A trip down on the funivia, then a walk up hill and down the steps to Isola Bella beach. A walk along the beach, and then across the strip of pebbly sand that provides a natural walkway from the beach to the island, the water just knee deep.
Isola Bella is now a nature reserve and, although much of the walking area on the little island was inaccessible due to restoration work, we could still enjoy the views and a shady stroll where we could. There is an information centre, built in a circular shape so you can exit to the verandah and enjoy the views from different perspectives. A photographic display chronicles the history of the island. Much of the plant life is attributed to Florence Trevelyan, who bought the island in the late 1800s - Florence also created what is now the Taormina public gardens. The island then passed to different private owners until it was acquired by the Department of Cultural Heritage in 1990.
There is a small area at the entrance to the nature reserve where you can sit and swim. This little spot, in the morning, is quiet and far more tranquil than the main part of the beach, and it was great to go for a swim.
Back to town and a final wander around our favourite spots...gelati, cannoli at Roberto's, and some rolls from the bakery to take home for a late lunch.
Tomorrow morning we take the train first to Messina, then the port of Milazzo for a hydrofoil trip to Lipari island.
Arrivederci Taormina!
1 comment:
Hope you have a wonderful visit to Lipari Island.
Lils
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