Messina Cruise Port may not be far from Italy’s mainland but it’s definitely Sicilian in every way! A DIY shore excursion couldn’t be easier, as Messina Cruise Port is a stone’s throw from the city centre.
So in this guide, I’ll share with you my best tips on how to get an authentic Sicilian experience on your port day at Messina. From the famous Ringo Beach, to where to eat some authentic Sicilian food like arancini, cannoli and lesser known granitas, they’re all in my guide!
This is Part 1 of my Messina Cruise Port Guide series. Part 2 is my guide on taking a day trip from Messina – Messina to Taormina Day Trip: Greek Theatre & Isola Bella.
Does your cruise itinerary include cruising in the Strait of Messina? Then have a read of the Greek legends at the bottom of the bog post as well.
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Messina Cruise Port: Is a DIY Excursion Easy? 😎😎😎😎😎 Easy Peasy
Messina is a charming, compact city, making it a breeze to explore on your own! While it doesn’t boast the same volume of attractions as some larger ports, its walkable city centre, nearby beach, and delicious Sicilian cuisine offer plenty to create a delightful day. I rated it 😎😎😎😎😎:
- Right at Your Doorstep: The vibrant Piazza del Duomo is a mere 5-minute stroll from the cruise port, placing you directly in the heart of Messina’s town centre.
- Beach Day Friendly: The Cathedral, museum, and the piazza will keep you engaged for an hour or two but there’s a nice beach a quick tram ride away!
- True Sicilian Experience: Messina shines in its authentic Sicilian atmosphere. Sample fresh seafood, indulge in sweet cannoli, try different arancini flavours during my DIY Food Tour suggestions!
Messina Cruise Port Essentials: All You Need to Know
- Messina (Sicily) Cruise Port Address: 98122 Messina, Metropolitan City of Messina, Italy
- Currency: Euros
- Language: Italian
- Official websites: ATM Messina has bus & tram route information (Italian only), so stick to Google Maps.
- Recommended Transport App: Use Google Maps to navigate around Messina.
- eSIM for roaming in Italy: For a great data connection without the huge roaming fees, use an eSim data pack from Airalo. I always recommend having a smartphone with a valid plan when you’re at port touring independently. Get US$3 off your first eSIM data pack from Airalo when you use ROXANN1666 when you sign up or apply it at checkout
Messina Cruise Port Map
- On Desktop | Laptop? Use buttons on bottom left to zoom in/out. Click on the upper right hand corner to see a bigger version.
- On Tablet | Mobile? Pinch your screen to zoom in/out and use two fingers to move map around. If you have Google Maps installed on your tablet/mobile, my map will open in your Google Maps app if you click on the upper right hand corner.
- If map is not loading correctly, click here to see it directly at Google Maps
Messina Cruise Port: Top Things to Do Nearby
Messina’s compact city centre makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Here are the top spots easily reached from your cruise ship:
1. Visit Duomo di Messina (Cathedral)
Originally built in the Norman era (12th century), the Duomo suffered quite a lot of damage during the 1908 earthquake and WWII bombings. Also known as the Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, its current grand Romanesque-Gothic facade reflects centuries of re-building and restoration.
Step inside to admire dazzling Byzantine-style mosaics and ornate side chapels. On the left Apse, is a 14th century mosaic depicting the Madonna and Child, flanked by saints. The central Apse is dominated by a large mosaic of Christ, with the Virgin Mary, St John the Baptist, Archangels, Frederick II and Peter II of Aragon – this is a 20th century reconstruction based on the original 14th century design Finally on the right apse is St John the Evangelist.
- How to Get There: It’s 3 minutes walk from Messina Cruise Port; just look out for the bell tower when you disembark!
- Opening Hours: Daily 7:30am to 12:30pm, shuts for lunch, then 4pm to 7pm
- Tickets: Church is free to visit but the entrance to the Treasury is €5 for adults, €2.50 for kids. You can also purchase a combined ticket for the Treasury & the Bell Tower: €7.50 adults, €4.00 for kids. If you’d like to visit the Treasury, note that its opening hours does vary and it’s best to check online first!
2. Watch the Astronomical Clock Show at Noon
Adjacent to the cathedral rises the magnificent Bell Tower. Though heavily damaged in the devastating 1908 earthquake and later reconstructed, it still houses one of the world’s largest and most complex astronomical clocks.
Don’t miss! Created by a Strasbourg firm in 1933, this intricate astronomical clock puts on a show every day at noon and lasts 12 minutes. Bronze figures animate, depicting scenes from Messina’s civil and religious history, while a golden lion representing the city roars and a rooster crows! 😁
It’s also possible to see the Clock Tower from the inside! The engineers amongst us will love the ingenious system of levers and gears that generate the movement of the clock.
