Itineraries for Your Trip to Messina
3 Days in Messina for First Timers
Many travelers arrive in Sicily via Messina’s bustling train station or port, but few pause to explore its historic center before continuing to their final destination on the island or other parts of Italy. I did the same for many years, using the city as nothing more than a convenient transportation hub and gateway to the rest of Sicily. Once I stopped to visit, however, I was hooked.
In addition to a culture-rich old town filled with landmark churches, bustling shops, and a vibrant dining scene, Messina offers a strategic base for visiting many of the top attractions on Sicily's eastern coastline. Here’s an insider’s guide to make the most of three days in Messina.
The sun beats down on Messina from spring through fall, when a hat and sunscreen are a must.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Messina’s Norman-style Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.
Focus on the must-see attractions in Messina on your first day, kicking off with a walking tour to see highlights like the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani and the cathedral’s bell tower and astronomical clock. Afterwards, stop by the Regional Museum (Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina) to marvel at works by Caravaggio and other masters.
Once you’ve covered the local culture, enjoy Messina’s cuisine by joining a cooking class led by a local host. Learn how to prepare authentic Sicilian pasta dishes, then end your day with a festive dinner to sample your creations alongside regional wines.
No guide on how to spend three days in Messina would be complete without mentioning Mt. Etna, the active volcano that looms over Sicily’s eastern coastline. Join a guided excursion across the lava fields and summit craters, hike along the easier lower trails, or even roam the volcanic slopes on board a 4-wheel drive.
In the afternoon, explore the Alcantara Gorges that sit in the Alcantara River Park at the foot of Mt. Etna. Cool off with a canyoning or bodyrafting adventure in the river, or take the wheel of an ATV and follow your guide for an off-road adventure.
Take advantage of your first time in Messina to explore the neighboring towns, beginning with Taormina. Visit the Greek Theater, Duomo, Piazza IX Aprile, and Corso Umberto I on a guided walk through the clifftop old town. Afterwards, hop on the funicular down to the waterfront for a stroll at Isola Bella or head up to Castelmola, a panoramic village set above Taormina.
