Tours/Catania/Tour From Catania to Taormina and Boat Tour Isola Bella
Viator · Private tour

Tour From Catania to Taormina and Boat Tour Isola Bella

3.6(9)Catania1 hour
VIATOR3.1(7)TRIPADVISOR5.0(2)

Description

Taormina is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The tour will allow you to explore its charming historic center, strolling along Corso Umberto I, and admire the majestic architecture of the Taormina Cathedral. The boat trip to Isola Bella will take you to a true natural paradise. This small island, known as the "pearl of the Ionian Sea," boasts breathtaking beauty with its pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich flora and fauna. On both experiences, you'll enjoy spectacular views along the Sicilian coast, with the imposing Mount Etna providing a dramatic backdrop. Finally, the combination of exploring the wonderful city of Taormina and diving in the crystal-clear waters of Isola Bella will offer you a variety of experiences, from cultural discovery to maritime adventure, making your tour unique and memorable.

Tour Options

Tour From Catania to Taormina and Boat Tour Isola Bella
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

120 min

The Ancient Theater is an impressive attraction dating back to the 3rd century BC. Situated on a hill, it offers spectacular views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. (Entrance fee not included, payment on site) Corso Umberto I is the main street in Taormina's historic center and is a charming and lively pedestrian area with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors. You can admire the historic buildings, churches, and squares. The Cathedral of Taormina, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, with its Baroque façade and sacred artwork, is a significant place of worship. Palazzo Corvaja is an ancient Norman palace and houses the Museum of Popular Art and Traditions. The Gardens of the Villa Comunale offer spectacular panoramic views. Greek Theater of Taormina: Admission fee: €12 (admission fee not included).

60 min

A boat excursion from Taormina to Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos will give you an unforgettable experience along the stunning Sicilian coast. Departing from Taormina, you'll board a comfortable boat and head to Isola Bella, a small island of breathtaking beauty located just off the coast. Known as the "pearl of the Ionian Sea," Isola Bella is a protected nature reserve and boasts a variety of unique flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to admire its rocky coastline, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque beaches up close. Next, the boat will head to Giardini Naxos, one of the most popular seaside resorts in the area. Here, you'll admire the view of the bay, with its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. During the excursion, you'll enjoy spectacular views with the imposing Mount Etna as a scenic backdrop. Note: The remaining time is for the round-trip ride and time spent at attractions.

Admission included120 min

Isola Bella - Taormina

Highlights

Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Shared Boat Tour

What's included

Included
Private transportation
Air-conditioned vehicle
Shared Boat Tour
Not included
Gratuities
WiFi on board
Lunch
Tour Leader

Pickup Locations & Times

For pick-ups at the Catania port, a sign with the traveler's name and the tour operator's name will be displayed. For pick-ups at hotels, B&Bs, and apartments, travelers will be picked up directly in the lobby. Please note that the driver is not a tour guide and will not accompany you during your visits; he can only provide general information in Italian.

Traveller Ratings

3.6
9 reviews
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0
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Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(9)

S
SiciliaConvention
June 5, 2026
Amazing day and Delicious Lunch

A wonderful day with this Travel In Sicily agency, punctuality, we took the boat tour to the wonderful Isola Bella, and then our guide booked us an exquisite restaurant in Taormina where we had a special lunch. Thank you

Operator response

Thanks

G
Grace_M
September 17, 2025
Beautiful Giardini Naxos and Isola Bella

One of the most beautiful spots in Sicily. I call it the Sicilian Amalfi Coast. The tour guide, Valeria was terrific in every way - attentive and customized our day based on our needs. She was punctual and flexible. My daughter and I made memories to last a lifetime. She went above and beyond s beyond. The boat ride is a must and Salvatore, the captain was great too.

Operator response

Fu na bella iunnata !!! Thanks for review , hope to see you next time in Catania

J
Jeff_W
June 9, 2025
Boat Tour was Highlight

Domenica was our guide and only two of us for the tour. He was very informative and always on time. We had plenty of time to see every part of the tour. The boat tour was very good but the wind was blowing so hard it was a little uncomfortable. The boat operator was trying hard to get around, but we were able to see all around the coast and the caves. Very pretty area, I recommend the boat tour. Domenica made our tour pleasant.

Operator response

Dear Jeff i would like to thank you for visiting our country . Thanks for kind review

C
CindiFe
May 29, 2025
Great Excursion!

Great Excursion! Giuseppe was amazing, new so much information about Mt. Etna, surrounding villages and Taormina. I know more about volcanos than I did before.

