The Sicilian city of Messina seems almost within touching distance of the Italian mainland. Calabria- the region forming the ‘toe’ of Italy’s sophisticated boot- sits just across the water, visible even on a hazy day. But Sicily has a culture separate from the mainland, and spending a day docked in Messina cruise port is a great introduction to the island.
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Messina, located on the north-east corner of Sicily, may be one of the island’s largest cities, but it’s frequently overlooked in favour of Palermo, Catania or Siracusa. And cities aside, Sicily is filled with beautiful beaches, rugged volcanic hills and weathered villages to explore. So Messina, a mere fifteen minutes by ferry from the mainland, is more of a passing-through kind of a place. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see whilst docked at Messina cruise port, in fact there are plenty of sights to see and stories to hear.
Where is Messina cruise port?
Messina cruise port is in a 10/10 location, very central to the city. In fact, this is a super convenient spot to stop, as passengers can step right off the gangway and be on the Piazza del Duomo within about 10 minutes flat. So, if you’re not planning on heading out of the city, there’s no need to even jump into a taxi.
If you want to travel further afield, there are always drivers waiting outside the port gates when ships arrive. (Uber does work in Sicily, but it’s way pricier than a normal taxi and it might be just as worthwhile to book onto a tour if you’re arriving by cruise ship.)
Here’s the exact location of Messina cruise port on Google Maps.
Facilities at Messina cruise port
There’s no terminal building here, nor will you find a bathroom or wifi hotspot! Messina cruise port is just a simple ‘security at the gate’ kind of an operation, but the benefit of this is that it’s quick to leave and quick to return.
You’ll find taxis and a Hop-on Hop-off bus stand directly outside the port gates, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants just a short walk away. For the main shopping area, head towards the Viale San Martino.
A super-speedy introduction to Messina
Messina was founded by Greek colonists in 757BC- she’s an old, old gal. Over centuries, ownership of the city was passed- or seized- from Arabs to Byzantines, Byzantines to Normans, and eventually became part of the Kingdom of Sicily. And although there’s definitely still evidence of all this if you look hard enough, Messina doesn’t have a well-preserved old town to speak of, really.
Why’s that then? Well, first and foremost, the earthquakes. Of which there have been several over the centuries. It’s real quakey ’round these parts.
But what really and truly decimated Messina was Allied bombing back in the Second World War. At that time Sicily was controlled by the Axis Powers, and as a key port city on the island it was the target of heavy bombardment from Britain and the US. If you’ve seen Operation Mincemeat- the movie or the musical- this is the exact secret operation that lead to the Allied Invasion of Sicily.
Good job on defeating the fascists and expelling them from Sicily! But bad times for destroying most of Messina in the process.
Messina and the giants
I know I always advise against visiting anywhere during the busiest seasons, but if you do happen to visit Messina in summer, then keep your eyes peeled for some beautiful temporary additions to the city.
The Italian summer holiday- Ferragosto– tends to happen over the entirety of August, although it centres around the Assumption of Mary on August 15th. If there’s one thing that can be said about the Catholic church, it’s that they don’t do things by halves, and in Messina, they celebrate the Assumption in an extra-special style: with parades, giants, and an all-round glorious time.
Firstly, the 17 metre high Vara is a colourful tower of religious figures which is carried in a procession on foot for all the city to see. And then of course, there are the giants. Mata and Grifone, the legendary founders of Messina, are constructed in giant form on giant horses, and also paraded through the streets of the city several times across Ferragosto. I’ve never seen the parades in person, but the giants and the vara were resting very close to Messina cruise port several times that we were in port. Pals, I am a true fan.
What to do in Messina cruise port
Most of the ships that dock in Messina cruise port don’t stay for too long, but the city so easy to explore on foot that that’s not really a problem. And the main sights of Messina are all within very easy walking distance of the ship.
Visit the Piazza del Duomo and the astronomical clock
The Piazza del Duomo is an unmissable when you’re docked in Messina cruise port, simply because it’s mere minutes away from the ship. Duomo, in case you’re curious, means ‘cathedral;’ so, predictably this lovely wide open square is home to Messina’s cathedral.
Built in the 12th Century, the cathedral has been damaged numerous times over the course of its life (all those earthquakes and bombs, plus a fire thrown in for good measure), but each time it’s risen like a phoenix and bounced back stronger than ever. I mean, just look at it! It’s glorious!
The jewel in the cathedral’s crown is the astronomical clock- a mechanical wonder which puts on quite the show at midday every single day. This clock, which is in the main bell tower, contains 54 bronze figures and several carousels which tell the story of Messina, as well as biblical stories; and the stories change according to the time of year and day of the week.
It’s free to visit inside Messina cathedral, but to climb the bell tower and see inside the astronomical clock, there’s a charge of €5 per person.
