Budget Bliss: Messina, Italy in Two Days

Discover the beauty of Messina without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Messina is a fantastic destination for budget travellers looking for a taste of Italy's history and culture. Despite its reputation for being expensive, there are plenty of affordable accommodation options such as hostels and B&B's. Visitors can take advantage of free walking tours, explore the historic architecture and enjoy delicious street food from local vendors.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the city

  • Check into Hotel Sant'Elia, a budget-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and a lovely terrace.
  • Grab a cappuccino and brioche at Bar dello Stretto, a local institution with stunning sea views.
  • Visit the stunning Cathedral of Messina, home to a unique astronomical clock.
  • Take a stroll through the vibrant historic center and admire the beautiful architecture.
  • Have lunch at trattoria da Nino, a charming restaurant that serves delicious Sicilian cuisine.
  • Finish the day with a gelato from Gelateria Da Franco, a must-visit spot for ice cream lovers.
Day 2

Island hopping

  • Catch the ferry to the stunning Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago that will take your breath away.
  • Explore the beautiful town of Lipari, with its stunning beaches, winding alleys, and colorful architecture.
  • Take a boat tour to the other islands, such as Stromboli and Vulcano, to see the stunning natural beauty of the area.
  • Have a seafood lunch at Ristorante da Filippino, a restaurant with stunning sea views and delicious fresh fish.
  • Return to Messina in the evening and enjoy a delicious pizza at Pizzeria la Lanterna, a cozy spot with a great atmosphere.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

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

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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3 Days of Fun in Messina, Italy

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