Messina Cruise Port
Messina Cruise Terminal
Messina, Italy Port
Sicily UN/LOCODE ITMSN Port of call Homeport
Messina Cruise Port Location
| Port Details | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| UN/LOCODE | ITMSN |
| Contact | |
| Address | Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 98122 Messina ME, Italy |
| Port phone | +39 090 679991 |
| Website | www.adspstretto.it |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 38.19394, 15.55256 |
| Accessibility | |
| Accessible | Limited |
The cruise terminal at Messina sits a mere 450 meters (0.28 miles) from the Piazza del Duomo, making it one of the few Mediterranean ports where you can reach the city center on foot in under 10 minutes. Located in northeast Sicily, this gateway city overlooks the narrow Strait of Messina, the legendary body of water separating the island from mainland Italy. Most travelers use Messina as a launchpad for Taormina, located 55 km (34 miles) to the south, or Mount Etna, roughly 95 km (59 miles) away. However, it is worth noting that passengers who stay in the city are rewarded with one of the world's most complex astronomical clocks and a far more authentic Sicilian atmosphere than the polished tourist tracks of Taormina. This is an ocean cruise port that handles everything from boutique yachts to mega-ships with efficiency. It rewards those who understand the 12:00 PM bell tower performance and punishes those who underestimate the afternoon heat or the complexity of Sicilian rail schedules. Whether you are heading to the chic boutiques of Taormina or the quiet cloisters of the city’s Norman cathedral, Messina demands a precise plan to navigate its mid-day closures and bustling port traffic.
Messina — Port Overview
History
Messina was founded in the 8th century BC by Chalcidian settlers who named it Zancle, meaning 'sickle' in the local Siculian tongue, referring to the natural shape of the harbor. Its strategic position on the Strait of Messina made it a prize for every empire that swept through the Mediterranean, from the Romans and Byzantines to the Normans and Spanish. However, the modern face of Messina is defined by tragedy. On December 28, 1908, one of Europe's deadliest earthquakes leveled nearly 90% of the city and was followed by a devastating tsunami. You will notice that Messina lacks the narrow, winding medieval alleys found in Palermo or Syracuse; this is because the city was rebuilt in the early 20th century with wide, straight boulevards designed to withstand seismic shocks. Further destruction occurred during heavy Allied bombing in 1943 during World War II. Despite this, the resilience of the people is visible in the meticulous reconstruction of the Duomo di Messina, originally built in 1197. Today, the 60-meter-high bell tower, added in 1933, stands as a testament to this rebirth, housing an intricate mechanical clock that tells the story of Messina’s religious and civic identity through a series of animated golden figures.
The Verdict
The travelers who get the most from Messina are the ones who arrive with a plan and the flexibility to adapt it. Whether you choose to explore the city's resilient heart or journey to the chic heights of Taormina, the Strait of Messina offers a unique Sicilian experience. This guide has been fact-checked by J. Richard and the Waterways Cruise editorial team. A shore excursion with a guaranteed return to the ship, matched to your mobility, interests, and pace, removes any risk of missing departure.com. No two travelers want the same day ashore.
Things to Do & See in Messina
| Attraction | Type | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Messina Astronomical Clock (Bell Tower) | Landmark | Piazza del Duomo, 98122 Messina, Italy | +39 090 774858 | Daily performance at 12:00 PM; Tower climbs 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | messinareservation.it | Free |
| Regional Museum of Messina (MuMe) | Museum | Viale della Libertà, 465, 98121 Messina, Italy | +39 090 360823 | Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | regione.sicilia.it | EUR €8.00 |
| Orion Fountain (Fontana di Orione) | Landmark | Piazza del Duomo, 98122 Messina, Italy | Open 24 hours | Not applicable | Free | |
| Sanctuary of Christ the King (Tempio di Cristo Re) | Historical Site | Viale Principe Umberto, 89, 98122 Messina, Italy | +39 090 718312 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Not available | Free |
| Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) | Cultural Site | Via Catania, 98124 Messina, Italy | +39 090 293 1585 | Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Not available | Free |
Messina Astronomical Clock (Bell Tower) · Landmark
FreeBuilt by the Ungerer company of Strasbourg in 1933, this is arguably the most complex mechanical clock in the world. As the noon bells toll, a bronze rooster crows, a lion roars, and a series of figures representing the stages of life and the history of Messina emerge from the tower. The silence that falls when the music begins in the square, even with thousands of people present, is palpable. It is a rare moment of genuine wonder in a modern port city. After the show, visitors should pay the small fee to climb the interior of the tower. You will walk past the massive weights and gears that drive the figures you just saw moving outside. It provides a fascinating 'behind the curtains' look at 20th-century precision engineering. The view from the top balcony offers a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Messina and your cruise ship—it is the best photo spot in the city center. Even for those who aren't 'clock people,' the sheer scale and craftsmanship are undeniable. It transforms the Piazza del Duomo from a simple church square into a living theater.
