Itineraries for Your Trip to Messina
1 Day in Messina For First-Timers
Messina is one of the main gateways to Sicily for travelers arriving on the island by land or sea, though many visitors bypass the city itself completely on their way to other Sicilian destinations. Even I had passed through several times after disembarking at the Messina port and hadn’t given the city’s historic center much thought or time.
In the past few years, however, I’ve taken time to explore Messina’s heart and discovered a delightful metropolis with unique churches, artistic masterpieces, and shop-lined boulevards, plus a vibrant food scene. If you only have one day in Messina, here's how to experience the best of the city.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Astronomical Clock’s daily display at noon.
Expect sky-high temperatures in summer, when you’ll need a hat and sunscreen for protection.
Two 20th-century catastrophes—the 1908 earthquake and World War II bombardments—destroyed many of the historic monuments in Messina’s old town, but there are still cultural gems to admire. Join a guided walking tour in the morning to kick off your day by covering the main must-see attractions in Messina.
Admire treasures including the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani and the cathedral flanked by its landmark bell tower and astronomical clock, as well as the Fountain of Neptune and unique Museo dell'Opera dei Pupi Rosario Gargano, showcasing traditional Sicilian marionettes.
One of the best things to do in Messina for first-timers is a hands-on cooking class that takes you into the home of a local host and instructor. Discover how to make traditional Sicilian pasta dishes by hand from scratch, then savor the recipes you’ve prepared paired with island wines over a celebratory dinner. Walk off your meal with a stroll down Messina’s lively waterfront promenade, where locals meet in the evening to cool off with a granita (shaved ice) and the sea breeze coming in from the Strait of Messina.
One of the best things to do in Messina for first-timers is a hands-on cooking class that takes you into the home of a local host and instructor. Discover how to make traditional Sicilian pasta dishes by hand from scratch, then savor the recipes you’ve prepared paired with island wines over a celebratory dinner. Walk off your meal with a stroll down Messina’s lively waterfront promenade, where locals meet in the evening to cool off with a granita (shaved ice) and the sea breeze coming in from the Strait of Messina.
