be provided with the necessary equipment to carry out the excursion and throughout the trip you will be accompanied by one of our qualified instructors. Starting from the beach of Giardini naxos, you will kick off your tour of about 2 hours; you will reach Isola Bella, the beautiful Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati and the Fico rock. On hot days, you may be lucky enough to even spot dolphins swimming just a few meters away from you.

Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

3. Mount Etna and Taormina Full-Day Excursion from Palermo

Europe’s highest active volcano is studied extensively by scientists and is popular with trekkers and nature lovers as well. Visit Mount Etna and the clifftop village of Taormina on this 11-hour excursion from Palermo. From Crateri Silvestri you’ll take the funicular with a local mountain guide all the way up to 2,500 meters above sea level. From this point you’ll experience unforgettable panoramic views. Just south of Taormina is the nature reserve of Isola Bella, and further south you’ll see the popular seaside resort of Giardini Naxos. Visit the village of Taormina, a 45-minute drive from Mount Etna. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, the village features an ancient Greek theater, many old churches, antique shops, lively bars and fine restaurants.

From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour

4. From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour

Jump in the shuttle bus and head out into the lunar landscape of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Etna. At over 6,500 ft (1,981 meters), this majestic mountain dominates the coastline, concealing plenty of treasures. No trip to Sicily would be complete without a visit to the tempestuous territories of Mount Etna. Starting at Rifugio Sapienza, follow the line of the old Silvestri craters down into a cave of lava formed during the eruption of 1792. From here, head to a local organic farm and sample honey and wine, cultivated in the fertile soils of the region. En route to Taormina, look at the spectacular wildlife reserve of Isola Bella from above. Upon arrival, spend lunch at your leisure, then re-group to check out the highlights of this unique historical town. From the old-world charm of the ancient Greek theater to the breathtaking views of Giardini Naxos Bay and the striking architecture of Palazzo Corvaja, this town steals the heart of every visitor.

Giardini Naxos: Half-Day Boat Trip to Taormina

5. Giardini Naxos: Half-Day Boat Trip to Taormina

Your tour will begin when you meet your captain and board your boat at the Port of Giardini Naxos before setting sail on an unforgettable adventure. Your first stop will be at the Bay of Spisone, where you’ll have the chance to take your first swim of the day and to snorkel independently. You’ll marvel at the stunning stone islets that emerge from the waters and the Atlantis Bay hotel built in Gaudi style. Next, you’ll set sail to Mazzarò Bay, widely considered one of the true treasures of the Sicilian and Taormina coasts. You’ll then stop off at Isola Bella, a historical pearl of Taormina, where you’ll have the chance to explore the Blue Grotto and to discover its gorgeous reflections of light. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Taormina, you'll then be served a tasty selection of local cold cuts, cheeses, and seasonal fruit, all washed down with a fine local white wine. Finally, you’ll have the chance to take another swim before beginning your journey back to the Port of Naxos Gardens.

From Catania: Etna, Taormina, Isola Bella Audio-Guided Tour

6. From Catania: Etna, Taormina, Isola Bella Audio-Guided Tour

Explore three beautiful places in Sicily on a full-day self-guided tour starting in the center of Catania. Travel to Mount Etna, known as the highest active volcano in Europe. Experience the natural beauty of Isola Bella and visit the medieval hill town of Taormina. Reach 2000 meters and walk on the old craters while admiring citrus groves, vineyards, and birch woods. Take the cable car, easily accessible from the stop point to get a unique perspective of the site (cable car tickets are not included). Move on to Isola Bella, a nature reserve with enchanting shades of color on the seabed that is a favorite destination for many travelers before heading to Taormina. From the Greek Theatre in Taormina, experience the spectacular view of the turquoise sea from the coast of Calabria, the city of Syracuse, and the steaming summit of Etna. Have free time to wander and explore Taormina before returning to Catania.

From Catania: Day Trip to Giardini Naxos and Taormina

7. From Catania: Day Trip to Giardini Naxos and Taormina

Discover some of Sicily’s most stunning villages: Giardini Naxos, Castelmola, and Taormina. Travel along the island’s eastern coast, and visit the scenic Isola Bella and taking in the spectacular vistas of Castelmola and Taormina. Start the tour by visiting the seaside town of Giardini Naxos, the first Greek colony in Sicily and an ancient fishing village. Take the opportunity to enjoy walking along its beautiful promenade.  Next, take a short break to enjoy the Isola Bella Natural Reserve, considered the pearl of the Ionian Sea for its wild beauty. The high walls around Cape St. Andrew protect this famous bay and are home to the Blue Grotto and Cape Taormina.  From Isola Bella continue your tour to scenic Castelmola and walk through the characteristic streets of this ancient town, admiring the ruins of its Norman walls. Once there, discover Piazza Duomo, with its Mother Church, rebuilt between 1934 and 1935 and dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari. After that, gaze upon the Sicilian landscape and Mediterranean sea through the Ancient Roman Arch. Finally, visit picturesque Taormina overlooking the sea. Wander along Corso Umberto and observe its most important monuments like the Ancient Theatre, Palazzo Corvaja, and the Clock Tower. Wrap up by indulging in some shopping in the fashionable characteristic craft shops of the city.

