Cruise Port Messina, Sicily: Guide To The Port of Messina
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A day in Sicily, Italy from the cruise port of Messina.
The small strip of sea that separates mainland Italy from the island of Sicily is called the Straight of Messina. The sea passage is just 2 miles (3 km) wide at its narrowest point. At that narrow point lies the city of Messina.
How to Get From Messina Cruise Port to the City of Messina
Messina is one of those magical cruise ports where the cruise ship pulls right up to the dock in the center of the city. The small cruise terminal is literally across the street from the town.
How to Get Around Messina, Italy
The city is easy to navigate on foot. There are buses available, but they’re not very useful in seeing the main points of interest. Most things to see and do are within one mile (2km) of the cruise terminal.
We advise walking despite the sometimes steep sidewalks and staircases to see some of the sights located on the hillsides. If mobility is an issue you may wish to call a taxi or Uber to these locations.
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What To Do in Messina, Sicily
One of the coolest things in town is the Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina. The almost 100-year-old clock tower puts on a show every 15 minutes, with the best show happening at the top of the hour. Throughout the year, as time passes, the clock tower has different statues on display.
Climbing to the top of the tower gives you a great view of the city below. During the climb, you get the chance to see the inner workings of the astronomical clock.
The domed hilltop Shrine of Christ the King (Tempio di Cristo Re) is a church from the 11th century. The view from the hillside church is well worth the climb. The building was closed during our visit, but it seems like it is normally open to visitors.
Another hilltop church, Sanctuario of Madonna di Montalto (Santuario Parrocchia S.Maria Di Montalto), is also worth the hillside climb. This is a newer church, rebuilt after a massive earthquake in 1908. The bells in the bell tower were fashioned from bronzed cannons captured during World War I.
The impressive hilltop Forte Gonzaga is nearly 500 years old. It was used as an active military site until 1973. The complex is said to be in excellent condition. Sadly, regular access to the public is not currently allowed. Opening days are rare, but you can look for more information on their website. There are rumored future plans to open the fort to tourists. For now, we can only admire the fortress from afar.
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Best viewed as your cruise ship enters or leaves the port, the Stele Della Madonna Della Lettera is a golden statue of the Virgin Mary at the top of a marble column.
Shopping in Messina
Because Messina is less popular with the tourist crowds, the shopping in town is much more authentically Sicilian. Set your GPS walking directions toward Piazza Cairoli. The surrounding 4-6 blocks in all directions are home to the best shopping in town. There are numerous clothing stores including familiar chains and local shops. There are also kitchen supply stores, specialty shops, and art stores.
Day Trips from Messina, Sicily
The most popular day trip from Messina is to Taormina. Taormina is a beautiful hilltop town that is the gateway to Mt. Etna, the famous volcano of Sicily. If you would like to hike on the volcano, Taormina is the place to start the journey. There is also a popular Roman-era theater with a beautiful view of the sea.
If you’d like to save money on a shore excursion, or if you just prefer to explore on your own the town can be easily reached by bus or train from the main train station of Messina. The train station is a 13-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The train or bus journey takes about one hour.
Things To Do In Messina, Sicily, Italy
Climb to the top of the Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina
Climb to the Shrine of Christ the King church.
View the chruchbells made from WWI cannon at Sanctuario of Madonna di Montalto
View Forte Gonzaga from afar
Gaze at the golden Stele Della Madonna Della Lettera statue
Shopping near Piazza Cairoli
Day trip to Taormina
