Romantic Weekend Getaway: Messina and Beyond

Fall in love all over again in the charming city of Messina, Italy.

22 April 2023

A romantic trip to Messina, Italy promises a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Couples can enjoy leisurely strolls along the stunning seaside promenade or explore the city's rich art and architecture. From tantalizing local cuisine to world-class wine, Messina is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Messina

  • Stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, a luxurious hotel with stunning sea views
  • Start the day with a visit to Messina Cathedral, a beautiful 12th-century church with intricate artwork and architecture
  • Take a stroll along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and views of the Strait of Messina
  • Visit the Regional Museum of Messina, which houses an impressive collection of Greek and Roman artifacts
  • Stop by the Bell Tower of the Church of Christ the King, which offers panoramic views of the city and coast
  • Enjoy a romantic dinner at Ristorante il Campanile, a cozy eatery with traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Day 2

Day Trip to Taormina and Isola Bella

  • Start the day with a scenic drive to Taormina, a charming hilltop town with stunning views of Mount Etna and the sea
  • Visit the ancient Greek Theatre of Taormina, an impressive structure with breathtaking views of the coast
  • Take a cable car down to Isola Bella, a picturesque island nature reserve with crystal-clear waters for swimming and lounging
  • Enjoy lunch with a view at Mocambo Cafè, a cozy waterfront spot with delicious seafood and fresh ingredients
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of Taormina, stopping by local shops and boutiques for souvenirs and gifts.
  • End the day with a romantic dinner at Il Barcaiolo, a cozy eatery with classic Sicilian dishes and a lovely atmosphere.
Day 3

Shopping and Relaxation

  • Start the day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the sea views and fresh Italian coffee
  • Visit the colorful La Catena Market, a bustling local market with fresh produce, traditional sweets, and more.
  • Take a relaxing afternoon at the Terme Vigliatore, a seaside thermal bath and spa for rejuvenation and relaxation
  • Indulge in a romantic dinner at the Osteria da U Peccu, a cozy eatery with delicious traditional Sicilian cuisine and homemade pasta
  • End the night with a sunset walk along the promenade, enjoying the sea breeze and the night lights of Messina.

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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Explore Messina, Italy in One Day

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