Messina, Taormina & Isola Bella tour: theatre, beach & tasting

Walk the Greek theatre and the cathedral, then swim in Isola Bella's waters before tasting Messina's cannoli

A private guided tour from Messina takes you through Taormina's historic centre—the Greek-Roman theatre, the Duomo, Corvaja Palace and Corso Umberto I—then down 130 steps to Isola Bella beach for a swim in some of Sicily's clearest water. The tour ends back in Messina with a tasting of arancini, granita and cannoli under the Cathedral. Your driver and guide handle the route; you choose when to enter the water and how long to stay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Taormina and Isola Bella beach

• Visit Greek-Roman theatre
• See Taormina Cathedral and Duomo
• Tour Corvaia Palace
• Enjoy panorama of Giardini Naxos port
• Descend 130 steps to Isola Bella beach
• Swim in Isola Bella waters
• View panorama of Strait of Messina
• Taste granita and cannoli in Messina

The Experience

The day starts in Taormina, where the Greek-Roman theatre sits on a hillside overlooking the coast. Your guide walks you through the theatre's layout and history, then moves through the Duomo and Piazza del Duomo, the Corvaja Palace, and Corso Umberto I—the main street lined with shops and balconies. You'll see the panorama of Giardini Naxos from the heights before heading down to the sea.

Isola Bella is a small rocky island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand. To reach the beach, you descend 130 steps cut into the rock—the operator recommends rubber shoes for grip on the stones. Once down, you have time to swim in water that stays clear and shallow near the shore. This is not a long beach; it's a cove, and the water is the main event.

After your swim, the drive back to Messina takes you along the coast. The tour closes with a tasting of Messina's own specialties—arancini (fried rice balls), granita (a frozen coffee or fruit drink), and cannoli messinesi (the local version of the pastry)—served under the Cathedral of the Duomo. The whole outing runs between five and seven hours depending on how long you spend in the water and how many stops you linger at. Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle are included, as is bottled water and WiFi on board.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, French or another language.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• WiFi on board.
• a tasting of arancini, granita and cannoli messinesi under the Duomo in Messina.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Sicily Tour by Coppola

Is this one for you?This tour is private, so your group sets the pace and the guide adjusts the stops to your interests—ideal if you want to linger at the theatre or spend extra time swimming without waiting for others. If you prefer a shared group experience or a self-guided day, look for a different option.

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Top questions

What is the Greek-Roman theatre in Taormina actually like when you get there?

The Greek-Roman theatre is a ruin built into a hillside with views out to the coast and the islands beyond. Your guide explains its history and layout as you walk through it; the theatre itself is open-air and you move at your own pace through the stone seating and stage area.

How difficult is it to get down to Isola Bella beach?

You descend 130 stone steps carved into the rock to reach the beach. The operator recommends rubber shoes for grip, and the steps are the main physical effort of the day. Once at the bottom, the beach is a small sandy cove with shallow water near the shore.

Can I swim in Isola Bella, or is it just a viewing stop?

You can swim. The tour includes time in the water at Isola Bella; how long you stay is up to you. Bring a swimsuit and a towel, and plan to spend at least some time in the sea.

What does the Sicilian tasting at the end include?

The tasting includes arancini (fried rice balls), Messina granita (a frozen coffee or fruit drink), and cannoli messinesi (the local pastry). These are served under the Cathedral of the Duomo in Messina at the end of the tour.

Is the guide included, and what languages do they speak?

Yes, a live guide is included and speaks English, Spanish, Italian, French and one additional language. The guide walks you through Taormina's sites and provides context as you move through the day.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Yes, pickup is included. The operator will arrange to collect you from your accommodation in or near Messina and return you at the end of the tour.