Holiday in Messina: the “other” Sicily

Sicily is once again one of the “top” destinations for summer 2025. This means that this year too, as happens every year, the island is recognized by global tourism operators as a highly attractive location. And in fact, you can, and should, return to Sicily several times. Also to go beyond the “classically tourist” destinations (Aeolian Islands, Taormina, Agrigento, Etna, Palermo) and discover new attractions. Have you ever thought, for example, of exploring Messina?

Messina: city and territory

Messina is not only the city overlooking the famous Strait but also a territory, once a province (now a “metropolitan area”) that contains fascinating routes and itineraries. Perhaps less crowded than those typical of Sicilian tourism but worth knowing. Take advantage of this summer to do so.

In addition to the center of the capital, which despite being modern boasts numerous historical and artistic pearls, let yourself be won over by places such as: the Ganzirri Lakes, Milazzo, Tindari, Patti and the Fiumara d’Arte di Tusa. We will give you some suggestions for following these beauties throughout the territory.

Getting to Messina and moving around the territory

To reach Messina, the ideal is to land at Catania Bellini-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) and continue by car along the ring road that joins the direct A18 motorway. In an hour and twenty minutes of travel you will arrive at your destination. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry or cruise ship, docking directly at the port of Messina.

In both cases, you will find a private transfer to welcome you, suited to your needs. With us at Transfeero you will have the opportunity to book in advance, even before departure, your ideal vehicle with driver and plan rates and itineraries to start your holiday immediately and without stress. To move around the Messina area, private transportation is always preferable, given the lack of public transportation in certain areas and especially the difficult terrain (mountains, hills, bends) that you often encounter. If you move around the historic city center, however, try at least one ride on the delightful urban tramways.

What to see in Messina

Messina was reborn after the disastrous earthquake (with tsunami) of 1908. Many of its splendid Norman and Baroque architectures were erased forever. However, the city recovered by “copying” some of those lost beauties and finding a new artistic expression in Liberty and Neo-Gothic.

The Cathedral of the Assumption is definitely worth a visit, rebuilt in the twentieth century with the same forms as the original Norman church (12th century); the animated mechanical clock that marks midday is fascinating! The Byzantine church called “dei Catalani”, with its Arab-style forms, was miraculously saved from the disaster. Churches of rare beauty are also the Sacrario di Cristo Re and the Santuario Madonna di Montalto. Among the secular buildings, Palazzo Zanca, the Covered Gallery, Palazzo dello Zodiaco, Palazzo Cerruti-Bisazza are worthy of note. The rich Regional Museum is definitely worth a visit, which houses – among others – masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello.

What to see in the Messina area

Not far from the city of Messina, on the extreme tip of Capo Peloro, there are the Ganzirri Lakes. These are former marshy areas now transformed into protected basins where mussels and clams are raised and where dozens of migratory birds stop to rest. All around is the village of Torre Faro with its flower-filled paths and villas facing the sea.

Moving away from Messina, you cannot miss spending half a day in Milazzo. Known for being the port of embarkation for the Aeolian Islands, its historic center hosts a spectacular fortified medieval citadel and two seafronts, one to the east and one to the west. Overlooking the cape of the Piscine di Venere, the Sanctuary of Sant’Antonio dominates a protected reserve and a breathtaking panorama. Continuing west, here is Tindari: its famous Sanctuary of the Black Virgin with the ancient Roman ruins nearby is a destination for pilgrimages but its sandy lagoons – with dozens of lakes that change shape depending on the tides – are certainly a more exciting attraction. Not far from Tindari, Patti offers important historical and artistic riches: the Roman Villa, for example, or the medieval village with the cathedral of St Bartolomeo. In addition, there is no shortage of kilometers of beaches and a dream sea.

Worth visiting, with a dedicated time, is the itinerary of the Fiumara d’Arte of Tusa. Going up the course of the torrent of the same name,  in this location about an hour-and-a-half drive from Messuna you can admire dozens of artworks and contemporary installations, commissioned by a histrionic local patron. Pyramids, giant cubes, terracotta labyrinths, murals will lead you to discover small local realities such as Tusa, Pettineo, Motta d’Affermo, Castel di Lucio, all overlooking the intense blue of the Tyrrhenian Sea.