Get yourself to a Sicilian pasticceria
What is a pasticceria, I hear you ask? That, my friends, would be a bakery specialising in the sweetest, most treatiest of treats. And these are a thing that Sicily does well. My personal bakery of choice is the Pasticceria del Duomo, which may look unassuming from the outside, but it is an absolute delight.
Cannoli originated in Sicily (in fact, historians believe it was invented during the years of Arab rule on the island), so it goes without saying that you should try some while you’re there. Crispy pastry tubes are filled with ricotta cream and topped with various toppings. I’m a big fan, pals.
If you want to try something lesser-known, tuck into a cassatina. These bite-size domes consist of cherry liqueur-soaked sponge and ricotta cream, covered in bright green marzipan and topped with candied fruit.
Climb to the Sacrario de Cristo Re
The Shrine to Christ the King was built on top of the ruins of a castle, and contains a memorial for the people who died during the World Wars. Although it’s a bit of a climb to the top of the hill that it sits upon, I’m telling you now pals: the view from here is completely worth the journey, even on a sweltering hot summers day. You can see straight down to Messina cruise port and across the Strait of Messina to the Calabrian coast, and it is glorious.
To reward you for making it to the top of the hill, get a drink from the little bar at the top, where there’s plenty of outdoor seating in the fresh air. It’s not a glamorous spot, but the views and vibes are 10/10.
Stroll through the city streets
The thing that I really appreciate about Messina is that it’s easy to have a wander without feeling like you’re in the heart of a tourist trap. (I’m aware that that might sound hypocritical to the max, as a full on tourist myself, particularly a tourist arriving via cruise ship.)
But there are parts of Italy that are completely crammed to the rafters with visitors, and it’s no secret that there are some areas that suffer massively with over-tourism. Places like Pisa, Cinque Terre, and Venice are often seen as destinations rather than living, working towns, villages or cities. Other Sicilian cruise ports like Siracusa and Palermo, are close to beautiful old towns with narrow lanes that can often be swamped with tourists.
Messina may not have the same kind of historic neighbourhoods, but it’s a great place to just head out and wander, and soak in the atmosphere slowly. (In fact, maybe it’s partly the fact that Messina is so overlooked by visitors, that it’s such a chilled city to stroll through. Compare the empty streets in these pictures, to my photographs in other Italian port city guides to see what I mean. I never edit people out of the frame, and the contrast is clear.)
Beaches near Messina cruise port
The city of Messina spreads far along the coastline, and yet the closest beach within walking distance of Messina cruise port is Spiaggia del Ringo, about half an hour away on foot, or slightly further away to Pace.
But your best bet for a beach day in Messina is to head north towards Torre Faro. This neighbourhood is technically still part of the city, but it’s right on the north-eastern tip of the island. Once a village, it’s now home to plenty of lidos and beach clubs on a wide white sandy beach. And the water is stunning.
To get from Messina cruise port to Torre Faro by bus, head to Messina Centrale bus station and takes bus number 1, which costs around €2 per trip and takes about 40 minutes. Check timetables here.
Or you can take a taxi, which is quicker but more expensive, at around €25-30 each way.
Best excursions from Messina cruise port
The reason Messina often seems fairly empty of tourists, in comparison to the crowded streets of Siracusa and Palermo, is that the majority of visitors actually seem to escape it, as quickly as they can. And I get it- there are so many really interesting places to visit outside of the city limits.
The number one place to visit on a day trip from Messina cruise port is Taormina, a beautiful hilltop town further south along the coastline from Messina. (I’m talking seriously beautiful, packed full of ancient ruins and with views for days.) There are plenty of cruise-ship friendly itineraries to choose from, but this is the most highly rated on Viator.
Then of course, there’s Mount Etna. The south of Italy is one highly volcanic part of the world- just check out Pompeii and the Phlegraean Fields, for goodness’ sake- and what could be more incredible than setting foot on one of Italy’s most famous volcanoes? This tour takes visitors onto Mount Etna by jeep, for a volcano hike, and a brunch of local food, which personally I think is downright wonderful.
Logistical Statisticals
- Currency in Sicily is the Euro. Cards are widely accepted, but there are still a few places where cash is king.
- We got caught out several times by cafe owners charging triple or even four times the actual price of a coffee, presumably because we’re tourists. (My Italian colleagues informed us that this is pretty normal in Sicily, alas.) If a menu doesn’t have a price next to the items, it’s probably so they can make one up on the spot. And even if there is a price, chances are that they’ll hand back half the amount of change you’re owed and say ciao.
- The weather in Messina in summer is insanely hot. Drink plenty of water and don’t forget your suncream.
- If shop owners in Messina feel like shutting early (or not opening at all) then they will. So if you see something you need, buy it immediately. Just in case.
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