Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, sits just across the Strait of Messina from mainland Italy. With ferry connections from Calabria, it’s possible to experience a little of the island without staying overnight. From historic streets and impressive architecture to traditional Sicilian food, even a few hours in Messina can make for a memorable visit.
Is Messina Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?
Wondering whether it’s worth crossing over to Sicily if you only have one day? We certainly think so. While Messina doesn’t have the same reputation as some of Sicily’s more famous destinations, it offers an opportunity to discover another side of Italy. Its historic cathedral, lively piazzas, waterfront and local food make it an interesting place to explore, particularly if you’re already travelling through southern Calabria.
Our Experience Visiting Messina
We were staying near Melito di Porto Salvo in Calabria when we decided to take the train to Reggio Calabria and catch the ferry across to Messina. What we hadn’t realised was that our day trip fell on a public holiday! Reggio Calabria was buzzing with a major marathon, while Messina was unusually quiet, with many businesses and attractions closed. Undeterred, we hopped aboard a little sightseeing train, explored as much of the city as we could on foot and enjoyed one of the best meals of our travels. We had around six hours in Messina, and despite the unexpected circumstances, it turned into a day we thoroughly enjoyed.
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Getting from Calabria to Sicily by Ferry
Crossing the Strait of Messina is one of the easiest ways to travel between mainland Italy and Sicily. With passenger and vehicle ferry services available, visitors can choose the crossing that best suits their travel plans, whether they’re visiting Messina for a few hours or continuing further into Sicily.
Reggio Calabria Ferry Port to Messina
Reggio Calabria is a convenient departure point for foot passengers, particularly those travelling through southern Calabria by train or public transport. The passenger ferry crossing to Messina generally takes around 30 minutes.
The ferry terminal is located at the Stazione Marittima on Via Candeloro. We walked there from the main town and found it easy to locate. It’s a relatively small port, so getting our bearings was straightforward.
For anyone considering driving to the terminal, paid parking is available nearby, but spaces cannot necessarily be reserved. This means you’re taking a chance on finding an available space, particularly during busy periods.
We purchased our tickets directly at the port and walked straight onto the ferry. The return journey was just as straightforward, with tickets available at the terminal in Messina.
A few useful things to know:
- Foot passengers: This service is ideal if you’re leaving your vehicle behind.
- Tickets: You can purchase them at the port or check online booking options.
- Parking: Allow extra time if you’re driving, as parking availability isn’t guaranteed.
- Arrival in Messina: The historic centre is accessible on foot from the passenger ferry terminal.
Our tip: If you’re staying in Reggio Calabria itself, walking to the ferry terminal may be easier than worrying about parking. We found the whole process simple, and it was a lovely way to begin our Sicily day trip.
Villa San Giovanni Ferry Port to Messina
Villa San Giovanni is the main departure point for travellers taking a vehicle across to Sicily, including cars, motorcycles and campervans. Located north of Reggio Calabria, the port offers regular crossings to Messina, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes.
The main vehicle ferry operator is Caronte & Tourist, which runs services between Villa San Giovanni and Messina’s Rada San Francesco terminal.
If you’re driving, follow the signs for the ferry port and Caronte & Tourist. Vehicles use designated boarding lanes, where staff direct drivers onto the ferry.
A few useful things to know:
- Taking a vehicle: Cars, motorcycles and campervans are accepted, with fares depending on the vehicle type.
- Foot passengers: You can also travel without a vehicle, and Villa San Giovanni has a nearby railway station.
- Tickets: Purchase online or at the port’s ticket offices.
- Parking: If you prefer to leave your vehicle on the mainland, look for parking near the terminal and check availability before travelling.
- Boarding: Follow the designated vehicle lanes and instructions from ferry staff.
Unlike a traditional ferry reservation, Caronte & Tourist allows you to purchase a ticket for a particular date rather than reserving a specific departure time.
Booking your ferry: You can check fares and purchase passenger or vehicle tickets through Caronte & Tourist’s official booking website.
Our tip: If you’re travelling with a vehicle, this is the more practical route. However, if you’re only planning a day trip to Messina, consider leaving your vehicle on the mainland and exploring the city on foot.
Exploring Messina
Messina is a historic port city on Sicily’s northeastern coast, with beautiful piazzas, interesting architecture and views across the Strait of Messina. Its compact central area makes it a convenient destination for visitors arriving by ferry.
We started our exploring near Messina Cathedral, where we caught a little sightseeing train that took us around the city. It was a great way to get our bearings before continuing on foot and discovering more of the historic centre.
With only a few hours available, we found that combining the sightseeing train with walking gave us a good introduction to Messina.
Things to See and Do in Messina
Messina has a fascinating mix of historic landmarks, grand piazzas and waterfront scenery. Many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of the historic centre, making it possible to see quite a bit during a day trip.
Visit Messina Cathedral and Its Astronomical Clock
Located in Piazza del Duomo, Messina Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Originally built in the 12th century, it has been reconstructed following earthquakes and wartime damage.
Beside the cathedral stands the impressive astronomical clock tower, famous for its elaborate mechanical figures that come to life at noon.
We have to admit, the performance was a little slower than we’d expected! We were anticipating something a bit more lively, but when you consider the intricate mechanics behind such an extraordinary clock, it’s pretty remarkable. Installed in 1933, the astronomical clock is an impressive piece of engineering, and watching its moving figures is as much about appreciating the mechanics as the spectacle itself.
Other Attractions Worth Exploring
- Fountain of Orion: A beautiful Renaissance fountain in Piazza del Duomo, decorated with mythological figures and detailed sculptures.
- Piazza Cairoli: One of Messina’s central squares, surrounded by shops and cafés.
- Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani: One of the city’s oldest surviving churches, known for its distinctive Norman, Byzantine and Arab-influenced architecture.
- Sacrario di Cristo Re: A hilltop memorial church offering panoramic views over Messina, its harbour and the Strait of Messina.
- Messina’s waterfront: Enjoy views of the harbour, passing ferries and mainland Calabria across the strait.
- Historic streets and piazzas: Wander through the centre to discover churches, traditional buildings and local shops.
Our tip: If you’re visiting for just a few hours, start around Piazza del Duomo and explore the nearby attractions before venturing further afield. This gives you flexibility without feeling rushed.
Our Unforgettable Meal in Messina
One of the biggest surprises of our day in Messina had nothing to do with sightseeing. It was finding Osteria del Campanile, a restaurant that gave us one of the most memorable meals of our travels through Italy.
With so many places closed for the public holiday, finding somewhere to eat wasn’t quite as straightforward as we’d expected. But sometimes the unexpected discoveries turn out to be the best ones, and this was certainly one of them.
We rated our meal a solid 10/10! The food was absolutely delicious, and it became one of those dining experiences we still talk about long after leaving a destination.
For us, discovering local food is just as much a part of travelling as visiting famous landmarks. And on this particular day, Messina’s biggest highlight turned out to be sitting down for a wonderful meal.
Our tip: If you’re visiting Messina, consider trying one of its local restaurants rather than rushing back to the ferry. Sometimes the best memories are made around a table.
Tips for Planning a Sicily Day Trip
A little preparation can help you make the most of your time in Messina, particularly if you’re only visiting for a few hours.
- Check local opening hours: Churches, museums and attractions may have different schedules, especially on public holidays.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Many of the central attractions are accessible on foot.
- Plan around the astronomical clock: If you’d like to see its mechanical figures in action, aim to be at the cathedral before noon.
- Allow time for attractions further afield: Places such as Sacrario di Cristo Re require more time than exploring the central piazzas.
- Keep your itinerary flexible: Choose the attractions that interest you most rather than trying to see everything.
Explore Calabria with our guides to Planning a Journey Through Calabria and Best Things to Do in Calabria, covering everything from planning your travels to discovering the beautiful coastlines, historic towns and unforgettable attractions of southern Italy.
Final Thoughts on Our Sicily Day Trip
Our day in Messina might not have gone exactly as planned, but it was absolutely worth making the journey across from Calabria. We managed to explore a new city, enjoy some wonderful food and experience a little of Sicily, all in just a few hours.
While we’d love to return and discover more of the island, this day trip gave us a taste of what Sicily has to offer. Sometimes even a short visit can leave you wanting to come back for more.
“Travel opens the door to new places, new flavours and a world of stories waiting to be discovered.”
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