- How to Get There: A mere 3 minutes walk from the cruise port!
- Bell Tower Opening Hours: Open daily from 10am to 1pm, then 3:30pm to 5:30pm during summer months. If you’re visiting during shoulder months (eg. March/April, September/October), it may only open in the mornings.
- Bell (Clock) Tower Tickets:
- 12 noon show of the astronomical clock is free to watch
- To see inside the Clock Tower requires a ticket. €5 adults, €2.50 for kids. Combined Tower & Treasury tickets are €7.50 for adults and €4 for kids.
3. See the Orion Fountain at Piazza del Duomo
At first glance, the Piazza outside the Cathedral may not seem much. But look out for the majestic Orion Fountain, sculpted in 1553 by a student of Michelangelo. This intricate marble masterpiece depicts the mythological founder of Messina.
Both the 1908 earthquake and heavy bombing raids during WWII sadly destroyed many of the historic buildings surrounding the piazza. The piazza was initially much closer to the seafront but land reclamation over centuries have pushed the shoreline further out. Watch the world go by here with an espresso or indulge in a sweet treat – an essential part of the Sicilian experience!
4. Visit Regional Museum of Messina (MuMe)
For a deep dive into Sicilian art and history, step into the Regional Museum of Messina (MuMe). Located in a former 16th-century hospital, this impressive museum houses a vast collection showcasing the island’s artistic richness from the 12th to the 18th centuries.
The star attractions are undoubtedly the masterpieces by Caravaggio, the revolutionary Baroque painter. His “Adoration of the Shepherds” and “Resurrection of Lazarus” captivate with their dramatic lighting and emotional realism. Another highlight is the museum’s collection of works by Antonello da Messina, a 15th-century pioneer of Sicilian Renaissance painting.
Beyond these famous names, the MuMe offers a journey through Sicilian artistic styles. Explore Byzantine-influenced icons, intricate sculptures, and decorative arts that tell the story of the island’s diverse cultural influences.
- How to Get There:
- Tram to Museo (last stop): Catch Tram #28 (only tram route) at Municipio stop opposite the cruise terminal. Get off at either the second last stop “Ringo” or the last stop “Museo”. MuMe is in between these two stops. Trams typically run every 15 minutes.
- Bus/Tram tickets: There are two tobacco stands opposite the road from the cruise terminal to get bus/tram tickets before you board. I’ve marked these on my Messina Cruise Port map above 🗺️📌👆. Don’t forget to validate your tickets when you board!
- Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. 9:30am – 7pm Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30am – 1:30pm Sunday.
- Tickets (2025 Prices): €10 for adults, free for kids under 18 with EU passports. Otherwise €5. EU students <25 also qualify for €5 entry. Free for everyone on first Sunday of the month.
5. Take a Selfie with Our Lady of the Letter
From the top deck of your ship, you will undoubtedly see a tall, slender votive column (a stele) topped by a large, brilliantly gilded bronze statue of the Madonna della Lettera (Our Lady of the Letter) – the patron saint of Messina.
Tradition holds that in 42 AD, after Saint Paul preached Christianity in Messina, some converted locals visited the Virgin Mary in Palestine. Mary is said to have given them a letter written in Hebrew/Syraic, tied with a strand of her hair, promising her eternal protection to the city of Messina and its people.
The inscription of the base, “VOS ET IPSAM CIVITATEM BENEDICIMUS” (We bless you and your city), is believed to be the closing words of that sacred letter. The monument was commissioned after the 1908 earthquake in Messina and inaugurated in 1934 by Pope Pius XI.
6. Soak up the Sun at Ringo Beach (Spaiggia del Ringo)
Fancy a beach break instead? Then, head to Ringo Beach! It’s a small city beach but all the usual facilities are there, including showers. Don’t forget your towel from the ship!
How to Get There: Follow instructions above for MuMe and get off at “Ringo” stop on Tram #28. Otherwise, it’s a 30 minute walk from the cruise port.
Messina Cruise Port: Sicilian Local Specialties
I hear many cruisers say that the port of Messina is a functional gateway to the more famous lures of Taormina or the smouldering peak of Mount Etna. That’s absolutely true. But Messina also has a gastronomic identity forged by Messina’s unique geography and history.
Messina, has for a millennia, been a nexus of cultures. While its food is undeniably Sicilian, it’s layered with indelible influences from Greek, Spanish and Arab settlers. So if you prefer to stay in Messina for your port day, my best suggestion is to enjoy authentic Sicilian food, trying as many of the following options as possible.
