Messina Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gems and best experiences in Messina with our comprehensive travel guide. Includes where to stay, what to do, and how to get there.


Introduction to Messina

Welcome to Messina, a charming city located in the northeast corner of Sicily, Italy. The city is the capital of the province of Messina, and it’s a fantastic destination to explore with a mix of old-world architecture, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and delicious cuisine.

Messina is home to several impressive landmarks, including the Messina Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and the Piazza del Duomo. The city is also a great gateway to explore the stunning countryside and natural beauty of Sicily.

Let’s dive into our comprehensive travel guide to discover what to see, where to go, and what to do in Messina.

List of Places to Visit in Messina

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Messina has a rich history and culture, and there are several museums and historical places that visitors should explore. Here are some of the must-visit attractions:

  1. Messina Cathedral
  2. Regional Museum of Messina
  3. Annunziata dei Catalani Church
  4. Fountain of Orion
  5. Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani

Natural Attractions of Messina: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Messina is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Here are some of the best natural attractions in Messina:

  1. Strait of Messina
  2. Mount Etna
  3. Taormina
  4. Gole dell’Alcantara

Hiking/Biking Routes of Messina

Messina offers several options for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  1. Sentiero Italia
  2. Nebrodi park loop
  3. The Messina lake of Ganzirri route
  4. Mount Etna Trail

Best Things to Do in Messina: Activities and Tours

Messina offers a wide range of activities and tours that suit every interest and budget. Here are some of the best things to do in the city:

  1. Take a Walking Tour of Messina
  2. Visit the Regional Museum of Messina
  3. Go to a Wine Tasting Tour in the Vineyards
  4. Enjoy a Sicilian Cooking Class

Week-Long Itinerary for Messina

If you have a week to explore Messina, here’s an itinerary that covers the best of the city:

Day Activities
Day 1 Walking Tour of Messina
Day 2 Visit the Regional Museum of Messina & Annunziata dei Catalani Church
Day 3 Explore Mount Etna & Taormina
Day 4 Gole dell’Alcantara & Alcantara River Park
Day 5 Visit the Strait of Messina & Fountain of Orion
Day 6 Take a Sicilian Cooking Class & Wine Tasting Tour
Day 7 Relax on the Beach & Savor the Mediterranean Cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Messina

When it comes to cuisine, Messina has a lot to offer. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Pasta alla Norma
  2. Arancini
  3. Caponata
  4. Cannoli

Local Beverages

  1. Limoncello
  2. Sicilian Red Wines
  3. Granita

Where to Stay in Messina: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Messina has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. Here are some of the best places to stay in Messina:

  1. Hotel Royal Palace
  2. Hotel Sant’Elia
  3. B&B Emme

What to Buy in Messina: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Messina is known for its high-quality products, including ceramics, lacework, and handmade jewelry. Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home:

  1. Traditional ceramics
  2. Filigree jewelry
  3. Handmade lacework

Local Culture and Customs of Messina

Messina has a unique cultural identity that visitors should know about. Here are some of the local customs and traditions:

  1. The Feast of the Madonna della Lettera
  2. The Giro delle Vette di Messina
  3. The Scoppio del Carro

Best Time to Visit Messina

The best time to visit Messina is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, the summer months (June to August) remain the peak season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Messina

Do:

  1. Explore the local cuisine and try the traditional dishes.
  2. Learn some basic Italian phrases to communicate with locals.
  3. Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  1. Wear inappropriate clothing when visiting churches and other religious sites.
  2. Litter or damage the natural sites or historical landmarks.
  3. Ignore the traffic rules and regulations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Messina

Messina is a safe city, but visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

  1. Keep valuables in a safe place.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
  3. Take precautions when walking alone at night.

Health in Messina

Messina has a good healthcare system with several hospitals and clinics. Visitors should have health insurance and carry any necessary medications with them.

Getting to Messina: Transportation Options and Logistics

Messina is well-connected to other parts of Sicily and Italy. Here are some transportation options to get to Messina:

Airports Near Messina

  1. Catania-Fontanarossa Airport
  2. Reggio Calabria Airport

Bus Stations Near Messina

  1. Terminal Bus Hispania
  2. Stazione Messina Centrale

Other Options

  1. Train Service to Messina

How to Get Around in Messina

Messina is an easy city to navigate on foot, but public transportation options are also available. Visitors can take buses and taxis to move around the city.

Where to Go Next from Messina: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Messina is a great starting point for exploring other destinations in Sicily. Here are some nearby attractions to visit:

  1. Giardini Naxos
  2. Agrigento
  3. Palermo

Conclusion

Messina is a beautiful city with a unique blend of cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you want to explore the historical landmarks, hike on the scenic trails, or taste the local cuisine, Messina has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and have an unforgettable experience.

Messina harbour - aerial view Messina harbour - aerial view Messina tranvia map Messina tranvia map Fontana di Orione with Duomo and its campanile in the background Fontana di Orione with Duomo and its campanile in the background Palazzo Zanca (Municipio) Palazzo Zanca (Municipio) Monument to Giuseppe Natoli by Lio Gangeri, 1880 Monument to Giuseppe Natoli by Lio Gangeri, 1880 Portal of the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà Portal of the Palazzo del Monte di Pietà Pylon of Torre Faro overshadows the Capo Peloro lighthouse (right) Pylon of Torre Faro overshadows the Capo Peloro lighthouse (right)