Messina

Messina is the capital of the Italian province of Messina. It is located near the northeast corner of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea.

Sights to visit include the 12th century Cathedral of Messina and the church of the “Annunziata dei Catalani” which stands on one of the most historically important sites of the Straits. The nearby Aeolian Islands provide an outstanding record of volcanic island-building and destruction, an ongoing volcanic phenomena. Lipari is the largest island of the Aeolian Islands and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It boasts an Archaeological Museum with a castle and an archaeological park in the back.

Other popular trips include Taormina, 50km south of Messina and the beautiful scenery surrounding Mount Etna, 100km away.

Viale San Martino and all the adjacent streets in this neighbourhood compose Messina's principle shopping area. Good buys include ceramics and shell jewellery.

There are a few beaches in the area including the Messina Strait beach near the port area.

Typical dishes include “pasta ‘ncaciata” (pasta, meat and melted cheese with boiled eggs), swordfish and "arancini di riso" (deep-fried rice balls filled with meat-sauce or butter).

The cruise terminal is located in the busy port on the narrow Strait of Messina, famous for its unruly waters and conflicting currents. The port is right in the heart of downtown Messina and it is easy to walk straight off the ship and into the Piazza del Duomo, the heart of the old town area.

Car hire is available in town.