At the bottom of Taormina’s steep hill there are a choice of beaches and on our final day in Sicily we visited Isola Bella. We had been warned that the walk down would take about twenty minutes but that the return would be a killer climb for an hour. As it happened, we came across the funicular close to the Porta Messina that runs down to the shore and costs just a few euros. 
We sat with a lovely young man from Taiwan who told us he was heading for his favourite spot on the beach. In the space of fifteen minutes we learnt that because he can work anywhere, he spends his life globetrotting. Expecting to be told that he was some sort of technology expert or even a writer we asked what work he did that allowed him his beach lifestyle. His answer – he is a number cruncher! Apparently he does food statistics on a global scale, one of those strange jobs that people are doing being the scenes without us ever knowing. He was kind, respectful and quite happy chatting to we middle aged women, so we let him show us the way to the beach and then released him so not to cramp his style. 
The tiny island, you can walk across if the tide is out as long as your feet can bear the pebbles. 
We decided on a short boat trip, the water was crystal clear.
The edge of the Grotta Azzurra which was a bit disappointing, I expected something a bit grander – but I was probably sulking because I couldn’t get a decent photo because of the heads in my way!
Uh, what can I say?
It was a relaxing hour and the views were stunning of the coastline, the hills above Taormina and the ever present Etna. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re in the area and if you go prepared you can swim from the boat!
Lucid Gypsy 
It is amazing how clear that water looks.
Sicily, Italy???
Yes, I went in late June and it was beautiful!
Gilly, I’m so glad you made it to Italy. How I went to Sicily to share stories but I unfortunately missed out on that trip because I looking for particulate plates I found in Ikea at that time. bwahahaha. Well, I’m glad you shared something about a place I didn’t get to see. Thanks for the share.
Do you mean you missed Sicily completely or part of it because you went to Ikea there instead? I saw a large Ikea from the plane as it landed in Catania!
That water looks inviting!
Beautiful… ! 🙂
So klares Wasser schöne Fotos wünsche ein schönes Wochenende lieber Gruß Gislinde
I love these pictures. I was supposed to go to Italy six years ago but the friend I’d been planning the trip with pooped out, so I bought a new house instead.
The stone formation coming straight up into the air made me think of a fist. After checking back a couple of times, I still think that. Hmm.
I know I’ll never visit. so I’m always grateful for tagging along with others via their photos. hugs for sharing… 🙂
it’s amazing there Gilly and these are stunning shots hon! Thanks for sharing. 😀 *hugs*
so pretty gilly … and what a bonus to find the funicular … and your guide …!!
It looks like a really enjoyable boat ride….put me on or near the water and Im happy 🙂
sometimes you make me wish I could be at these places with you 🙂
Wow! Love the island. Water so clear you can see the rocks beneath the blue waters….so beautiful!
It’s on my bucket list now, Gilly!