Savoca & Isola Bella boat tour from Taormina: Godfather village

Savoca's film locations and a boat ride to limestone caves

A guided tour from Taormina visits Savoca, the village where scenes from the 1972 Godfather film were shot, with a stop at the legendary Bar Vitelli, then continues by shared boat to Isola Bella marine reserve. The tour includes hotel pickup, the village walk, and the boat excursion; it runs about five hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Savoca and Isola Bella boat tour

• Drive to Savoca village
• Take ritual photo at Vitelli bar
• Walk in Savoca village
• Visit church of San Nicola
• Join shared boat excursion
• Admire limestone caves at Isola Bella
• Swim and enjoy landscape views
• Return to hotel

The Experience

Savoca sits 20 minutes inland from Taormina, a small hilltop village where the production filmed in 1972. The guide leads you through the streets to Bar Vitelli, the café that appeared on screen, where you can order a coffee or aperitif and take the ritual photo. The church of San Nicola stands nearby. After the village, you head back down to the coast for the boat portion of the day.

The boat departs from the Gulf of Giardini Naxos and carries about 10 to 12 passengers—shared with other tourists rather than private. It crosses to Isola Bella, a protected marine reserve where the water stays clear enough to see the limestone caves that line the shore. Mount Etna rises in the background across the bay. Swimming is possible if you want to stop in the water; the boat also lets you take in the landscape from the deck. The return to your hotel follows a set schedule.

Your guide speaks English, Spanish or Italian depending on the group. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport to the starting point. The five-hour span covers both the village and the boat without rushing either one.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Taormina.
• guided walk through Savoca village and the church of San Nicola.
• stop at Bar Vitelli for photos.
• shared boat ride to Isola Bella marine reserve with time to swim or view the limestone caves.
• return transport to your hotel.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Travel In Sicily Tour Operator

Is this one for you?Book this if you're based in Taormina without a car—hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the fixed return time means you won't miss dinner reservations or evening plans.

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Top questions

What is Bar Vitelli and why do people stop there?

Bar Vitelli is the café in Savoca where scenes from the 1972 Godfather film were shot. Visitors stop for a photo and can order a coffee or aperitif while they're there.

Is the boat ride private or shared with other people?

The boat is shared; it carries about 10 to 12 passengers total, so you'll travel with other tourists on the way to Isola Bella.

Can I swim at Isola Bella?

Yes, swimming is possible at Isola Bella. The marine reserve has clear water and limestone caves to explore from the boat or the water.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs about five hours from pickup at your hotel through the village visit and boat ride back to Taormina.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included. The stop at Bar Vitelli offers coffee and aperitifs, but you'll need to arrange a meal separately if you want one during the day.