1. Arancino Messinese: Pointed King of Sicilian Snacks
The Arancino Messinese is an icon of Sicilian gastronomy! It’s a golden, deep-fried ball of rice with various fillings. Its origins are traced to the period of Arab domination, when rice and saffron was introduced to Sicily. Breading & frying the rice ball, emerged later, as a clever way to preserve and transport the snack for travel.
(Arancini is the plural form. The singular form can be either masculine (arancino) or feminine (arancina). In Messina, typically the masculine form is used. In Palermo, on the opposite side of Sicily, the feminine version is used.)
The typical version, especially outside of Sicily, is round and shaped like a meat ball. But the Messina version is shaped like a pointed, conical shape – a supposed tribute to the ever-present silhouette of Mount Etna on the horizon. The traditional filling is ragù, a rich savoury mixture of minced meats and peas. But the Messinese version includes melted cheese and cured ham or mortadella.
Where to Eat It: Rosticceria Famulari is an institution! There’s over 50+ flavours of arancini, from the traditional ragù, inventive savoury options and a sweet version filled with Nutella. It’s open from 8:30am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, so you can come here for breakfast too! About 5 minutes walk from Messina Cruise Port – see it marked on my Messina Cruise Port map 🗺️📌👆 above. There’s vegetarian and vegan versions available. (Also sells pidone, focaccia and granita with brioche).
2. Focaccia alla Messinese: Thick Savoury Slices
While Genoa may arguably be the most famous place to eat focaccia in Italy, Focaccia alla Messinese is different enough that it definitely is worth a try while at Messina.
The Messina version is a thick, gloriously airy, and fluffy bread with a soft, yielding crumb. It’s traditionally topped with fresh cherry or datterini tomatoes, the salty tang of anchovies, and mild, milky tuma cheese, made with sheep’s milk.
Where to Eat It: La Focacceria, about 5 minutes walk from Messina Cathedral. The name says it all. It specialises in focaccia! Focacceria Santoro is a stone’s throw away from Messina Cruise Port and is a good place to grab some on your way back.
3. Pidoni Messinesi: The Perfect Fried Crescent
The pidone (or pitone, as it’s commonly called today) is Messina’s answer to the calzone—a half-moon turnover, almost always fried to a blistering, bubbly crispness.
It is a dish born of humble origins, a product of the “poorest of the traditional cuisine from Messina,” created as a way to use up scraps of bread dough by filling them with whatever was on hand.
The traditional filling is a perfect, time-honoured balance of flavours and textures: tender, slightly bitter sautéed curly endive, fresh chopped tomatoes, salty anchovies, and generous cubes of fresh, mild tuma cheese – very similar to the toppings on a typical Focaccia alla Messinese. But nowadays, you can get it with many different fillings!
Where to Eat It: Rosticceria Famulari, La Focacceria and Focacceria Santoro mentioned above all sell pidoni.
4. Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta: The Flavour of the Strait
The swordfish or pesce spada, is a staple of the local diet in Messina. The most iconic preparation is Pesce Spada alla Ghiotta.
The name of the sauce, alla ghiotta, translates to “gluttonous” or “tasty,” a fitting description for this rich and savory concoction. It’s a slow-simmered sauce of tomatoes, celery, onions, briny green olives, and salted capers.
Other popular swordfish dishes include:
- Involtini di Pesce Spada: rolls made from thin slices of swordfish, with grated pecorino cheese, chopped capers and fresh parsley, then grilled or baked
- Braciole di Pesce Spada: thick swordfish stakes stuffed with a breadcrumb-based filling
- Grigliato con Salmoriglio: grilled over hot coals, with sauce made with extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic, and oregano
Where to Eat Seafood: Ristorante Piero is a famed seafood restaurant about 10 minutes walk from Messina Cruise Port. I Ruggeri is more upscale (around €50 per person) but note it’s only open 1pm – 2:30pm for lunch.
5. Granita & Brioche: Quintessential Sicilian Breakfast
The quintessential Sicilian summer breakfast is a cup of granita served with a brioche col tuppo. The brioche, a soft cloud-like sweet bread is meant to be torn into pieces and used as an edible spoon to scoop up the icy granita.
Unlike the smooth, sorbet-like consistency, the granita in Messina is intentionally coarser, with a satisfying crunch. The most popular local flavour is Granita di caffè con panna (coffee granita with whipped cream) but you can get lots of different flavours in most Pasticceria.
Where to Eat It: Pasticceria Irrera 1910 is a revered institution for over a century. Come here to enjoy a Granita di caffè on its outdoor terrace on Piazza Cairoli and people-watch at the same time. Its cannoli is also famous and is filled to order. Bar del Sud is known for lactose-free, gluten-free and sugar-free granita options.
6. Cannoli: Sicily’s most famous dessert
Cannoli are probably Sicily’s most famous desert and are widely available outside of Italy. It’s a tube-shaped shell of pastry, fried until blistered and crisp, then filled with a lusciously sweet and creamy sheep’s milk ricotta.
