Florence Trevelyan, who bought the island in 1890, was an English woman exiled from the British royal court by Queen Victoria.
The island was privately owned until 1990 when it was acquired by the Sicilian regional government.
The island features a specific microclimate that supports rare Mediterranean plant species rarely seen on the mainland.
The 'tombolo' connecting the island to the mainland is a natural geological formation that is submerged during high tide.
The islet contains a historic villa that was later expanded into a residence during the 20th century, blending into the rock face.
The surrounding seabed is a known site for archaeological finds, including ancient anchors and pottery shards.
Isola Bella is a protected nature reserve situated in the Ionian Sea, connected to the mainland of Taormina by a narrow, shifting tombolo of pebbles. Originally purchased by British noblewoman Florence Trevelyan in 1890, the islet features a terraced garden containing exotic flora that she imported from around the world. The site is currently managed by the Comitato Italiano Pro Natura and serves as a regional nature reserve. The surrounding waters are part of a marine protected area, rich in biodiversity including various species of mollusks and fish. Access to the island requires crossing the thin strip of beach that appears or disappears depending on the tidal level. The island's interior houses a small museum and remnants of the original villa structures built in the 19th century. Marine life and geological formations define the character of the reserve, making it distinct from the sandy beaches of the Sicilian coast.
The viewpoint from the SS114 road overlooking the bay, which provides a panoramic shot of the island and the tombolo.
Wear sturdy water shoes, as the beach and the path to the island are made of sharp pebbles rather than sand.
Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings if you plan to wade across the water to reach the island.
Visit during low tide to ensure you can walk across the tombolo without swimming.
Do not attempt to walk across the tombolo during high tide or rough sea conditions, as the current can be dangerous.
The island may be temporarily inaccessible during periods of exceptionally high tide or adverse weather.
Strictly follow 'leave no trace' principles; do not remove stones, shells, or plants from the protected area.