Operator response

Thanks for your Kind review and for visiting our Amazing Sicily

B
Barbara_B
May 26, 2025
Worst Experience Ever

Worst Viator experience I have ever had. NOT a PRIVATE experience in any way, shape or form. Transportation was with 2 other couples for a total of 6 people. ( Not private) Knew there could be more people on the boat, but there were 12 plus the captain. No communication beforehand from the operator letting any of the 6 of us know that there was a “transportation” issue which would cause our experience to suddenly become “not private” yet there were multiple communications all morning reminding us where to meet and when. Felt like a true bait & switch. When operator found out I had reported them to Viator she was livid, demanded to know who contacted Viator, then proceeded to yell & threaten me. The only reason this experience gets 1 star from me is because the boat skipper/ captain’s tour of the coast was scenic, he was friendly, and our driver to Taormina was doing his best to try & make up for a disastrous start to the day. If you are in the area, definitely visit Taormina and take a boat ride along the coast, but stay away from this “private” experience. I’ve never had a horrible Viator experience overseas or in the USA until now. This one was truly the worst.

Operator response

We have filed a complaint with the competent authorities, the criminal proceedings for false declarations and defamation will be followed by the Catania prosecutor's office, at the end of the proceedings we will send the sentence to the US embassy in Italy, you will no longer be able to request visas for our country

T
Teri
May 11, 2025
Not a tour!

Make sure you read the description of this tour very well. There is a driver that will pick you up. No information on the area as she is not a guide - hence reading the description of what is not included- a guide is not included. She gave us information about the boat ride and when she would pick us up afterwards. The boat ride was amazing. Very beautiful! While the guide didn’t speak good English, my boyfriend speaks Italian and was able to interpret what he was telling us. We stopped for some pastries and a bubbly! After the boat ride, we were picked up and taken to Taormina in silence. Again, a tour guide is NOT included so don’t plan on learning anything from her. We walked through Taormina and saw the main attractions. It is very nice and mostly a place to shop. This tour is presented as a private tour, but states you may share the boat ride with other clients. Not sure how it is a private tour if other couples ride there with you and you are on your own as you walk through Taormina.

Operator response

Private tour a van of 9 seaters and 4 guest !!! This is private and before cancel we ask you , and you accept .... The guide you must be paid extra !!!!! Read before Booking

R
Ronald_P
May 10, 2025
Transfer, not tour

I was a little disappointed with this tour. I would call it more of a transfer than a tour. On all the other tours we have taken, we were given interesting facts and history about the areas we were visiting. Our driver did not say one word to us the whole drive from Catania to Taormina and back. She dropped us off with the boat charter with instructions on when she would pick us up. The boat driver did not speak English. He was very nice and tried to communicate with us. He took us around the coastline of Taormina and we were able to get some great pictures. It was absolutely beautiful. Thankfully, a gentleman on the tour with us spoke some Italian and was able to translate for our boat driver, giving us some history and letting us know what certain things were. Had we not had him, we would have gotten very little information. Our driver then picked us back up from the dock and took us to Taormina center square area to walk around and shop. She dropped us off with instructions on when and where she would pick us back up. Although, we do enjoy being able to walk around on our own and take in the sights, some history during the car ride and boat ride would have been nice. We did enjoy being out on the water and being able to see the town from a different perspective.

Operator response

after the trump elections, the Americans have become poor but above all blind! It is clearly written that the guide is not included, but why don't you read before booking? You are ridiculous. Next time You wil pay 250 euro and you book a guide

J
jeffrey_a
April 30, 2025
One of the worst tours our group has taken

Perhaps the worst tour our group of 12 has been on. We would not recommend this tour or company. I don’t know where to start on the lack of customer service.

Operator response

Chicago customers, the classic Americans without a minimum of education, rude and boorish, 210 kilos each with a 500 cl Coca-Cola in their hand, they didn't even fit in the van. A pig in the boat started drinking prosecco FROM THE BOTTLE !! (offered for free). Every half hour I had to pee, and instead of visiting the Greek theater of Taormina, they preferred beers and eating pizza. So they become even more obese. All rude except the women who were kind. Very low-level customers. We gave them a boat all to themselves, private, (even though the tour was shared) they couldn't even take off their shoes, demanding to get on board with their shoes on!!! They wanted a guide but didn't pay for one, ridiculous!! The rude people of Chicago Jeffrey Ayers Club

W
Wendy_J
June 12, 2024
Wonderful excursion!

My husband and I had a wonderful day on this excursion! We were picked up promptly by our guide in Catania, who took us directly to Giaridini Naxos where we had an awesome boat ride to Isola Bella and all around the coastline. We were able to stop and take numerous pictures and one couple even went swimming! Our boat captain was friendly and explained the areas we were seeing. He took us a lava cave and the blue grotto! He even served some Prosecco & an Italian pastry! It was all heavenly! After the boat trip our guide took us to Taormina where we spent the rest of the afternoon. We saw the amphitheater, had lunch and then she joined us for a walk all around showing us different areas with amazing views! She even took pictures of us on her phone that she sent to us later. It was an awesome day! Highly recommend!!

Operator response

Dear Wendy , thanks ! Yes was a lovely day . Love you

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