Experience the best of Messina
Messina, in north-east Sicily, is a port city on the Strait of Messina, facing Calabria across a narrow stretch of fast-flowing water.
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Messina occupies the north-east tip of Sicily, where the strait is only a few kilometres wide and ferries cross constantly to the Italian mainland. An earthquake and tsunami in December 1908 destroyed most of the city, so its centre was rebuilt with wide streets and low buildings. The cathedral, rebuilt after the earthquake and again after wartime damage, has a bell tower with a large astronomical clock whose mechanical figures move at noon.
Two Renaissance fountains by Montorsoli, Orion and Neptune, survive in the centre, and the regional museum holds two paintings by Caravaggio. A golden Madonna statue watches over the harbour entrance. Taormina lies about an hour's drive south, Mount Etna rises beyond it, and the Aeolian Islands can be reached by hydrofoil from nearby Milazzo.
Swordfish, caught in the strait since antiquity, is Messina's dish, grilled or rolled as involtini, or cooked alla messinese with capers, olives and tomatoes. Granita with brioche is the morning habit, and pignolata, a glazed pastry, is the local sweet. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild.
- Free cancellation on 92% of experiences
- 4.8 across the top 24
Top 4 attractions in Messina
Special offers in Messina
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
Shore excursions from Messina
25
Likely to sell outFree cancellation
Signature experiences in Messina
Go beyond Messina
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Taormina · 44 kmIsola Bella
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Taormina · 44 kmCorso Umberto I
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Tropea · 62 kmSanta Maria dell’Isola Monastery
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Catania · 87 kmPiazza Duomo
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Catania · 87 kmVia Crociferi (Via dei Crociferi)
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Syracuse · 126 kmMercato di Ortigia
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Syracuse · 126 kmOrtygia (Ortigia)
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Cefalù · 136 kmCefalù Cathedral (Duomo di Cefalù)
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Cefalù · 136 kmBastione Capo Marchiafava
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Ragusa · 159 kmChurch of San Giuseppe (Chiesa di San Giuseppe)
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Ragusa · 159 kmScicli
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Palermo · 192 kmMassimo Opera House (Teatro Massimo)
Questions about Messina
- What is there to do in Messina?
- We list 129 experiences in Messina. The largest groups are day trips (63), city tours (48).
- What are the top attractions in Messina?
- Ranked by the experiences that visit them, the top attractions in Messina are Fountain of Neptune (Fontana di Nettuno), Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock (Orologio Astronomico), Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani (Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani), Messina Cruise Port (Terminal Crociere di Messina).
- What is the most popular experience in Messina?
- By number of traveller reviews it is "Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina", rated 4.8 out of 5 from 823 reviews.
- How long do tours and tickets in Messina take?
- The typical experience in Messina lasts about 5.5 hours; the middle half run between 5 hours and 6.5 hours.
- Can I cancel a booking in Messina?
- The operator lists free cancellation on 92% of the 129 experiences we hold for Messina. The cut-off differs by experience and is shown on each product page before you choose a date.
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