Piazza del Duomo, 98122 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 774858 ·Daily performance at 12:00 PM; Tower climbs 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ·www.messinareservation.it
Regional Museum of Messina (MuMe) · Museum
EUR €8.00The MuMe is one of Sicily's most underrated cultural institutions. It was specifically built to house the treasures rescued from the rubble of the 1908 earthquake. The collection is anchored by two massive, brooding masterpieces by Caravaggio: 'The Resurrection of Lazarus' and 'The Adoration of the Shepherds.' Seeing these works in Messina, where Caravaggio fled after killing a man in Rome, provides a haunting connection to the artist's turbulent life. The museum also houses an exquisite polyptych by Antonello da Messina, the city's most famous son. The layout is chronological, taking you from the remains of Norman churches to the grand Baroque period. Visitors skeptical about 'another museum' have often returned with enthusiastic praise for the Caravaggios found here. The space is rarely crowded, allowing you to stand inches from world-class art without the elbow-to-elbow experience of the Louvre or the Vatican. The museum's park also contains architectural fragments from buildings that no longer exist, serving as a silent graveyard of Old Messina. It is a profound, quiet experience that balances the noise and chaos of the modern port.
Viale della Libertà, 465, 98121 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 360823 ·Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM ·www.regione.sicilia.it
Orion Fountain (Fontana di Orione) · Landmark
FreeArt historian Bernard Berenson famously called this the 'most beautiful fountain of the sixteenth century in Europe.' Sculpted by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, the fountain celebrates the completion of Messina’s first aqueduct in 1547. It is dedicated to Orion, the mythical founder of the city. The detail is astonishing: dozens of figures from Greek mythology are carved in shimmering Carrara marble. It survived the 1908 earthquake largely because of its sturdy, tiered design. For cruise passengers, it serves as the perfect visual centerpiece for the Piazza del Duomo. Visitors should sit at one of the cafes surrounding the fountain with a granita. You can admire the Renaissance proportions while waiting for the bell tower clock to begin. It represents the height of Messina's historical wealth and artistic ambition. While most people just snap a quick photo and move on, it is best to take five minutes to walk around the entire base. The storytelling in the marble—depicting everything from local geography to celestial myths—is as complex as any painting in the Regional Museum. It is a piece of High Renaissance art hiding in plain sight in a public square.
Piazza del Duomo, 98122 Messina, Italy ·Open 24 hours ·Not applicable
Sanctuary of Christ the King (Tempio di Cristo Re) · Historical Site
FreePerched on a hill overlooking the harbor, this shrine was built in 1937 on the site of the former Castle of Matagrifone. Its massive dome is visible from the cruise pier, often glowing gold in the Sicilian sun. It serves as a war memorial for those lost in the Great War, but for most cruise passengers, the draw is the view. From the terrace, you can see the entire arc of the harbor, the 'Sickle' that gave Messina its name, and across the Strait of Messina to the mountains of Calabria on the Italian mainland. You can watch the giant ferries and your own cruise ship look like toys in the water below. The architecture is a heavy, imposing example of the 'Stile Littorio' (Lictor style) popular during the Fascist era. Inside, the crypt is somber and quiet, providing a stark contrast to the busy port below. It is often suggested as a final stop for those desiring one last memorable experience before re-boarding. It provides the geographic context of why this city has been so fought over for 2,500 years. If the wind is right, you can hear the bells of the city ringing from below, a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack to the best vista in northeast Sicily.
Viale Principe Umberto, 89, 98122 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 718312 ·9:00 AM – 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM ·Not available
Camposanto Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery) · Cultural Site
FreeConsidered one of the most beautiful and artistically significant cemeteries in Italy, the Camposanto is essentially an open-air museum of sculpture. Built into the side of a hill, it features grand neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau chapels that rival the architecture of the city center. It was designed in the mid-19th century and serves as the final resting place for the victims of the 1908 earthquake, with many haunting monuments dedicated to entire families lost in the disaster. You will notice that travelers who appreciate the Staglieno in Genoa or Père Lachaise in Paris will find this fascinating. The contrast between the white marble tombs and the vibrant Sicilian greenery is stunning. It is a place where you can see the social history of Messina through its changing tastes in funerary art. The silence here is a welcome break from the relentless traffic of Via Garibaldi. Even if you only spend 45 minutes here, the view from the upper terraces back toward the Strait of Messina is spectacular. It is a hidden gem that 99% of cruise passengers ignore in favor of Taormina, but it offers a far deeper look into the Sicilian soul.
