Mendolia Beach Club — Attraction in Taormina

We took the cable car down from Taormina and then walked west along the road until we found the stairway down to Isola Bella beach. The Mendolia Beach club is located immediately to the right at the bottom of the stairway. We paid 25 euros per person for three chairs and umbrellas. Payment is made at the cashier stand and then you present your receipt to the beach attendant. Here are some pro tips:

Be sure to bring your own towels with you. Towels are not provided, but you can purchase towels from a vendor at the bottom of the stairs for 10 euros each. The La Plage resort right next door rents cushioned beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for 40 euros per person. They also will take your food/drink order at the beach and bring it to you.

Ask to not be placed in the back row. If you are in the back row you will be right next to the walkway and your will hear incessant footsteps crunching practically inches from your head.

Be prepared to be continuously hassled by Taiwanese women offering massages. I eventually gave in and got a foot massage that was pretty relaxing for 10 euros. The woman told me she had been doing it for twenty years. She was really nice but they are definitely annoying. They did leave us alone after I paid for a massage. I believe that the beach club allows them to be there. If you do accept a massage make it clear what you want: 15 minute foot massage for 10 euros. They will try to upsell you once the initial 15 minutes is up. They are not scammers, just set clear expectations up front.

They actually have plenty of food and drink options that you can enjoy right on the beach or at one of their tables. They do not serve you at your chair and they do not bring the food out to you. We got a pizza and some bottled water. The prices weren’t horrible, but you could definitely get it cheaper if you walked to the street at the top of the stairs.

Overall it wasn’t a horrible experience. I would have liked a lido where towels are provided. I am traveling so I don’t want to bring towels with me. The beach entry into the water was really rocky so that wasn’t ideal. I did however enjoy some really nice snorkeling here. If I ever come back I will be...

We payed 15€ for two beds which was decent.. However you lay very very close to other people. I payed by card for the beds. Instead of giving my card back, the girl just threw it on the counter.. Which was very rude to me. I said Gracie anyways but she didn't respond... Later I ordered a pizza. Another woman took my order. Took my money, threw a receit on the counter and stared past me.. I said thanks. No reply again?! So I said thanks again and once more but she just ignored me. My girlfriend ordered a bread with ice cream but they gave her a cone instead. She mentioned that she ordered a bread but the girl behind the counter just said: no you didn't... And she didn't want to change it to bread.. My girlfriend just had to take the icecone (you pay up front)! All in all the people behind the counter we're very rude, hardly talked English (which is fine, if they'd have the patience if I try to talk Italian, but they hadn't). The guys who serve/help on the beach we're very friendly/helpful. The scenery is beautiful. The sea is nice and you have some nice...

Our least favourite day in Taormina… Isola Bella has a pretty beach and it’s worth visiting, but definitely no need to go to the Mendolia Beach Club unless you just want a cheap lounge chair. The food was not only the worst we had during our stay - it was the worst meal I can remember. Ever. Prices were just as high as restaurants in town, but the food was near inedible. Service is carried out by a bunch of either the clumsiest or drunkest clowns. Aside from being the worst restaurant in Italy, you can expect to be pestered by a gang of old Asian masseuses that will stop by your sunbed and try to get you to buy a massage every 2 minutes. Or some trying to sell you a plastic trinket. Literally non-stop, every two minutes for the three hours we held out for our stay. The neighbouring beach club costs 4-5 times the price for a bed and after our stay, we finally understood why. Avoid Mendolia Beach Club! You’ve...