Messina at a glance
Typical Food and Wine Products of Messina
- Arancini: Fried rice balls stuffed with meat sauce, peas, and mozzarella. A must-try!
- Pasta alla Norma: A pasta dish with tomato sauce, fried eggplants, salted ricotta, and basil.
- Sicilian Cannoli: A typical sweet with a crispy fried pastry shell filled with sweet ricotta.
- Granita and Brioche: A typical Sicilian breakfast, especially refreshing during the summer months.
- Fresh Fish: Try grilled or baked swordfish, often served with an orange salad.
- Sicilian Wines: Taste local wines such as Nero d'Avola, Etna Rosso, and Marsala.
- Pignolata: A typical Messina sweet made of fried dough balls covered in honey or chocolate and lemon glaze.
Cultural Sites to Visit in Messina
- Messina Cathedral: Famous for its astronomical clock that offers a unique mechanical show every day at noon.
- Bell Tower of the Cathedral: Offers a panoramic view of the city and the Strait of Messina.
- Orion Fountain: One of the most beautiful Renaissance fountains in Italy, located in Piazza del Duomo.
- Regional Museum of Messina: Hosts a vast collection of artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.
- Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani: A splendid example of Norman and Arab architecture.
- Palazzo Zanca: The city hall of Messina, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture.
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III: A historic shopping arcade, perfect for a stroll and some shopping.
Possible Day Trips
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Taormina
- Travel time: About one hour.
- What to see: Greek Theatre, Isola Bella, Corso Umberto (the main street with shops and cafes), and the Public Gardens.
- How to get there: Train, bus, or taxi.
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Aeolian Islands
- Travel time: From 1 to 2 hours (depending on the island).
- What to see: Stromboli volcano, the volcanic beaches of Lipari, and the natural hot springs of Vulcano.
- How to get there: Ferry or hydrofoil from Messina's port.
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Reggio Calabria
- Travel time: About 40 minutes by ferry.
- What to see: National Archaeological Museum of Magna Graecia (with the Riace Bronzes), Lungomare Falcomatà, Aragonese Castle.
- How to get there: Fast ferry from Messina's port.
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Etna
- Travel time: About 1.5 hours.
- What to see: Excursions on the active volcano, Silvestri craters, and the Rifugio Sapienza.
- How to get there: Organized tours or taxi.
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Savoca and Forza d'Agrò
- Travel time: About 45 minutes.
- What to see: These two picturesque villages are known for being filming locations for "The Godfather". Visit Bar Vitelli in Savoca and the Church of San Nicola in Forza d'Agrò.
- How to get there: Rental car, taxi, or organized tours.
Useful Tips
- Advance Booking: For excursions such as those to the Aeolian Islands or Etna, it is advisable to book in advance.
- Time Available: Always check the ship's departure time to plan your activities accordingly.
- Local Transport: Use taxis, buses, or shuttle services to get around the city and its surroundings comfortably.