Via Catania, 98124 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 293 1585 ·Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ·Not available
Eating & Drinking in Messina
Messina’s culinary identity is shaped by the Strait of Messina. The star of the table is 'Pesce Spada' (swordfish), traditionally caught using the 'feluca' boats. Unlike the rest of Italy, Messina uses toasted breadcrumbs (mollica) in almost everything—from pasta to stuffed meats—reflecting a history where expensive cheese was substituted with what was available. You must try the 'Messinese Focaccia,' which is topped with endive (escarole), fresh tomatoes, anchovies, and tuma cheese—it is vastly different from the soft, oily focaccia of Genoa. To drink, order a 'Birra Messina' (the Cristalli di Sale version is particularly good) or a red wine from the Faro DOC, a tiny volcanic vineyard area just north of the city. For a non-alcoholic treat, the local 'Mezzo con Panna' (half coffee granita, half whipped cream) is the standard breakfast during the hot summer months. Tourists often expect a classic pizza, but in Messina, you should follow the locals to the 'rosticceria' shops for a 'pitone'—a fried turnover filled with escarole and cheese. It is the genuine taste of the city’s streets.
| Place | Address | Phone | Hours | Website | Price range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Ruggeri | Via I Settembre, 183, 98122 Messina, Italy | +39 090 293 9934 | 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM; 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Monday) | iruggeri.it | €30.00–€45.00 (~$34.50–$51.50 USD) |
| Pasticceria Irrera 1910 | Piazza Cairoli, 12, 98122 Messina, Italy | +39 090 673823 | 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM | irrera.it | €5.00–€15.00 (~$6.00–$17.50 USD) |
| Marina del Nettuno YCM | Viale della Libertà, 98121 Messina, Italy | +39 347 628 3280 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM | marinadelnettuno.it | €10.00–€15.00 (~$11.50–$17.50 USD) |
I Ruggeri
€30.00–€45.00 (~$34.50–$51.50 USD)Located just a 5-minute walk from the Duomo, this refined osteria is a top choice for an authentic lunch. The menu changes daily based on what the fishermen in the Strait of Messina have caught. The 'mollica' (breadcrumbs) on the pasta provides a crunch that is quintessential to the Messina style of cooking. The room is elegant but unpretentious. Be aware that the service follows the 'slow food' philosophy—do not eat here if you are rushing to catch a 1:00 PM excursion.
Via I Settembre, 183, 98122 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 293 9934 ·12:30 PM – 3:30 PM; 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM (Closed Monday)
Pasticceria Irrera 1910
€5.00–€15.00 (~$6.00–$17.50 USD)This is not just a bakery; it is a monument to Sicilian sugar. Located on the bustling Piazza Cairoli, it is the perfect place to experience the local 'pignolata'—mounds of fried dough glazed with lemon and chocolate. The cannoli here are massive and filled with sheep's milk ricotta that is noticeably richer than what you find in the US. Stand at the bar to pay local prices, or sit at the outdoor tables to watch the city go by for a small 'coperto' fee.
Piazza Cairoli, 12, 98122 Messina, Italy ·+39 090 673823 ·7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Marina del Nettuno YCM
€10.00–€15.00 (~$11.50–$17.50 USD)If you want a drink with a view of the Strait of Messina, this is the only place to go. Located at the yacht club just a short walk from the cruise terminal, you are literally sitting on the water. The breeze here is a lifesaver in the summer heat. It attracts a well-dressed local crowd and offers a front-row seat to the constant ballet of ferries and cruise ships. It's the perfect spot for a final Sicilian cocktail before walking back to the gangway.
