Sicily Adventure
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Another Small Wonder in Sicily!
In Sicily, specifically on the coast of Taormina, nestled in a rock wall about 15 meters high, there's a cave among the most sought-after places by tourists: the Blue Grotto of Taormina.
This famous cave is located in the bay of the Marine Park of Isola Bella in Taormina and is named as such because during the morning hours, it turns a brilliant blue, thanks to the effect of sunlight refracted through the sea, which, when it illuminates it, gives it this unique characteristic.
The Blue Grotto has a depth of about 20 meters, and with a mask, you can go snorkelling and admire sea urchins, starfish, corals, and a wide variety of fish that hide inside.
The Blue Grotto of Taormina is located in the bay of Isola Bella, approximately 350 meters from the shore, nestled into the sheer cliff wall overlooking the sea. Zoom in on the map to enlarge it and see the exact location of where it is situated.
In this article, we want to provide you with suggestions on how to reach the Blue Grotto with the best excursions. The Blue Grotto can be reached both from the beach of Giardini Naxos (via a boat tour or by kayak) and from the beach of Isola Bella in Taormina. Let's see in detail how to easily reach it.
BY BOAT: The easiest and fastest way to reach the Blue Grotto in Taormina is by booking a boat tour. Most boat excursions typically last about two hours and allow you to visit it.
INFO: The tour departing from the Port of Giardini Naxos is the most complete, as it allows you to visit all the bays and caves along this fantastic stretch of coast.
If, on the other hand, you are adventure enthusiasts, we recommend not to miss the opportunity to participate in a three-hour boat tour with snorkeling, exploring the depths of the island. Equipped with a mask and fins, you will immerse yourselves in the crystal-clear waters of this extraordinary bay.
We have an amazing snorkeling tour! If you like, you can join us, we are sure to give you a spectacular experience.
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BY KAYAK: For sports enthusiasts and those looking to spend two hours of pure adventure, we recommend choosing to reach the Blue Grotto with a kayak excursion.
Accompanied by a qualified instructor, you will explore this breathtaking stretch of coast and have the opportunity to take a swim at Isola Bella. If you decide to go by kayak, we recommend taking the excursion in the early morning or in the evening after 5:30 PM (avoiding not only the hottest hours but also the busiest boat traffic).
The Blue Grotto is located not far from the Isola Bella beach in Taormina so it's easily accessible from here as well. However, it should be noted that starting from Giardini Naxos, the tours take longer because the stretch of coastline before the Isola Bella beach is rich in other very suggestive caves and inlets that are worth visiting.
INFO: It is not recommended to reach the cave by swimming starting from the beach (about 370m), in this stretch of sea the sea currents can change at any time, risking finding yourself in difficulty.
🕐 Recommended times: The Blue Grotto reaches its maximum beauty during the morning hours, when the sunlight illuminates the water, creating the characteristic blue color. Plan your visit for the early hours of the day to fully enjoy the natural spectacle.
🤿 Snorkeling equipment: If you plan to go snorkeling, make sure you have a suitable mask, fins, and snorkel. Check whether the tour provides the equipment or if you'll need to bring your own.
☔ Check the marine forecast: Check the weather forecasts before departure, as sea conditions can affect access to the cave.
🐠 Respect for the environment: During your visit, respect the marine environment. Do not disturb marine wildlife and follow the rules established by local authorities and tours to ensure the conservation of the Blue Grotto.
Questions and answers
The access to the staircase leading to Isola Bella is located on the SS 114, between Giardini Naxos and Letojanni. From the A18/E45 motorway, take the Taormina exit and proceed towards Catania.
You can get to Isola Bella from Taormina from via Pirandello, passing through the Belvedere terrace, there is a path with steps that leads directly to the entrance of Isola Bella.
Also on via Pirandello, there is the departure station of the Taormina-Mazzarò cable car. The arrival one is located 200 meters from the entrance to the staircase. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes, every day from 8am to 10pm.
Cable Car from Taormina to Isola Bella
TICKETS: €6 for a one-way trip, €10 round trip, €20 for a daily pass.
SCHEDULE: One trip every 15 minutes. In winter, from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM, except on Mondays when the opening is postponed to 9:00 AM. During the summer months, the cable car is open until 1:00 AM.
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