From Catania: The Godfather Tour in a Vintage Car

8. From Catania: The Godfather Tour in a Vintage Car

Step into iconic scenes from “The Godfather,” one of cinema’s biggest masterpieces, on this private self-guided tour that visits filming locations from the movie. Hop on board a vintage car with a driver and begin your tour in Catania, driving toward Taormina. Cruise along the island's eastern coast, passing through Acireale, Giarre, Mascali, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, and Giardini Naxos. Make your first stop in Taormina and enjoy a nice walk along its main street, Corso Umberto. Following a brief stop to admire Isola Bella, arrive in Letojanni and Forza d'Agrò, a village with some significant scenes from the film. Enjoy the scenery as you drive through Santa Teresa di Riva to Savoca, a magnificent medieval village and, above all, the acknowledged protagonist of "The Godfather." Here some scenes have been filmed featuring the young Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino. Don't miss the Bar Vitelli, where Michael met his wife's father, and the Church of San Nicol, where the marriage between Michael Corleone and Apollonia was celebrated.

Taormina: Boat Tour to Taormina & Giardini Naxos with Drink

9. Taormina: Boat Tour to Taormina & Giardini Naxos with Drink

You'll explore the most characteristic sights, admire sea caves, beaches, bays and jetties that make Taormina's coastal landscape inimitable. You'll see the Blue Grotto, located in the Taormina Marine Park, the majestic Lovers' Grotto, overlooking the Gulf of Giardini Naxos, and also the Horse Grotto. You'll depart from the port of Giardini Naxos, to reach Cape Taormina, home to a unique marine ecosystem with corals and rare fish. You will then head to Isola Bella, where a short stop will be made to allow you to take a dip in these crystal-clear waters; here you can enjoy a refreshing aperitif on board and delight your taste buds with delicious almond pastries. Before returning to the port, you will head to the Bay of Mazzarò and the Bay of the Sirens, which are very famous and recognizable thanks to the presence of the luxury hotels overlooking the very long beach of Letojanni.

From Siracusa: Guided Tour of Taormina and Isola Bella

10. From Siracusa: Guided Tour of Taormina and Isola Bella

MEETING POINT: SYRACUSE Duration of tour: Departure at 8.00 am - Return at 6.30 pm Departure from Syracuse towards Taormina. Arrival and stop in Castelmola to admire the breathtaking view from the top, you will have time to take pictures from the Belvedere. Small stop for a tasting of the typical locally produced almond wine. Continue to Taormina, where you will meet the local guide who will accompany you throughout the afternoon. The first part of the tour will be dedicated to visiting the historic centre of Taormina, walking along the characteristic narrow streets and elegant squares, going up and down the typical stairs to get to know the highlights of this enchanting place. Starting from Porta Catania, you will visit the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano, the Piazza Duomo with the Norman Cathedral and the Fountain of the Centauressa, symbol of the city of travellers on the Grand Tour and of 'La Dolce Vita'. Continue to Piazza Belvedere and then down to the Naumachie to reach the enchanting Public Garden where the guide will tell you interesting and intriguing stories. You will then continue with a visit to Palazzo Corvaja, the Odeon and the church of Santa Caterina, where you can still admire the remains of the temple of the former Greek city of Tauromenion. Continue to the Ancient Theatre (with guided tour inside - depending on the option chosen). After the visit to the theatre, your guide will leave you some free time for lunch. In the early afternoon, the excursion will continue to the enchanting Isola Bella where you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Taormina beach. Or you can stay in Taormina to do some shopping and then join the rest of the group at Isola Bella by cable car (ticket not included). After this break, you will return to Syracuse and finish your services. Lunch is not included. The entrance ticket to the Theatre is not included and costs € 10 per person. Cable car € 5

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What people are saying about Isola Bella, Taormina

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 601 reviews

Wonderful experience. When do you get the chance to walk around an active volcano? You actually do very little walking if you're not in good shape since they have a gondola and bus to bring you up there. Although they charge extra for the gondola you need to take it unless you are in super good shape and can walk up the side of a mountain. They also bring you to a small cave which is cool to see. And then another stop to sample/buy some locally made honey which tastes great and makes for a good gift to bring back home. Lastly you stop in Taormina for lunch and shopping. It is a beautiful small town to stroll around with fantastic views, especially from the ancient Greek theater there (extra fee for entrance). Bring a jacket, it can get cold up on the mountain.

Enzo was an incredible guide. His vast amount of knowledge was impressive and you can tell he truly has a passion for what he does. The sights to Mt. Etna, the cave, the village with honey, and Taormina included so many experiences that we wouldn’t have navigated on our own. We highly recommended this tour because we were able to see the best of these areas in only a day with a guide who really knows his stuff.

This was our last trip of our week is Sicily and it was one of the best. To be out on the water and to have the opportunity of seeing the wildlife both above and below the water at the same time was just great!

Tour guide was very accommodating. Shared the history and slowed us to explore on our own.

Delighted with the guide....it was a great day! Thanks!