Viale della Libertà, 98121 Messina, Italy ·+39 347 628 3280 ·10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Getting There & Around
Once you leave the Strait of Messina waterfront, the city center is best explored on foot. The area between the port and the Duomo is flat and pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, such as reaching the Regional Museum (MuMe), the Messina Tramway is highly efficient; tickets must be purchased at 'Tabacchi' shops (marked with a large 'T' sign) or via the 'ATM Movilità' app. A single ride is €1.50 (~$1.75 USD). Uber does not operate here; however, the local 'Free Now' app can sometimes secure a taxi. Bike rentals in Messina are not recommended due to the aggressive driving style of locals and the lack of dedicated cycling lanes. One tip most guides omit: the hydrofoils (Aliscafi) to Reggio Calabria depart from the 'Molo Rizzo' near the cruise terminal—if you have 5 hours, you can cross to the mainland for just €8.00 (~$9.50 USD) return to see the famous Riace Bronzes.
Itineraries & Sample Walks
4-Hour Shore Excursion in Messina
Cathedral of Messina (Duomo) and Bell Tower
9:30 AM (90 min)
The Duomo is a masterclass in reconstruction. Inside, the soaring nave and detailed mosaics are impressive, but the star is the Bell Tower. It houses the world's largest astronomical clock. Visitors should pay the small fee to climb the tower for a view of the golden gears.
- Walk 10 minutes from the cruise terminal across Via Vittorio Emanuele II and up Via I Settembre.
- Entry: €4.00 ($4.50)
- Do not enter the church at 11:55 AM. Stay outside in the square. At exactly 12:00 PM, the clock begins a 15-minute mechanical play with moving lions, roosters, and religious scenes set to Schubert’s Ave Maria.
Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani
11:15 AM (30 min)
This 12th-century church is one of the few buildings to survive both the 1908 earthquake and the 1943 bombings. It sits below current street level, demonstrating how much the city was built up after the disaster. The Arab-Norman architecture is stunningly intact.
- Walk 2 minutes south from Piazza del Duomo towards Via Garibaldi.
- Entry: Free (Free)
- Walk around the exterior back of the church to see the distinct Byzantine-style stonework and apses—most visitors only look at the front door.
Lunch Recommendation
Osteria da Rita
While other Taormina spots are overpriced tourist traps, Rita maintains a family-run feel with handmade pasta. The eggplant is caramelized perfectly, avoiding the bitterness found elsewhere.
Order: Pasta alla Norma (pasta with fried eggplant and salted ricotta), Involtini di Pesce Spada (Swordfish rolls)
Via Giovanni di Giovanni, 37, 98039 Taormina, Italy
Cost: €35.00 (~$40.50 USD)
8-Hour Full Day Experience in Messina
Taormina Greek Theatre (Teatro Antico)
8:30 AM (120 min)
The view from the stage, with Mount Etna smoking in the background and the blue Ionian Sea below, is the most famous vista in Sicily. The theater is still used for performances today. Travelers report that arriving at opening (9:00 AM) is the only way to see it without the cruise bus crowds.
- 1-hour taxi or private transfer from Messina terminal. (€120.00 (~$138.00 USD) return)
- Entry: €13.50 ($15.50)
- The 'best' photo spot is at the very top row of the stone bleachers on the far left side—it perfectly aligns the theater ruins with Etna's peak.
Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile
12:30 PM (90 min)
Taormina's main street is a corridor of luxury shops and flower-draped balconies. Piazza IX Aprile is the 'living room' of the town, offering a panoramic terrace overlooking the sea. It's chic, crowded, and undeniably beautiful.
- 5-minute walk from the theater.
- Entry: Free (Free)
- Escape the main street by ducking into the 'Vicolo Stretto'—one of Italy's narrowest streets—located near the clock tower.
Getting back to the ship
For a standard 5:00 PM departure, you should be back in the Messina city center by 4:00 PM. If you are in Taormina, leave by 2:45 PM to account for potential traffic in the San Giovanni tunnel. A taxi from the Duomo to the pier takes only 5 minutes and costs €15.00 (~$17.50 USD), but walking is just as fast and more reliable. If you are running late, call the port agent (number on your daily ship newsletter). Messina is a strict 'all-aboard' port due to the heavy ferry traffic in the Strait; the ship will not wait for independent travelers. If you miss the ship, you will need to take a ferry to Villa San Giovanni and a train to your next port (often Naples or Civitavecchia), a journey that can take 6–8 hours and cost upwards of €400.00 per person.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Messina
Weather & What to Pack
Cruise season: April to November
18°C–32°C (64°F–90°F). Sunny with very low rainfall in summer; occasional humid 'Sirocco' winds from Africa.
