Boat tour Giardini Naxos Taormina Isola Bella Blue Grotto
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
You can admire the Bay of Naxos, Grotto of love, Capo Taormina, Rock of the prickly pear, Cave of the sirens, Isola bella, Bay of Mazzaro, Atlantis Bay, Rock of the elephant. With a stop for swimming in the Marine Park of Isola Bella in Taormina and an aperitif with almond paste and prosecco. The tour can also be combined with dolphin hunting or an aperitif
Available options
boat excursions Giardini Naxos Taormina, Isola Bella, Blue Grotto
Boat excursions: Tour by boat, stop for a swim and aperitif.<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>prosecco and almond paste<br/>Porto Giardini N - Isola Bella: Isola Bella Nature Reserve, The Lovers' Cave, "Blue Grotto", "The Coral Cave", Mazzaro Bay
Boat tour with snorkeling
Isola Bella Snorkeling: You can observe the depths of the sea, starfish, schools of colorful fish, octopuses, sea urchins, etc.<br/>Boat excursion: This tour gives you the opportunity to admire both the coast of Taormina and the emerald depths of the sea
<br/>Duration: 2 hours<br/>almond paste and prosecco<br/>Snorkeling Isola Bella,Taormin<br/>Boat <br/>Snorkeling equipment: Guests will have free use of snorkeling equipment
Private tour with lunch
Private tour with lunch: The menu consists of a platter with cheese, cold cuts, ham, olives, fresh fruit and nuts, wine, prosecco, bread<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Lunch with cold cuts platter : Lunch with cold cuts and cheeses, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh fruit, dried fruit, homemade bread, wine, prosecco<br/>Taormina Isola Bella: We go along the coast of Taormina and we will stop near Isola Bella for a dip and to have lunch in the shade on the boat<br/>Kristal boat
Dolphin tour at sunset
Dolphin search: If weather conditions allow us, we will set sail out to sea, in search of dolphins in their habitat<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: The tour lasts 2.5 hours<br/>Rosticeria and prosecco<br/>Coast of Taormina Isola Bella: Let's go and admire the coast of Taormina, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto and on the way back we will enjoy a breathtaking sunset<br/>Kristal Boat
What's included
Prosecco
Almond paste
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Donated in 1806 by Ferdinand I of Bourbon to Pancrazio Ciprioti mayor of Taormina, it was bought in 1890 by Florence Trevelyan who enhanced it by building a small house and planting rare precious essences. The island then inherited the lawyer. Cesare Acrosso, [1] godson adopted by Salvatore Cacciola, husband of Florence Trevelyan.
In 1954 it was bought for 38,000 ₤ by the brothers Leone and Emilio Bosurgi, who built a village with 12 autonomous residences and a tiny swimming pool disguised among rocks and plantations, in order to cheer and host their friends, entrepreneurs and bankers.
The Bosurgi family owned Sanderson, a historic citrus processing company in Messina. The bankruptcy of this in 1982, [2] opened the way for the sale of judicial assets of family assets which guaranteed the debts of the company with sureties. Among these assets there was also the Bella island with its villa. A first auction was therefore set for 17 October 1984 with a base of five and a half billion lire and a minimum raise of one hundred million, [3] but it went deserted. [4]
Meanwhile, the institutions moved to protect the islet. On 8 October 1984 the Sicilian Region, at the request of the Municipality of Taormina, the Regional Department of Cultural Heritage declared the Isola Bella a monument of particular historical and artistic interest as an «isolated example of unicum as a naturalistic, historical value and cultural ”, subjecting it to protection constraints. The decree considered the island as a "natural monument". [5]
A new auction on 6 March 1985, despite the base having been lowered by 20%, saw no buyer present. [6]
In 1990 the island was finally purchased by the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Sicilian Region. In 1998 a nature reserve was established, managed by the WWF, then by the Province of Messina [7] and recently passed into management at CUTGANA, [8] environmental protection center of the University of Catania.
With the establishment in 2010 of the Archaeological Parks, the management, use, protection and enhancement of the Isolabella are currently the responsibility of the Archaeological Park of Naxos.
Tentative List UNESCO
In 2006 Isola Bella together with Taormina were entered in the UNESCO Tentative List to be recognized as a World Heritage Site. [9]
2
Taormina is a hill town on the east coast of Sicily. It is located near Mount Etna, an active volcano with trails leading to the top. The city is known for the Ancient Theater of Taormina, an ancient Greco-Roman theater still in operation today. Near the theatre, the cliffs that descend to the sea form coves with sandy beaches. A narrow strip of sand connects to tiny Isola Bella, which is a nature reserve. The tour offers the possibility to observe the beauty of Taormina up along the coast seen from the sea
3
Mazzarò beach has always been one of the most sought after beaches in Taormina and also the most elegant. Furthermore, right in front of the beach, there is the cable car station that conveniently connects the center of Taormina to the marine area.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
RO
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
231 reviews
5★
184
4★
21
3★
12
2★
3
1★
11
Tripadvisor
4.6
311 reviews
5★
251
4★
31
3★
15
2★
4
1★
10
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
The port is located at the end of Via Schisò. As a landmark restaurant Angelina. Inside the port there is the gray wall with the inscription Naxos in Sicily the first Greek colony. Once you enter 100 meters ahead you will find our boat Kristal.
Important notes
The starting point is the port of Giardini Naxos, Via Schisò https://maps.app.goo.gl/TjxVWcmZ8j5ZwAS79
If you reach us by car you can park near the port on the street, where there are blue lines. Or a 15-minute walk away is a private parking Green Parking
About Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.
Top Attractions
Valley of the Temples
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.
Historical
2-3 hours
€10
Mount Etna
Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Nature
Half day to full day
€30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)
Palermo Cathedral
A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.
Architectural
1-2 hours
€7
Taormina
A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre
Cefalù
A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Beach
Half day to full day
Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca
Must-Try Local Dishes
Arancini
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.
Snack
Vegetarian options available
Cannoli
Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.
Dessert
Contains dairy and gluten
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.
Main Course
Vegetarian
Granita
A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.
Dessert
Vegan and gluten-free options available
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park
Volcano trekking on Mount Etna
Beach lounging in Cefalù
Spa treatments in Taormina
Visiting the Valley of the Temples
Exploring the historic center of Palermo
Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands
Boat tours along the coast
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.
20-28°C
68-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution
Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.
Getting there
By air
- Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
- Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center
By train
Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale
By bus
Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Palermo Centro Storico
Taormina
Catania Centro
Agrigento
Day trips
Aeolian Islands
25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight
A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
Erice
100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day
A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.
Noto
90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day
A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.
Festivals
Infiorata di Noto • May
Taormina Film Fest • June
Sagra del Miele • September
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
- Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
- Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
- Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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