Where to Eat It: Pasticceria Del Duomo is conveniently located near the Messina Cathedral, a stone’s throw from Messina Cruise Port. Just down the street, La Dolceria Pasticceria is equally good for cannoli.
Cruising the Strait of Messina
Cunard, Seabourn and Holland America regularly features a sea day cruising the Strait of Messina. So if your cruise itinerary includes cruising the Strait of Messina, what should you be on the lookout for? And why is cruising the Strait of Messina such a big deal that cruise lines schedule a whole sea day around it?
1. Strait of Messina: The Mythical Gateway
The Strait of Messina is the mythological home of two terrifying sea monsters from Homer’s epic poem, The Odyssey. (The Odyssey, together with the Illiad, are considered some of the oldest surviving works of literature.) The story tells of the Greek hero Odysseus’s decade-long struggle to return home after the Trojan War, and it was here, in this very strait, that he faced his most impossible choice.
Warned by the sorceress Circe, Odysseus knew he could not avoid the dangers that lay ahead. On one side, lurking in a cliffside cave, was Scylla, a terrifying six-headed monster who would snatch sailors from the decks of any ship that passed too close. (Scylla represents the rocky coastline.)
On the other side was Charybdis, not a creature but a ravenous vortex, a monstrous whirlpool that would swallow the sea three times a day, taking entire ships down to a watery grave. There was no safe path; the choice was not between safety and danger, but between two different kinds of certain doom.
Following Circe’s grim advice, Odysseus made the heart-wrenching decision to sacrifice a few to save the many. He steered his vessel closer to Scylla’s cliffs, knowing the monster would strike but that his ship would survive.
They navigated the passage, the terrifying heads of Scylla darted down, snatching six of his best men from the deck. But the rest of his men survived.
p.s. Christopher Nolan is making a movie version of the Odyssey right now, starring Matt Demon and Tom Holland. It will be released in 2026.
2. Sailing the Strait of Messina: What to See On Deck
The Strait of Messina is only 3 km (~ 2 miles) wide at its narrowest point, so you’ll have incredible views of both Sicily and mainland Italy simultaneously.
While sightings are never guaranteed, it’s quite common to spot pods of dolphins, with striped and bottlenose dolphins being the most frequently seen. Sperm whales and fin whales are also known to pass through the Strait of Messina. The best months to spot these whales are from April to July.
During spring & autumn, the Strait of Messina is a migratory bottleneck for many bird species. So if you’re a birdwatcher, then you may see vast flocks of European Honey Buzzards, along with Black Kites, Marsh Harriers and other falcons. You may also see loggerhead sea turtles surfacing for air near the coastline as well.
Featured Image by user32212 from Pixabay
Thank you for reading! My hope is that this guide has inspired you to embrace the freedom of exploring Messina independently. Wishing you a fantastic port day at Messina, And, if you enjoyed this resource, please share it with your travel companions. Buon viaggio! (Have a good trip!)
Hello! Just wanted to thank you SO extremely much for all of your information. You have been such a lifesaver for our family cruise trip to Italy & Greece, and have allowed us to save so much money being able to confidently/comfortably DIY our excursions, while also seeing all that is important in the area! Cannot thank you enough.
I do have a question for Messina/Taormina – When getting back to Messina from Taormina, & getting on the Porto Messina bus, is that the same process as the way there? You will pay for a combo ticket and it will be a short bus ride to then get on the train back to Messina? Thank you for your response in advance! Appreciate your time!
Hi Miranda, thanks very much for your kind words! Yes, the return journey is effectively the reverse. Check your return train times and budget extra time if you’re heading back to Taormina station using the bus. You’re probably asking the ticket question because you’re wondering how to buy your return bus + train ticket. I’ve just checked – TrentItalia still sells the combo tickets to “Taormina – Centro” but no longer offers the discount. A one-way combo ticket is €7.50 now and costs the same as buying the bus & train tickets separately. (I’m going to update the price shortly on the blog post.)
So for your return journey, you can pay the bus fare with cash (€2) and buy the train ticket at the Taormina-Giardini station. Alternatively, you can buy your return journey train in the morning from the station ticket machine. (You won’t use the return journey ticket until you validate it at the station ticket entry gates). Worst case scenario, there’s a taxi stand opposite the bus stop near Porto Messina which will take you back to the station. Taormina is quite touristy (and the locals are used to tourists), so if in doubt, just ask for help!
Thank you so much! You are amazing!
Hi Miranda, you’re most welcomed! Hope you’ll enjoy your cruise!
Hi Miranda, you’re most welcomed! Have a great cruise!