What to wear: Light, breathable fabrics are non-negotiable. Footwear must have a thick sole to handle the heat of the pavement; avoid thin sandals for long walks. Shoulders must be covered to enter the Duomo—carry a lightweight pashmina. If visiting Mount Etna, bring a windproof jacket as temperatures at the craters are often 10°C (18°F) cooler than at sea level.
Weather risks: The Strait of Messina is prone to sudden, thick sea fog in early spring, which can occasionally cause ships to slow down or delay berthing.
August is extremely crowded and hot; visitors should stay near the waterfront breeze rather than heading inland.
| Season | Conditions | Hazards | Affected areas | Visitor advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (June–August) | Intense heat with temperatures often exceeding 32°C (90°F) and high humidity from the Strait of Messina. | Heat exhaustion on the exposed Piazza del Duomo and the steep, shadeless climb to Christ the King Sanctuary. Dehydration is a significant risk for those walking to the regional museum. | Piazza del Duomo, Viale Boccetta, and the ancient streets of Taormina if taking an excursion. | Wear a wide-brimmed hat and carry water. Schedule all uphill walking for before 10:30 AM. Retreat to the air-conditioned MuMe (Regional Museum) during the peak 1:00 PM heat. |
| Shoulder Season (April–May & September–October) | Mild, pleasant weather ranging from 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F) with occasional sea breezes. | Sudden coastal showers can make the smooth marble tiles of the Piazza del Duomo surprisingly slick. Wind gusts in the Strait can occasionally delay docking procedures. | Waterfront promenades and the ferry embarkation zones. | A light windbreaker is essential for the top deck or the ferry crossing. This is the ideal time for the 4-hour walking itinerary as the temperatures are manageable. |
Practical Information
Cultural etiquette
Messinese locals are formally polite but warm. When entering a shop or cafe, a clear 'Buongiorno' (until 2:00 PM) or 'Buonasera' (after 2:00 PM) is expected; walking in silently is considered rude. If you are offered a seat in a crowded cafe, accept it—splitting tables with strangers is common during the morning coffee rush. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Duomo during Mass (usually held at 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM); always check for a service before pulling out your camera. Queueing in Sicily is a 'fluid' concept—locals may cluster rather than form a straight line; be firm but polite to maintain your spot. Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants, as a 'coperto' (cover charge) is usually added to the bill, but leaving €2.00–€5.00 for good service is appreciated. For taxis, round up to the nearest €5.00. A common mistake cruise passengers make is trying to shop or eat a full meal between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. This is the sacred 'riposo' time; the city will go quiet, and you should use this time for a museum visit or a long, slow drink by the water.
Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake |
|---|
Waiting until the last minute to return from Taormina. |
Heading to the Duomo square exactly at 12:00 PM. |
Using the train to visit Taormina on a short port call. |
Buying 'Arancini' at the terminal cafe. |
Practical tips
Messina is still very much a cash-driven society for small purchases. While major boutiques and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard, you will need Euros for tram tickets, small cafes, and public restrooms. ATMs ('Bancomat') are plentiful along Via I Settembre. Tipping is a gesture, not a requirement; 5–10% is generous. Learn these five phrases: 'Buongiorno' (Good morning), 'Grazie' (Thank you), 'Quanto costa?' (How much is it?), 'Un caffè, per favore' (An espresso, please), and 'Dov’è il Duomo?' (Where is the Cathedral?). Beware of the 'bracelet scam' near the pier exit, where someone tries to tie a 'friendship' string on your wrist and then demands money. Also, keep your bag on the side away from the street to avoid 'scooter snatches'—rare, but known to happen in busy port areas. For religious sites, your knees and shoulders must be covered; keep a scarf in your bag. The best way to avoid crowds is to be the first off the ship and head straight to the Bell Tower for its opening, then do your shopping while others are at the noon clock show.
Cruise Lines Visiting Messina
Port of Call
Embarkation / Disembarkation
Why Book With Waterways Cruise?
Four decades of expertise, one dedicated advisor, and every detail handled, from your front door to the gangway and back.
Personal Service — Your Own Cruise Concierge
Tailor-Made — 100% Custom-Built
Expertise — 40+ Years in Travel
Price Watch — Book With Total Confidence
Signature Sailings
All Cruise Lines at Messina (A–Z)
Nearby Ports
FAQ — Messina
Can I see Mount Etna from the cruise ship in Messina?
