Nestled along Sicily’s most northeasterly point is the port city of Messina. Drenched in history, lined with picture-perfect beaches, and home to some stellar wineries, Messina showcases the very best of Sicilian culture.
Due to its strategic location just three km from the coast of Calabria, Messina is often hailed as the gateway to Sicily and is a popular stopping point for cruise ships.
Being Sicilian, I believe Messina offers much more than the fleeting glimpse that cruises often provide, and I’m here to share that insider knowledge with you.
Follow through my in-depth guide for what to do in Messina, featuring a mix of historical wonders, spellbinding viewpoints, gastronomic adventures and so much more!
Best Things to Do in Messina, Sicily
Admire the Architecture of Messina Cathedral
One of the city’s most famous residents, the Messina Cathedral, has been around for some 900 years. Built during Normal rule, it’s among the finest examples of architecture from that era.
The pale stone walls and signature bell tower have seen plenty of hardship over the years, thanks to bombings during World War II and powerful earthquakes that struck the island during the 20th century.
Despite this, the Messina Cathedral stands tall today, and its ornate ceiling designs, bright interior, and frescoes are as captivating as ever.
If you have time, you can make the short climb to the top of the tower and admire the views over the city, harbor, and the sparkling Ionian Sea from above. It’s one of the best vistas in all of Messina, in my opinion.
Catch the Astronomical Clock in Action at Noon
The Messina Cathedral also houses the city’s iconic astronomical clock, one of the largest and most elaborate in the world.
This intricately designed clock was installed at Messina Cathedral in the 1930s. Its 54 bronzed statues depict a blend of historical and mythical stories accompanied by the sound of Ave Maria in the background.
Whenever I’m in town, I try to swing by the Piazza Duomo at midday to watch this artistic masterpiece come to life. Seeing the animated figures in action and trying to make sense of the clock’s mechanics is a bucket list experience for any visitor to Messina.
Even if you have little interest in unraveling the meaning behind each figure and movement, it’s worth stopping by to marvel at the engineering involved in creating this Messina attraction.
Delve Into the City’s Past at the Regional Museum of Messina
History fanatics won’t want to miss the Regional Museum of Messina, which traces Sicily’s heritage through an extensive selection of artifacts and artworks.
This museum is often overlooked in favor of other Messina sights, but don’t make the mistake of skipping over the fascinating displays of Byzantine, Arab, and Norman-era art.
I initially came here for the first time to check out some of the Caravaggio pieces, namely the Adoration of the Shepherds and Raising of Lazarus.They were superb, yet I also found myself spending hours gazing at the centuries-old sculptures and archaeological finds.
The collection of relics, treasures, and artistic creations is arranged chronologically, giving insight into how Messina has developed and changed over time.
Soak up the Panoramic Vistas From the Temple of Christ the King
The imposing dome of the Temple of Christ the King is one of the first things you’ll see as you travel toward Messina. As impressive of a sight as this is, the view from this hilltop church is even more striking.
For almost a hundred years, this baroque-style Catholic church has been perched high above the city, serving as a symbol of Messina. It’s worth visiting for its unbeatable viewpoint and magnificent interior, which doubles as a war memorial for Italian soldiers who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Its elevated location means you’ll have a short but steep uphill walk to reach the church. However, I found out after my first visit that there’s also a bus that can take you here if you’d prefer to spare your legs the pain!
Plan your visit accordingly, as the church is only open in the morning. Be sure to give yourself ample time to wander inside and gaze at the towering marble columns and beautifully designed dome, too.
Check out Messina’s Stunning Water Fountains
Both the Orion and Neptune fountains that adorn the streets of Messina were created by students of Michaelangelo, which tells you pretty much all you need to know about how spectacular each monument is.
The Neptune Fountain is perhaps the most revered of the two. It shows the god of the sea casting an eye over the notoriously rough waters of the Strait of Messina. Originally crafted in the 16th century, an earthquake in the early 1900s destroyed most of its key features, but they’ve since been restored.
My personal favorite is the Orion Fountain, which lies in the heart of the city in the bustling Piazza Duomo. Built in the mid-1550s, the fountain was constructed to celebrate the introduction of running water to the city.
Unfortunately, this point of interest had a similar fate to its seafront counterpart, with many of the original structures collapsing due to a devastating earthquake. Nonetheless, the figures and intricate motifs feel like a window into Messina’s storied past.
Sample Some of the Local Culinary Delights
I wouldn’t be doing justice to my beloved homeland of Sicily if I didn’t encourage you to indulge in some gastronomic offerings in Messina.
If you’re visiting during the often-sweltering summer season, you can cool down Sicilian style with a refreshing granita. These sweet, semifrozen treats originated along the island’s east coast, and the blend of fruit, sugar, and water makes for the perfect midday pick-me-up. Best enjoyed with a carb-heavy accompaniment, I recommend pairing your granita with a fluffy brioche bun in true Sicilian fashion.
Another staple for east coast Sicilians is the island’s most acclaimed street food item, the fabled arancini. These breadcrumb-covered, crispy rice balls have gone worldwide in recent years, but no one does them quite like the locals. Whether you pick some up on the go or stop by a classic trattoria, I can guarantee these bite-sized snacks will leave your mouth watering.
No trip to Messina is complete without a little seafood. When you’re in the mood for some oceanic fare, one of the best things to do is head to a waterfront eatery and order the grilled swordfish. I’m less fond of fish than many of my fellow Sicilians, but this is one fish dish that deserves all the praise it gets.
Spend a Day Visiting Some Local Wineries
Food and wine go hand in hand in Messina, and many of Sicily’s finest wineries are just a quick drive away from the city center.
Provided someone in your party is prepared to act as the designated driver, you can dedicate an afternoon to embarking on a wine-hopping tour of the region. Some must-visit spots I always encourage aspiring wine connoisseurs to stop by include Tenuta Rasocolmo and Le Casematte, both slightly north of the city.
If you’re on a somewhat time crunch and your schedule only allows you to visit one winery, make it Cantine Bonfiglio. Its vineyards and charming cellar sit high above Messina. I love nothing more than sipping on a tasty glass of vino here while encircled by the rolling mountains and shimmering blue sea; it’s a true pinch-me moment every time!
Book a two-hour session, and you’ll enjoy a vineyard tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the wine-making process, and a tasting of a diverse selection of exquisite wines. Be sure to arrive hungry, as you’ll also be treated to some locally-produced cheeses and cold cuts to pair with your wine.
Make a Day Trip to Taormina
Got a few days to spend in Messina and wondering what to do outside of the city? Head south and pay a visit to Taormina. Sicily’s upmarket resort town is just a short drive or train ride away from Messina, yet it’s remarkably different.
If you want to squeeze in some downtime, set aside a few hours to lounge along Isola Bella’s golden sands. Those of you looking to dig a little deeper into the island’s history and culture will be enthralled by the enchanting streets of Taormina’s historic center. Packed full of gorgeous old-world buildings and lively streets, this is easily one of my favorite corners of Sicily.
The journey from Messina to Taormina is just 45 minutes by car, while the train ride will take around an hour. Don’t be turned off by the challenging walk separating the train station from the center, as a cable car connects the two!
If you’re planning some days in Taormina, then check my complete guide on what to do and see in Taormina!
Start Planning Your Itinerary With This Guide!
Even after dozens of trips, I’m still discovering incredible things to see and fun things to do in Messina.
Hopefully, this post will help you next time you’re wondering what to do in Messina. Between uncovering the rich history and absorbing the eclectic culture around every corner, this city has something to bewitch every kind of traveler.