Isola Bella, Small island near Taormina, Italy
Located in the Ionian Sea, Isola Bella connects to the mainland through a narrow pathway that emerges during low tide periods.
The island belonged to King Ferdinand II who transferred its ownership to Taormina in 1806 before passing through multiple private owners.
The Regional Government of Sicily transformed the island into a protected nature reserve in 1990, preserving its Mediterranean flora and fauna.
The pebble beach of Isola Bella provides sheltered swimming conditions throughout an extended season due to protection from surrounding terrain.
A villa stands at the summit of the island, positioned to capture views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the nearby Sicilian mountains.
Location: Province of Messina
GPS coordinates: 37.85016,15.30069
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:32
Europe's most secluded beaches offer access to natural coastal environments that remain undeveloped due to their distance from major tourist centers. These locations span from the volcanic black sands of Iceland's southern shores to the pink-tinted beaches of southwestern Crete, formed from crushed seashells. Many require hiking through nature reserves or boat transfers to reach. Protected coastlines feature distinct geological characteristics: limestone cliffs eroded into natural arches along Portugal's Algarve, basalt columns rising from Norwegian fjords, and serpentine rock formations containing high magnesium content in Cornwall. The beaches exist within varied ecosystems, from Mediterranean scrubland surrounding Sicilian coves to Arctic conditions where granite mountains shelter narrow sand stretches in the Lofoten archipelago. These sites attract visitors seeking alternatives to developed resort areas. Access methods range from tidal passages through stone arches in Galicia, where water levels determine entry times, to unpaved tracks crossing the Desert of Agriates in Corsica. Several beaches change appearance based on natural forces: the Croatian peninsula of Zlatni Rat shifts its contours according to wind and wave patterns, while shallow lagoons in Greece allow wading between mainland and offshore islands. The locations provide opportunities for activities including snorkeling among underwater rock formations, observing seabird colonies nesting in coastal cliffs, and exploring cave systems revealed during low tide periods.
Ancient theatre of Taormina
747 m
Basilica of St. Nicholas of Bari
1.6 km
Corvaja Palace
1.2 km
Cable cars in Taormina
577 m
Casa Cuseni
1.8 km
San Giuseppe
1.3 km
Schisò Castle
3.9 km
Santa Caterina (Taormina)
1.2 km
Castello di Monte Tauro
1.5 km
Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano
1.7 km
Castello di Mola
2.3 km
San Pancrazio
1.1 km
Grotta Azzurra
414 m
Roman Odeum of Taormina
1.2 km
Vignazza Tower
4.3 km
San Nicolò
2.3 km
Sant'Agostino
1.3 km
Visitazione
1.4 km
Sant'Antonio di Padova
1.3 km
Castello di Monte Tauro
1.5 km
Museum and Archaeological Area of Naxos
3.8 km
Torre dell'orologio
1.4 km
Former church of San Giovanni di Malta
1.5 km
Ex chiesa di Santa Maria del Piliere
1.2 km
Spiaggia San Marco
7.1 km
Villa comunale
946 m
Palass Ciampoli
1.5 km
Naumachie
1.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes