Messina, Sicily
Messina, Sicily is a vibrant and historic port city on the northeastern tip of the island, a place where the Mediterranean's rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty converge. Messina is a city that has been shaped by a series of earthquakes and wars, but it has always risen from the ashes, and today it is a bustling hub with a unique charm. As a cruise port, Messina is a gateway to the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna and the charming hill towns of Sicily.
⛵ Port Introduction
Your cruise ship will dock directly at the Messina Cruise Terminal, which is a modern, air-conditioned facility located right in the city center. You can walk right off the ship and into the terminal building. From there, you are just a short walk from the city's main attractions.
⚓ Terminal Information
The Corfu Cruise Port Terminal is a modern facility that has a variety of amenities for your comfort. You'll find a tourist information kiosk, restrooms, and a few shops.5 The terminal also has a free Wi-Fi connection.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminal has restrooms, a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions, and a few small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. You'll also find some vendors with tours and taxi services. The terminal offers free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Italian. While English is spoken in the main tourist areas, it is not as universally spoken as in some other European ports. It is a good idea to have a few basic Italian phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Ciao (chow) - Hello/Goodbye
Grazie (GRAH-tsee-eh) - Thank you
Per favore (pehr fah-VOH-reh) - Please
Dov'è...? (doh-VEH) - Where is...?
Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOH-stah) - How much does it cost?
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and contactless payments are very common. It's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases from street vendors or for small shops. ATMs are easy to find at the port and throughout the city. Be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for withdrawals.
🚗 Transportation
Messina's city center is very walkable, and many of the main attractions are within a short walk of the cruise terminal.
Walking: The best way to explore Messina is on foot. The cathedral, with its famous astronomical clock, and the main shopping streets are all within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The rates are regulated, but it is still a good idea to get an estimate of the cost before you begin your journey.
Public Bus: Messina has a public bus system, but the routes and schedules can be difficult for tourists to navigate. The main bus terminal is located near the port.
Tours: A great way to see the region is to take a pre-arranged tour. Many tours will take you to the volcanic Mount Etna or the charming town of Taormina.
♿ Accessibility
Messina has an accessibility rating of 4 out of 10. While the cruise port is modern and accessible, the city's streets can be a challenge. The sidewalks are often narrow and uneven, and the historic areas have some steep hills and cobblestone streets that can be difficult to navigate.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the city center from the cruise port is to simply walk. The port is located right in the heart of the city, and you can easily walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in Messina. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminals, or in cafes and restaurants. Be aware that some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
Farmacia: There are many pharmacies in Messina, and you will find one on the main streets in the city center.
Farmacia Comunale: Viale della Libertà, 201, 98121 Messina ME, Italy.
✨ Authentic Experience
Dine on a Local Cannolo or Arancino: Sicily is famous for its food. For a classic Sicilian treat, find a local cafe and try a fresh cannolo, a tube of fried dough filled with sweet ricotta cheese. For a savory snack, try an arancino, a fried rice ball stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Watch the Astronomical Clock: For a unique experience, walk to the Duomo (Cathedral) at noon. The cathedral has the largest astronomical clock in the world, and at noon, the statues on the clock will move to tell a story about the city's history. It's a fascinating and free spectacle.
Take a Local Tour to Mount Etna: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a tour to Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. You can walk on the old lava fields, learn about the volcano's history, and get a stunning view of the surrounding landscape.