Yes, but it depends on the weather and your ship's position. As you sail into the Strait of Messina from the south, Mount Etna is visible on the port side (left). From the dock itself, the mountain is often obscured by the Peloritani hills, but you can see the distinctive plume of smoke from the Sanctuary of Christ the King at the top of the city. For a guaranteed, close-up Etna experience, private 4x4 tours that depart directly from the pier can be arranged in advance.
Is the water safe to drink from the public fountains in Messina?
Yes, the water from the public fountains (known locally as 'nasoni' or 'fontanelle') is perfectly safe and often very cold. The Orion Fountain itself is decorative, but look for the small iron taps nearby. Most locals carry a reusable bottle and fill up throughout the day. It is a great way to save the €2.50 (~$3.00 USD) charged for bottled water in tourist cafes. Always ensure the tap is not marked 'Non Potabile' (not drinkable), though this is rare in the city center.
How do I get to the beach from the Messina cruise port?
The best nearby beach is at Torre Faro, where the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas meet. Take Bus 1 or a taxi (20 minutes, ~€30.00). It is a pebble beach with incredibly clear water and views of the mainland. Do not try to swim in the harbor or near the cruise pier; the current in the Strait of Messina is notoriously strong and dangerous, and the water is heavily polluted by ship traffic. Private beach club transfers are available for a more comfortable day.
What is the best thing to buy in Messina that I can't find in Taormina?
Authentic 'Pignolata Messinese.' While Taormina has generic Sicilian sweets, this specific honey-and-chocolate glazed dough is the culinary signature of Messina. Buy it from Pasticceria Irrera or Pasticceria Midiri. It travels well and makes an excellent gift. Also, Messina has a unique tradition of 'Faro DOC' wines that are often sold in small city enotecas for under €25.00 (~$29.00 USD) but are nearly impossible to find outside of the province.
Are there public restrooms near the Messina Bell Tower?
Yes, there is a well-maintained public restroom located directly behind the Bell Tower in the Piazza del Duomo. It costs €1.00 (~$1.15 USD) and is usually staffed by an attendant. This is much easier than trying to find a restroom in a crowded cafe, where you will be expected to buy a coffee first. Most larger museums in the city, like the MuMe, also offer free, accessible restrooms with your paid admission.
Is it worth taking the ferry to mainland Italy for a few hours?
Only if you have at least 6 hours in port and a specific goal, such as seeing the Riace Bronzes in Reggio Calabria. The hydrofoil (Aliscafo) takes 25 minutes and costs ~€8.00 return. It is a thrilling ride across the Strait of Messina, but by the time you account for embarkation and walking to the museum in Reggio, you will have very little time left. Most travelers find staying in Sicily more rewarding for a single-day call.
What should I do if it rains in Messina?
Head immediately to the Regional Museum (MuMe). It is entirely indoors, fully accessible, and contains enough world-class art to fill 3 hours. Alternatively, the Duomo interior is large and free to enter, providing shelter while you wait for the weather to clear. Avoid the Christ the King Sanctuary during rain, as the outdoor terraces become very slick and the wind on the hill can be quite intense.
Does Messina have a hop-on hop-off bus?
Yes, the 'City Sightseeing Messina' bus usually operates when ships are in port. It departs from near the cruise terminal and costs ~€20.00 (~$23.00 USD). However, because the city center is so compact, it is generally best avoided. You can see the main sites (Duomo, Catalani Church) much faster on foot. The bus is only useful if you want to reach the Ganzirri lakes without navigating the public bus system.
Is Messina safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, Messina is generally very safe during the day. The area around the cruise terminal and Duomo is heavily policed and full of tourists. Like any port city, be cautious around the train station (Messina Centrale) after dark and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas like the noon clock show. Sicilian culture is very respectful of women, but you may experience some 'cat-calling'—it is best to ignore it and keep walking.
Can I walk to the golden 'Madonnina' statue at the harbor entrance?
No, you cannot walk to the statue as it is located on a restricted military zone within the 'Forte del Santissimo Salvatore.' However, your cruise ship will pass very close to it during arrival and departure. This is the best time for photos. The statue’s pedestal bears the city’s motto: 'Vos et ipsam civitatem benedicimus' (You bless and your city), which refers to a legendary letter sent by the Virgin Mary to the people of Messina.
Fact-checked and co-written by J. Richard, Founder, Waterways Cruise, with the Waterways Cruise Content Team.
Published May 19, 2026 · Last updated November 2, 2026
This guide is researched and reviewed by our editorial team, but prices, hours, and availability change often. Confirm current details directly with venues, excursion operators, and your cruise line before you travel.