Sentiero per Isola Bella
Descend nearly 700 steps to the stunning Isola Bella beach, offering breathtaking coastal views along a well-maintained path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Sentiero per Isola Bella
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Descend nearly 700 steps to the stunning Isola Bella beach, offering breathtaking coastal views along a well-maintained path.
"Nearly 700 steps from bottom to the top and quite a steep climb but the steps are wide and in general well maintained."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Nearly 700 steps require good footwear! Avoid slippery soles, especially if rain is forecast.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
The steps can turn into a waterfall when wet. Check the weather and proceed with caution.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Along the steps
Ascend nearly 700 steps for increasingly spectacular vistas of the coastline and Isola Bella.
Isola Bella Beach Access
Bottom of the steps
Reach the picturesque Isola Bella beach and its unique island, a true Sicilian gem.
The Staircase Itself
The path
A well-maintained, albeit steep, stone staircase offering a unique perspective of the landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Steps to Isola Bella
Timing Your Descent and Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
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👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Nearly 700 steps require good footwear! Avoid slippery soles, especially if rain is forecast.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
The steps can turn into a waterfall when wet. Check the weather and proceed with caution.
Taormina advice : Walking from Isola Bella to Taormina-Giardini train station safely?
🚠 Cable Car Option
Save your energy for exploring! The cable car is a convenient way back up to Taormina town.
📸 Capture the Views
The climb offers increasingly stunning photo opportunities of the coast and Isola Bella.
Second Trip to Sicily (Advice and Tips)
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Nearly 700 steps require good footwear! Avoid slippery soles, especially if rain is forecast.
💧 Be Prepared for Rain
The steps can turn into a waterfall when wet. Check the weather and proceed with caution.
🚠 Cable Car Option
Save your energy for exploring! The cable car is a convenient way back up to Taormina town.
📸 Capture the Views
The climb offers increasingly stunning photo opportunities of the coast and Isola Bella.
💡 Well-Lit Path
The steps are lit, making it safe to navigate even after dark.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views offered by the Sentiero per Isola Bella, describing the nearly 700 steps as a rewarding climb. The path's well-maintained condition and evening lighting are appreciated, though some find the ascent challenging. The option to use the cable car for return is a popular convenience.
"Nearly 700 steps from bottom to the top and quite a steep climb but the steps are wide and in general well maintained just a few parts on the top section to be aware of.
We walked these both up and down numerous times and safe to travel in the dark as there is lighting.
The steps start opposite the steps leading down to Isola Bella and look like they lead to someones house from the top at the side of Belvedere di Via Pirandello.
As you climb up the views open out and you get great views of the coast gives you a chance to catch your breath as you take in the views.
If it rains they become a waterfall."
Paul Denton
"Nice spot to see the beach and the island in the morning! You can easily walk down and drive with the Cable back to the city for 6€."
David Lemberg
"696 steps from the beach to the viewpoint in Taormina. Very nice views on Isola Bella"
Artur Nowak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sentiero per Isola Bella starts near the Belvedere di Via Pirandello in Taormina. You can walk down from the town center, or take the cable car to Mazzarò and then walk a short distance to the start of the steps.
Parking in Taormina can be challenging. It's often easier to use public transport or the cable car. If driving, look for parking garages in Taormina town and then walk or take the cable car down.
Yes, you can reach Isola Bella beach via the cable car which takes you to Mazzarò, a short walk from the beach. The Sentiero per Isola Bella is the scenic, albeit strenuous, walking route.
Many visitors opt for the cable car for a quick and scenic journey between Taormina town and the Mazzarò area, close to Isola Bella. Walking the steps is a popular choice for the views.
Local buses operate in Taormina, but the most direct public transport to the Isola Bella area is the cable car from the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sentiero per Isola Bella is a public path and does not require an entrance ticket. Access to the beach and island may have separate fees depending on the season.
The path is generally accessible at all times, and it is lit for evening strolls. However, it's always best to check for any local advisories or temporary closures.
The cable car typically costs around 6 euros for a round trip, but prices can vary. It's a convenient option for returning to Taormina town.
Isola Bella is a nature reserve and may have an entrance fee, especially during peak season. It's advisable to check current pricing upon arrival.
Tickets for the cable car are usually purchased on-site. The wait is generally short, even on weekends, but it's good to be prepared for potential queues during peak times.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The descent down the nearly 700 steps can take about 15-20 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views.
The steps are wide and generally well-maintained, but the sheer number and steepness can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Adult supervision is essential.
The views are spectacular! As you descend, you'll be treated to increasingly breathtaking panoramas of the Sicilian coastline, the turquoise waters, and Isola Bella itself.
While there aren't designated rest stops, the wider sections of the steps offer opportunities to pause, catch your breath, and soak in the scenery.
Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. Your camera is a must for capturing the stunning views!
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings offer beautiful soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide a stunning golden hour glow over the coastline.
Every turn offers a new perspective! Focus on capturing the sweeping coastal panoramas, the unique shape of Isola Bella, and the intricate details of the stone steps.
Drone usage is often restricted in protected natural areas and near populated tourist spots. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Many photographers capture the view looking down towards Isola Bella from various points along the staircase, as well as wider shots of the Taormina coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A smartphone with a good camera will also suffice for most visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families looking for an easier option, the cable car is highly recommended for the return journey. It offers a fun ride and avoids the strenuous climb back up. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection, as there are limited facilities directly on the path. The beach at Isola Bella is pebbly, so water shoes might be a good idea for little ones.
🚶♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers
Consider making it a round trip by walking down and then back up, or opt for the cable car for a varied experience. The path is also safe to navigate in the dark due to lighting, making it an option for an evening stroll, though caution is advised. The views are particularly magical during sunrise and sunset.
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Wide-angle lenses are ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. Don't forget to experiment with different angles and perspectives along the staircase. The unique geological formations and the vibrant blue of the sea are incredibly photogenic. The path itself, with its stone steps and surrounding greenery, also makes for interesting compositional elements.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Staircase: Sentiero per Isola Bella
Travelers often describe the climb as a rewarding journey, with each step offering a new vantage point. The views are particularly striking in the morning light or during the golden hour of late afternoon. While the descent is easier on the legs, the ascent can be quite a workout, prompting many to opt for the convenient cable car service that operates nearby for their return trip to Taormina.
It's important to note that the steps can become very slippery if it rains, transforming into a 'waterfall' of sorts. Therefore, checking the weather forecast and wearing appropriate footwear are crucial tips for a safe and enjoyable visit. Despite the physical exertion, the sheer beauty of the surroundings makes the Sentiero per Isola Bella a must-do for many visitors to Taormina.
Isola Bella: A Natural Gem
Visitors can explore the island, swim in the clear waters surrounding it, or simply relax on the pebble beach. The area is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life to discover. The combination of the island's natural beauty and the stunning coastal backdrop makes it a photographer's paradise.
Access to Isola Bella can be gained via the Sentiero per Isola Bella or by walking from the Mazzarò cable car station. Depending on the season, there might be a small entrance fee to access the island itself, which helps in its preservation. It's a tranquil escape from the bustling town above, offering a chance to connect with nature.
Social
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