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Buy your tickets at a magazine or tobacco stand and validate the ticket on board of the tram. 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. The church houses the remains of the soldiers and people who lost their lives in two world wars whose gravestones you can see on the walls. Visitors can expect to leave the Regional Museum of Messina with a more in-depth understanding and appreciation for the rich culture and art of this beautiful Sicilian city. The resort town of Taormina is located on a hilltop approximately miles southwest of Messina.
Shopping and Food
In case your cruise ship anchors in the Bay of Naxos near Taormina, check out my article Taormina Cruise Port Guide (Giardini Naxos) for more information. Cruise ships typically dock at the Port of Messina in the city’s heart. The port is well-equipped to handle large vessels and offers a range of facilities and services for cruise passengers, including transportation, tours, and shopping.
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The legendary movie “The Godfather” was filmed in Sicily and for the fans of the saga, this tour is a must! You will be visiting the town of Savoca, located 23 km/15 miles (a 40-minute drive) northeast of Taormina cruise port. In Savoca, you will see the 1971 filming location for the wedding, as well as the Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked for Apollonia’s hand.
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Day tour: Taormina excursion with lunch and Castelmola from Messina
With an overwhelming world of choices, we understand you may need some personal assistance to plan your perfect vacation. From finding the right destination to choosing the best departure date, we're here to help. Plus, our experienced travel consultants have access to exclusive vacation deals to make sure you get the best value for your time and money. The cannoli is a local art form that started in the Sicilian town of Palermo and now enjoys worldwide acclaim. You can’t fully experience a Messina cruise without enjoying one (or several) cannolis during your vacation.
Messina, a beautiful port city in Sicily, Italy, boasts a rich artistic heritage. The city is home to art treasures from celebrated artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Visitors can admire the stunning Italian Art Nouveau architecture, such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, while walking along the beautiful streets of Messina. Remember to plan your excursions, considering your ship departure time, to enjoy all that Messina and its surroundings offer. Many cruise passengers enjoy excursions to Taormina or Mount Etna. It is a good idea book an excursion prior to arriving in Messina.
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However, there is a bus just outside the cruise port of you could book a taxi or excursion. It is a vibrant hub filled with historic buildings, including the iconic Elephant Fountain, and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. The square serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and lively atmosphere of Messina. The island is connected to the beach via a narrow path and is surrounded by sea caves (grottos) that you can explore by boat.
Instead, tourism and its strategic port location have buoyed the town through many storms, and it continues to grow in population. Cooking in the Sicilian home is an all-day affair and a display of close family life. The preparation of the region’s culinary delights offers just as much enjoyment of the food itself. Cannolis are a must-try dessert, which originated in the Sicilian town of Palermo on the other side of the island. Don’t leave Messina without enjoying a granita, a frozen dessert that’s the only antidote to a sweltering hot day in Messina.
Duomo di Taormina
Keep in mind that roads leading to Etna are windy and it can be cold up in the mountain, so make sure to bring a jacket and comfortable shoes. Less than a 10-minute walk slightly uphill from Villa Comunale, you can visit the remains of the Greco-Roman theater dating from the 3rd century BC. Nowadays, the theater can accommodate more than 5,000 people and hosts entertainment events such as theater performances and concerts. Only a few minutes’ walk from Piazza IX Aprile and Corso Umberto, Parco Duca di Cesaro, popularly known as Villa Comunale is a place where you can relax away from the bustling old town. Most of the shopping and eateries will be found in town rather than near the Messina cruise port.
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The city passed a lot of tests over time – revolution (1678, against the Spanish), earthquakes (in 1783 and 1908) and bombing (in 1943, during World War II). Landing in Messina, you’re on the cusp of a myriad of experiences waiting to unfold. By knowing what to expect, you’re better poised to handle the logistics swiftly and dive straight into the heart of this captivating city.
The fountain dates from 1551 and was originally constructed by a renowned architect from Florence who was a student of Michelangelo. Sicily is significant in Italy’s history due to its Greek and Roman past. The island has several well-preserved remains of Greek theaters, such as the famous Teatro Greco in Catania. In addition, the Roman Empire’s influence is evident at the many archaeological sites, like the ancient city of Marsala.
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The cable car general admission fee is 50€, and if you want a professional guide to accompany you, the price is higher. Available in front Messina cruise port terminal are taxis and rent-a-car offices. The closest bus and train stations are located a mile from Messina cruise port terminal at Piazza della Repubblica. Via train or bus you can also visit Taormina (approx 55 km / 35 ml south from Messina). The lavish Fontana di Nettuno lies a 10-minute walk north of Messina cruise terminal and overlooks Messina Marina. Right behind the fountain square is a beautiful Government Palace (Palazzo del Governo) that nowadays houses the city council.
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. The volcano spreads across 59,000 hectares entirely in the province of Catania and has been erupting for a hundred thousand years. It’s constantly active, and you can see the fumes coming out of craters at all times. There are four big craters (crater Silvestri is the best known) and hundreds of smaller ones. There are also over 200 lava caves that you can explore in the company of a professional guide.
Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with magnificent views of Taormina. Continue walking five more minutes from Piazza IX Aprile along Corso Umberto, and you’ll soon reach Taormina Cathedral (also known as Duomo di Taormina). The medieval church was originally built in the 13th century on the ruins of the church dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari. Throughout history, the church has been reconstructed multiple times and nowadays boasts a grand arched interior with elaborate statues and artwork.
Messina offers several transportation services for tourists to explore the city. The public bus is a budget-friendly option, and tickets can be purchased at kiosks throughout the city. Routes are well-connected, allowing visitors to reach various attractions seamlessly. Corso Umberto is the main street in Taormina and you can’t miss it as it runs through the heart of the old town. Corso Umberto is around 800 m long and it takes about minutes to walk the whole length.
Every day at noon the the bell tower of Messina will come alive. This is one of the largest and most complex mechanical clocks in the world. As soon as the clock strikes 12 its lion will start to roar and this will start the 15 minute display depicting the religious history of the city. If you decide to spend your day in town this something you shouldn’t miss. This renowned village is famous for being a tourist town, historic landmark and for its amazing dramatic scenery. You could also opt for a public bus to get to Taormina, but keep in mind the ride will take up to 2 hours one way.
The tourist information will either be at the terminal or at the nearest church in site as you exit the terminal. After your ship docks at the Port of Messina, it’s easy to walk to major attractions and sights in this part of Sicily. A little under a mile’s walk away is a train station, which is frequently used by locals to get to neighboring towns. There’s also a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus you can take to see as much of the area as possible. Messina cruise port terminal is located in the heart of city downtown. Next photo shows Messina port's cruise ship docking piers (no terminal building).
