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Remember to plan your excursions, considering your ship departure time, to enjoy all that Messina and its surroundings offer. Nestled 17 km/11 miles southwest of the port of Palermo, Monreale is a town offering magnificent views of Palermo and “La Conca d’Oro” valley known for the production of orange, olive and almond trees. You can admire the impressive Duomo di Monreale (Monreale Cathedral) which was built in the 12th century and is renowned for its ornate cloisters and bright gold mosaics depicting Biblical scenes. Pretoria Square is usually bustling with tourists and is one of the most photographed spots in Palermo together with the adjacent Quattro Canti. A stone’s throw from Quattro Canti, Pretoria Square (Piazza Pretoria) is another scenic spot popular with tourists. The square is dominated by the monumental 1500s Pretorian Fountain (Fontana Pretoria), featuring ornate, tiered design and nude statues of mythological figures.
Local Delicacies and Gourmet Shops
Built nearly a thousand years ago by the Normans, the Cathedral of Messina is a must-see for travelers who want to understand the history of the city and the cultural significance of this sight. In Italy, all great churches tell a story, and the Cathedral of Messina is famous for its automatic bell tower. A city where ancient history, architectural marvels, and the allure of the Mediterranean meld into one harmonious experience. Let’s dive into the must-see sights and hidden gems of this Sicilian wonder. All our Sicily day tours can be arranged also as private experiences and customized according to your preferences and needs, just for you, your family or group of friends.
Castelmola Taormina tour from Catania with Greek Theatre
If you decide to spend your day in town this something you shouldn’t miss. 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. The bus does its loop only in town and because it only has a few stops we don’t feel it will be worth the money. However, regardless of when you choose to visit, Messina’s charm, history, and warm hospitality remain a constant. This stunning royal palace complex dates from the 9th century and boasts a simple neo-classical facade.
CRUISES FROM MESSINA
This tour is often offered as a combo with Taormina because they are located close to each other. Alternatively, you can go hiking Mount Etna (you can hike on your own until 2,500 m, but if you want to go to 3,000, you need a professional guide), book a 4×4 tour, or explore the caves with a guide. Whatever you choose to do, it’s worth it because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
A popular hiking destination is The Peloritani Mountains, which offer well-marked trails for enthusiastic explorers. 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.
Learn More About Sicily (Messina) Shore Excursions
Designed by Giovanni Montorsoli in 1557, the fountain is dedicated to the sea god Neptune who is depicted in the center holding his legendary trident, surrounded by several other mythical characters. Right behind the fountain square is a beautiful Government Palace (Palazzo del Governo) that nowadays houses the city council. You can book a cable car, which is the most exciting option as it will take you to the summit, however, these are often canceled due to winds and bad weather conditions. Instead of refunding the tickets, they offer you an alternative (such as an off-road drive) so keep that in mind. The cable car general admission fee is 50€, and if you want a professional guide to accompany you, the price is higher. After your ship docks at the Port of Messina, it’s easy to walk to major attractions and sights in this part of Sicily.
I highly recommend you visit Chiesa di San Benedetto (Church of San Benedetto) which is adjacent to Monastero San Benedetto (Monastery of San Benedetto). The church boasts a spectacular interior with the 18th-century vault entirely frescoed by Giovanni Tuccari. Located on Via Vittorio Emanuele II, next to Duomo di Catania, this 1700s Baroque church is famous for its dome that you can climb for 5€ and admire the best panoramic views of Catania and Etna volcano. On a clear day, you can see the mighty Etna volcano towering over the city.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the train station and it will cost you around 20-25€ per vehicle one way. Cruise ships anchor in the bay of Naxos, nestled along the resort town of Giardini Naxos, located a 20-minute drive from Taormina city center. Cruise ships normally organize tender boats to transfer passengers ashore to Porto di Giardini Naxos, after which the shuttle buses are organized to take passengers to Taormina. On an Italy cruise to Messina, there are quite a few experiences that other destinations can’t offer, like tasting an authentic Sicilian cannoli or enjoying Italian coffee bar culture. Go sailing or scuba diving in the Ionian Sea while you’re here, or simply sit at a trattoria and people watch over a delicious meal.
Messina Cathedral
Having enough euros to buy a meal or a coffee during your travels is considered best practice. Messina is easy to see on foot, but there are also free shuttle buses to take you to destinations further off the beaten path. At the tender port for Messina cruises, you can grab a cold drink, but otherwise there are minimal amenities here. 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.
The University of Messina was established in 1548 by Ignatius Loyola. Zona Falcata is a lively area and home to Messina’s busy port and some interesting historic landmarks. This area encompasses the city’s Marina that runs parallel to a nice waterfront promenade overlooking the Strait of Messina. 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. Aci Castello is known for its 11th-century Norman castle (Castle of Aci), which towers above the town and offers magnificent views of the coast.
Mount Etna Blows Her Top, Disrupting Air Travel at Sicily's Busy Airport - TravelPulse
Mount Etna Blows Her Top, Disrupting Air Travel at Sicily's Busy Airport.
Posted: Sun, 21 May 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For the best dining and nightlife experience, you can check out Via Gemmellaro and Via Santa Filomena streets which run parallel to Via Etnea. Keep in mind that many restaurants may be closed between 2 pm and 7 pm (they close after lunchtime and reopen in the evening). The island is connected to the beach via a narrow path and is surrounded by sea caves (grottos) that you can explore by boat. There are many tours and activities offered, including snorkeling, sailing and boating.
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. Today, visitors can admire the remarkably preserved Teatro Antico which dates from the 3rd century BC, probably one of the most stunning ancient theaters in the world. The best way to get to Mount Etna from Taormina cruise port (port of Giardini Naxos) is either by car or with an organized shore excursion. Etna is located around 47 km/30 miles (a 1-hour drive) southwest of Taormina port and you can explore it on your own only partially (up to 2,500 m).
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