Cruise Port Messina, Sicily: Guide To The Port of Messina
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We find all the best things to do in Messina from cruise ship. This Sicily cruise port is amazing! So much to see in one day!
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
The Cruise Port of Messina is just a short walk from the city center, with the cathedral and main shopping streets only 10 minutes from the dock. If you're arriving at the port of Messina, you won’t need a shuttle or taxi to reach the main sights.
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.
From the Messina cruise terminal, exit the gate and head straight toward Piazza Duomo for the cathedral, astronomical clock, and the main shopping streets. If you prefer wheels, taxis wait outside the terminal and the local tram runs along Via Vittorio Emanuele; both are useful if hills are tough.
How to Get Around Messina, Italy
Messina is walkable for most cruise passengers, but local buses and trams cover the longer stretches. For a self-guided loop from the Messina cruise port, you can easily hit the main stops without booking a tour.
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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Is Messina, Italy, Safe?
Messina is safe for a DIY port day, especially in and around Piazza Duomo, Piazza Cairoli, and the waterfront. Visitors will find that standard city smarts—zipped bag, phone awareness—are more than enough.
Pickpocketing is rare but can happen around the cathedral clock show and on tram platforms, so keep small valuables in a zipped crossbody or neck wallet. At viewpoints above town, sidewalks can be uneven—wear proper shoes and watch curbs. In summer, heat builds quickly; carry water and take shade breaks at churches, galleries, and arcades.
What To Do in Messina, Sicily
Top things to do include seeing the astronomical clock at the cathedral, visiting the Regional Museum, and walking the seafront promenade. If you're wondering what to do in Messina Sicily during a short stop, these highlights are all within reach of the cruise port Messina Sicily.
Short on time? Book a 2–3 hour guided city walk that covers all the top sights while giving context and history to the amazing things around you. Check Options.
Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
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. Arrive early to claim a spot with a clean view toward the tower and keep your camera ready for the roar and chimes. Step inside the cathedral afterward to cool down and see the nave.
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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.
Santuario della Madonna di Montalto
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Another hilltop church, Sanctuario of Madonna di Montalto (Santuario Parrocchia S.Maria Di Montalto), is also worth the hillside climb. This sanctuary was rebuilt after the early-1900s quakes; its terrace offers one of the best wide-angle looks at Messina’s harbor and hills. If you’re timing photos, late morning light works well on clear days. The bells in the bell tower were fashioned from bronzed cannons captured during World War I.
Forte Gonzaga (exterior)
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
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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Stele della Madonna della Lettera and Fort San Salvatore
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
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; it’s one of Messina’s most recognizable markers and a clean telephoto subject.
Shopping in Messina
Shops near the Messina port focus on local ceramics, Sicilian sweets, and souvenirs, with some international brands mixed in. If you're walking from the Messina cruise port, Via Garibaldi and Via dei Mille are the main shopping streets.
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.
Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions From Messina
Popular day trips from Messina cruise port include Taormina, Mount Etna, and the hilltop town of Savoca, made famous by The Godfather. If you're looking to maximize your time from the Messina port, guided tours make it easy to get out of town and back in time.
Taormina Highlights and Greek Theatre
A classic coastal drive to Taormina with time for the ancient theatre, Corso Umberto, and a viewpoint over Isola Bella. Morning departures help you dodge midday crowds and heat. If you want guaranteed timing back to the ship, book through a well-reviewed operator with free cancellation.
Mount Etna Crater Area (Silvestri)
Head to the lunar slopes near Rifugio Sapienza for crater walks and cable car add-ons if conditions allow. Layer up; temps drop with elevation even in summer. Operators monitor mountain weather and adjust routes to keep return times safe.
White Lotus Sicily Tour
Follow in the footsteps of HBO’s White Lotus with a day trip that hits the show’s most recognizable spots around Taormina. Start with exterior views of San Domenico Palace (the Four Seasons hotel from Season 2), then wander Corso Umberto, Piazza IX Aprile, and the Greek Theatre overlook for the same cliff-and-sea backdrops you saw on screen. Drop to Isola Bella for the cove views featured throughout the series, with time for a coffee or a quick dip if weather cooperates. Add a short boat ride along the coast or a quick detour up to Castelmola for wide-angle shots of the bay. Make sure you pick a trip designed for cruise schedules.
Etna and Winery Tasting
Combine volcanic landscapes with a tasting at a family winery on Etna’s cooler slopes. Expect pours of Etna Rosso and local snacks; designated driver is solved by booking a tour. It’s a good pick for mixed-interest groups.
Savoca and Forza d’Agrò “The Godfather” Towns
Film locations plus real hilltop views, small churches, and squares where you can grab a granita. It pairs well with a short Taormina stop if you want a three-town sampler. Aim for a small group to keep parking and walking efficient.
Messina City Walking Tour
If you’d rather stay close, a guided walk around Duomo, Orion Fountain, Catalani, and the arcades maximizes detail with minimal steps. Book one pegged to the noon clock show.
Strait of Messina Boat Tour
Weather permitting, short cruises show the harbor, Fort San Salvatore, and strait currents from water level. Photographers get clean angles on the stele and skyline. Choose departures with clear return buffers.
Messina Food Tour
Arancini, focaccia messinese, pidoni, cannoli, and granita—guided tastings cut time spent hunting for the good stuff. It doubles as lunch and orients you to the best blocks around Piazza Cairoli.
Must Try Local Cuisine and Restaurants in Messina, Italy
Messina is strong on pastries, street food, and swordfish dishes. Here’s what to look for—and a few easy places to aim for when time is tight.
Granita with Brioche at Pasticceria Irrera 1910
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A Messina institution on Piazza Cairoli, Irrera does classic coffee granita with whipped cream and the soft brioche roll you tear and dunk. It’s fast, central, and exactly what you want on a hot port day. If you’re sweet-leaning, add cannoli or cassata to share.
Focaccia Messinese and Pidoni From Fratelli Famulari
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
This local focaccia is topped with tuma cheese, endive, and anchovies; pidoni are half-moon fried or baked turnovers with similar fillings. Look for busy rosticcerie near Piazza Cairoli to sample both. Popular spots include Fratelli Famulari and other focaccerie within a 10-minute walk of the Duomo.
Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta (Messina-Style Swordfish)
Grilled swordfish with tomato, olives, and capers is the signature plate here, often served with simple sides. You’ll find it on many menus around the center and along the waterfront. Ask for the “ghiotta” preparation if you don’t see it listed.
Arancini
Eastern Sicily leans “arancini” (not arancine), and you’ll see cones or spheres stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or pistachio. These are perfect between-sight snacks and show up at bakeries, bars, and rosticcerie all over town. Order two flavors and split them if you’re sampling widely.
Pignolata and Cannoli
Pignolata, a Messina classic, comes glazed half white and half chocolate; cannoli are filled to order when you pick a good pastry counter. This is your coffee-and-dessert break between hill climbs and the clock show. Bring cash for small pastry purchases under €10.
Casa & Putia (for a sit-down meal)
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
A reliable, central pick with seasonal seafood and local recipes, good for groups who want a proper lunch without a long taxi ride. Reserve ahead on busy days or walk in early. Gluten-free diners report helpful options here.
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
