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Budget Adventure: 5 Days in Mesmerizing Messina

Exploring Messina's beauty without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

With a limited budget, a trip to Messina, Italy can still be an exciting and memorable vacation. Visitors can explore the historic city center, shop at local markets, and indulge in authentic Italian cuisine without breaking the bank. Additionally, spending a day at the beach or taking a hike on nearby Mount Etna offer affordable and adventurous activities.

Travel plan

• Check into Hotel Residenza Da Vinci, a budget-friendly hotel with sea views.
• Stroll along the seafront promenade and take in the stunning views of the Strait of Messina.
• Visit the Bell Tower of the Cathedral of Messina and watch the famous mechanical clock with its moving characters.
• Taste some refreshing granita, a Sicilian specialty that is a cross between a sorbet and shaved ice.
• Have dinner at La Focacceria, a typical Sicilian bakery that serves delicious focaccia, arancini (rice balls), and calzones.

• Visit the Regional Museum of Messina, which houses a vast collection of archaeological finds, art, and manuscripts.
• Admire the ornate Fountain of Orion, one of the symbols of the city, located in Piazza del Duomo.
• Take a walk through the picturesque alleys of the historic center and discover hidden gems, like the Church of Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.
• Taste some local street food, such as panelle (chickpea fritters) or cipollata (grilled onions).
• Enjoy a swim at the nearby beaches or take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands.

• Take a day trip to Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe.
• Visit the scenic town of Taormina, perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
• Explore the ancient Greek theater that dates back to the 3rd century BC.
• Take a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Etna and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Have lunch at a traditional trattoria and taste some Sicilian wine.

• Visit the Nebrodi Natural Park, a vast area of unspoiled nature with beautiful mountains, forests, and lakes.
• Go for a hike or a bike ride along the trails and enjoy the fresh air and the stunning scenery.
• Visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Tindari, a famous pilgrimage site that houses a miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary.
• Taste some local cheese, like Pecorino or Ricotta, and some grilled meat or fish at a rustic trattoria.
• Relax in the hot springs of Terme Vigliatore or take a dip in the nearby beaches.

• Visit the Norman Castle of Milazzo, a medieval fortress that offers breathtaking views of the sea and the Aeolian Islands.
• Have a last gelato at the famous gelateria Sapienza, known for its natural and exotic flavors.
• Buy some souvenirs in the colorful street market of Messina, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, clothes, and food.
• Take a final stroll along the seafront and watch the sunset over the Strait of Messina.
• Depart from the city, but not before promising to come back and explore more of this intriguing and enchanting corner of Sicily.