The Ultimate Weekend in Messina, Italy

Discover the hidden gem of Sicily in Messina, Italy.

22 April 2023

Messina is a city located in Sicily, Italy and is known for its beautiful coastal views, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine. As a tourist, you can visit iconic attractions such as the Messina Cathedral and the Bell Tower, explore the regional museums, and indulge in local delicacies like arancini and cannolis. With its rich culture and stunning scenery, Messina is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Italy.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Culture and Cuisine

  • Stay at Hotel Royal Palace, a regal property decorated in classic Italian style with views of the sea.
  • Start your day with a coffee and croissant at Caffè del Teatro, a historic café located just opposite the Teatro Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Visit the Cathedral of Messina, a stunning example of Norman architecture that houses a 15th-century Annunciation by Antonello da Messina.
  • Check out the Regional Museum of Messina, which has an impressive collection of art and artifacts dating back to ancient times.
  • Have lunch at La Pagliazza, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and delicious pasta dishes.
  • Spend your evening at Casbah, an eclectic bar where you can sip on cocktails and listen to live music.
Day 2

Beach and Vistas

  • After breakfast at your hotel, head to Capo d'Orlando, a picturesque seaside town about an hour's drive from Messina.
  • Spend the morning relaxing at Lido di Capo d'Orlando, a beautiful beach with clear waters and soft sand.
  • Take a scenic drive up to the medieval village of Montalbano Elicona, perched on a hill overlooking the Nebrodi Mountains.
  • Enjoy lunch at Trattoria Sciamadda, a rustic restaurant that serves homemade pasta and hearty meat dishes.
  • Visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Scala, a church with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
  • End your day with a sunset cocktail at A'Tramonta, a rooftop bar on Messina's seafront.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Messina, Italy by plane is to fly into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport and take a bus or train to Messina. Airlines such as Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet fly to Catania-Fontanarossa Airport from major cities around Europe.

Car

The best way to get to Messina by car is to take the A3 highway from Naples or the A1 and A14 highways from Rome. The journey from Naples takes approximately 7 hours, while the journey from Rome takes approximately 9 hours.

Train

Messina has a train station called Messina Centrale that is well-connected to other cities in Italy. The best way to get to Messina by train is to take a direct train from Rome or Naples. The journey from Rome takes approximately 8 hours.

Boat

There are ferries that run from Villa San Giovanni on the mainland to Messina, making this the best way to get to Messina by boat. The ferries run regularly throughout the day and the journey only takes around 20 minutes.

Bus

The best way to get to Messina by bus is to take a direct bus from Rome or Naples. Buses from Rome leave from the Tiburtina Bus Station and take approximately 10 hours to reach Messina. Buses from Naples leave from the Napoli Garibaldi Bus Station and take approximately 9 hours to reach Messina.

Destination

Messina

Welcome to the city where cannoli is a food group and traffic laws are merely suggestions. Get ready to experience the chaos and charm of Messina!

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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