Isola Bella

Isola Bella, which means "beautiful island," is a small island off the coast of Sicily that is part of the Taormina region. Isola was actually privately held until the 1990s, and now it is a protected site with a magnificent beach brimming with nature because it is home to various species of birds. The beach is a lovely small place that can be reached by cable car from Sicily – a terrific way to get a bird's eye perspective of the island.

The beach on Isola Bella, which is popular with sunbathers, isn't typically sandy; tiny stones and pebbles make flip flops virtually mandatory. Refreshments are sold by vendors and cafes, and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented. There are also plenty of things to participate in, such as snorkeling, diving, or taking a boat trip to neighboring caverns.

Location: Sicily