La Plage Resort

The beach club belongs to La Plage Resort at Via Nazionale 107/A, and it sits on Isola Bella itself, inside the nature reserve at the foot of Taormina. The beach is shingle rather than sand, the water drops away quickly and is exceptionally clear, and the islet is joined to the shore by a narrow spit that appears and disappears with the sea state. Most people arrive by the cable car from Taormina town; by road it is off the A18, with Catania airport about 60 kilometres away. Day guests who are not staying at the resort can book a spot in advance. What you get is a modern lounger under a large umbrella, a beach towel, and waiter service through the day, so food and drinks come to you rather than the other way round. The kitchen cooks Sicilian, built on seasonal produce from the surrounding land and sea, and the bar keeps going from early morning into the evening, when the emphasis shifts to sunset cocktails, local wine and finger food. The resort also has a spa offering massages, private parking and step-free access. The season runs roughly April to October.