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A multitude of dramatic cliffs and coves make it impossible to see all the natural beauty of Taormina in just a day. The shining jewel is the Isola Bella, an environmentally protected island just off of Taormina’s coast. Sicily’s central position in the Mediterranean may have made it strategically important to medieval kings, but it also ensures plenty of sunshine during summer in Italy. And in fact, such are its mild winters and moderate rainfall that the island is something of a year-round destination. Other street food classics you’ll find here include the widespread breaded rice balls arancini and mozzarella in carozza—essentially a toasted mozzarella sandwich that’s been deep-fried. While mainland Italians will find much that’s familiar on Sicilian menus when they descend for their summer vacations, the island does very much have its own distinctive culinary traditions.
Panoramic Views and Hiking Spots
Embarking on these tours and excursions not only deepens your understanding of Sicily but also offers a broader context to Messina’s place in this beautiful island’s mosaic. While it is possible to explore the city of Messina on foot from the cruise port to experience the beauty of Sicily fully, it is recommended to venture further afield. It’s best to join an organized tour or utilize public transportation, taxis, or rental cars to reach other destinations such as Taormina, Cefalù, or Syracuse. It is a vibrant hub filled with historic buildings, including the iconic Elephant Fountain, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. The square serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and lively atmosphere of Messina.
Piazza Duomo
Here, visitors can witness the diverse flora and fauna, as well as experience the awe-inspiring panorama of both the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a casual traveler looking to explore different tastes, the gastronomic adventure in Messina offers an unforgettable experience. While enjoying the local cuisine, consider the prices, as they may vary based on the restaurant’s location and offerings. Budget for at least a few euros per dish, and you will be well on your way to uncovering the amazing flavors Sicily has in store. The Fountain of Neptune in the center of Messina tells the mythological story of the god Neptune and the resilience of the city after it faced several earthquakes and natural disasters. It’s worth a quick walk over to admire its sheer scale and how well kept the fountain is.
Take the Godfather Tour
It is possible to have a stop at the Regional Museum of Messina (optional), to admire paintings by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. The city boasts a vibrant food scene that is simply impossible to resist. When wandering around the area near the cruise port, you will come across several food shops and restaurants that offer traditional Sicilian dishes, which are worth trying.
Natural Attractions
It’s beautiful ornate stonework and frescos are a one of a kind. I have found that a tour guide can either make or break and tour and she certainly made our day. Really liked all the stops we made and the new information we gathered. Yes, you will be able to step out of the bus in order to visit the attractions included in the tour.
Cruise Port Guide Messina – Italy: docked
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But a brief shower is hardly what the Messinese would call a disaster. It’s also a land where the vegetable is king, and king of kings is the eggplant (with artichoke its chief rival). Try it in Vermicelli alla Siciliana, a pasta dish with a rich, primarily tomato and eggplant sauce.
Guide To What To Do At Messina Cruise Port
The church features an impressive façade with intricate stonework, sculptures, and a bell tower. Inside, visitors can admire the richly decorated altars, beautiful frescoes, and intricate details throughout the building. Since cruise ships dock beside town, you shouldn't need to use public transport. There is a hop on hop off sightseeing bus and you can take a train or bus to Taormina if you have time. Stepping into a new city can sometimes be daunting, especially when it’s through a bustling port. But with the array of services and facilities at Messina’s cruise port, your transition from ship to shore and vice-versa promises to be a seamless one.
Art lovers can visit the Regional Museum of Messina, which displays works by renowned artists like Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina. Additionally, strolling through the city, one can discover numerous historic churches, palaces, and charming cafés. This jewel of Sicily sits near Mount Etna, around 55 km/35 miles (a 45-minute to 1-hour drive) south of Messina cruise port. Perched on a 200-meter-high cliff, Taormina offers spectacular views of the sea and the Etna volcano. The history of Taormina dates back to before Ancient Greece established its first colony on Sicily in 734 BCE.
Featured Shore Excursions
And is thought to be one of the largest and most complex astronomical clocks in the world. The Strait of Messina is a narrow waterway that separates the island of Sicily from mainland Italy. It is a popular spot for boat trips, as you can get stunning views of both Sicily and Calabria. You can also see the famous Faraglioni rocks, which are three large limestone stacks that rise out of the water.
Don’t miss out on arancini, a delicious snack made of rice balls stuffed with different fillings, deep-fried to perfection. Take a trip to the top of this massive lighthouse, which has been in existence since 1884, and enjoy a beautiful view of Messina and the sea below. Chris Allsop is a UK-based food and travel journalist whose writing has appeared in The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, and The Guardian, among other titles. When he’s not trying to arrange yet another trip to Italy, he’s obsessively on the lookout for new farmhouse cheeses to match up with his latest sour beer.
Taking time to visit these is all part of piecing together the puzzle of this fascinating place. There are also cable car rides and jeep tours available for visitors who prefer not to hike. Mount Etna is 1 hour and 45 minutes from the port so this is something I would only do as part of a tour to avoid missing the ship. However, it is important to note that these beaches are not within walking distance of the cruise port, and visitors would need to book a trip or arrange transportation to reach them. It was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC and has been ruled by a number of different empires over the centuries, including the Roman, the Arab, the Norman, and the Spanish Empires. Over the years, Messina has acted as an important port, due to being a gateway to mainland Italy as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
The city’s gastronomy is a vivid reflection of its storied past, a delectable mix of indigenous traditions blended with Greek, Arab, and Norman influences. Let’s embark on a culinary voyage through the gastronomic heart of Messina. Landing in Messina, you’re on the cusp of a myriad of experiences waiting to unfold.
It takes about 20 minutes a slightly uphill walk from the port to reach the church. From the platform in front of it, you can admire stunning views of the city and port. Hop on Hop off buses and City Train both stop here, so it’s a better option if you want to avoid walking. Every day at noon the the bell tower of Messina will come alive. This is one of the largest and most complex mechanical clocks in the world.
At the 2nd most important church in town you will often find a tourist information centre that provides walking maps. Find the church of the Catalans at a 2 minute walk from the terminal. You could also opt for a public bus to get to Taormina, but keep in mind the ride will take up to 2 hours one way.
The biggest eruption took place in 1669 when the entire city of Catania was completely devastated. Next to the bell tower is the lavish Orion Fountain, a grand 16th-century fountain with statues of mythological figures built to celebrate running water. The fountain dates from 1551 and was originally constructed by a renowned architect from Florence who was a student of Michelangelo. This structure from 1937 is a burial site for thousands of Italians killed during World War I. Every day at sunset the large bell rings to commemorate the soldier’s sacrifice.
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