Is Messina Worth Visiting? My Honest Experience

Is Messina worth visiting? After spending three nights in this Sicilian city during a solo trip around southern Italy, I have rather mixed feelings about it. Messina certainly isn’t the prettiest destination I’ve visited in Italy, and during my first hour there, I genuinely considered getting straight back on the ferry and leaving.

However, I’m glad I gave it a chance.

Although Messina didn’t particularly impress me with its appearance, it turned out to be an affordable and convenient base for exploring Sicily without a car. I also discovered that the city had a much livelier evening atmosphere than I’d initially expected.

That said, my experience wasn’t entirely positive. While I enjoyed exploring the center and eating out alone, there was also an incident while walking back from the train station that left me feeling uncomfortable. It wasn’t quite the same relaxed solo travel experience I’d enjoyed elsewhere in southern Italy.

I hadn’t actually planned to stay in Messina. My original booking was for three nights in Cefalù, but an Italian train strike forced me to change my accommodation just 24 hours before departure.

Having already visited the beautiful Calabrian towns of Scilla and Tropea, I think I’d arrived in Messina with fairly high expectations.

Instead, I discovered a functional port city that served its purpose as a base for day trips, but wasn’t somewhere I’d personally choose for a traditional Italian vacation.

In this guide, I’ll share my honest experience of Messina, including what I liked, what disappointed me, what it was like visiting alone and whether I think it’s worth including in your Sicily itinerary.

Is Messina Worth Visiting? My Honest Verdict

I think Messina is worth considering if you need a convenient base for exploring northeastern Sicily, but I wouldn’t personally choose it for a vacation focused on beautiful scenery or relaxing by the sea.

Messina is a busy, working Italian city with a large port, shopping streets, restaurants and some interesting historic buildings. It isn’t particularly pretty overall, although there are individual buildings and areas worth seeing.

If you’re looking for picturesque streets, beautiful beaches and romantic waterfront restaurants, I’d choose somewhere like Taormina or Cefalù instead.

However, where Messina really comes into its own is convenience.

The city sits directly across the Strait of Messina from mainland Italy, with passenger ferries connecting it to Reggio Calabria. It also has useful train and coach connections to other parts of Sicily.

For my particular trip, those transport links were invaluable.

I could walk from the ferry to my accommodation, explore the city center on foot and take day trips to Taormina and Cefalù without renting a car.

I also found the accommodation reasonably priced and the restaurants more affordable than those I visited in Taormina.

However, being practical and affordable doesn’t automatically make somewhere a destination I’d choose to return to.

Messina allowed me to continue my Sicily trip rather than cancel because of a train strike, and I’m pleased I stayed. But if I was planning another vacation in Sicily, I’d probably choose somewhere else.

Why I Ended Up Staying in Messina

Messina wasn’t part of my original accommodation plans.

I’d booked three nights in Cefalù, a beautiful coastal town on Sicily’s northern coast, and was looking forward to exploring the old town and beaches.

However, around 24 hours before my flight, I discovered that an Italian train strike was scheduled for the day I needed to travel home.

I was flying in and out of Reggio Calabria Airport on the mainland, which meant getting back from Cefalù would involve a fairly long journey and several transport connections.

With the possibility of train cancellations, I didn’t fancy spending my final morning worrying about whether I’d make my flight.

Luckily, I was still able to cancel my accommodation in Cefalù and look for somewhere closer to the ferry crossing.

That’s how I ended up booking three nights in Messina instead.

My thinking was quite simple. If I stayed in Messina, I could walk to the passenger ferry, cross back to mainland Italy and catch the airport bus without relying on the Sicilian railway network on the strike day.

I found a room at Borgo Antico Rooms for £167 for three nights, approximately $220 at the time, which seemed excellent value for somewhere so conveniently located.

It certainly wasn’t the Sicilian getaway I’d originally imagined, but from a practical point of view, the change made complete sense.

Looking back, I had two choices. I could either cancel the trip because of the transport disruption or adapt my itinerary and still enjoy the destinations I’d wanted to visit.

Messina made the second option possible.

My First Impressions of Messina Were Not Good

I arrived in Messina on a Sunday lunchtime after taking the passenger ferry from Reggio Calabria.

By this point, I’d already visited Scilla and Tropea during an earlier trip to Calabria. Both towns had really impressed me, particularly the waterfront fishing village of Chianalea in Scilla and the dramatic clifftop scenery in Tropea.

I think that was partly why Messina came as such a disappointment.

As I walked away from the port and started exploring, I couldn’t help feeling that the city looked rather tired. Some of the buildings and streets around the port were run-down, and there was very little of the beautiful Italian scenery I’d been hoping for.

It wasn’t the Sicily I’d imagined.

Before visiting Messina, I’d had an idea in my head that it might have a similar atmosphere to Naples, with busy streets, historic buildings and plenty of Italian character.

I hadn’t actually visited Naples at that point, but it was the sort of lively city atmosphere I’d imagined Messina might have.

When I eventually visited Naples on a later trip with my family, I found the two cities felt quite different.

Of course, I appreciate that isn’t necessarily a fair comparison. Exploring a destination alone can feel very different from visiting with your family, and the people you’re traveling with can have a big influence on how you experience somewhere.

However, my initial reaction to Messina was still disappointment.

In fact, during that first hour, I was seriously considering turning around, getting back on the ferry and finding a cheap B&B in Scilla instead.

I’d loved Scilla so much that spending another three nights there suddenly seemed much more appealing.

However, I’d already changed my accommodation once because of the train strike, and I decided that perhaps I was judging Messina too quickly.

I reminded myself that I hadn’t come to Sicily simply to find somewhere beautiful to stay. I wanted to explore different destinations, and Messina was supposed to be a practical base rather than the main attraction.

So I decided to give it more time.

I’m glad I did, although my overall opinion of Messina didn’t completely change.

Messina Was Completely Different on Sunday Evening

After checking into my accommodation and settling in, I headed back out to explore the city center at around 6 PM.

What surprised me was how different everything felt compared with my initial arrival.

The streets were much busier, there were families walking around, restaurants were filling up and people were sitting outside enjoying food and drinks.

It had a proper lively Italian atmosphere, which was much closer to what I’d hoped to experience.

I spent a good two or three hours wandering through the center, looking at the buildings, stopping to take photographs and exploring the streets around the cathedral.

There were also some interesting historic buildings that stood out among the more ordinary streets.

I hadn’t expected such a busy atmosphere on a Sunday evening, and it made a real difference to how I felt about the city.

Messina hadn’t suddenly become picturesque, and I still wouldn’t compare it with the beautiful coastal towns I’d visited elsewhere in southern Italy.

However, I started to appreciate that it had a completely different character.

Rather than being a destination centered around tourists, Messina felt like a busy city where people lived, worked, shopped and went out in the evenings.

That was something I could enjoy, even if the surroundings weren’t particularly beautiful.

By the end of my first evening, I was pleased I’d decided to stay.

Is Messina Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

This is something I think is worth discussing because I visited Messina alone, and my experience was a little different from some of the other places I’d explored solo in southern Italy.

For the most part, I found Messina straightforward to navigate. I could walk between my accommodation, the train station, the ferry port and the main restaurant areas without needing a car.

I also enjoyed eating out alone, particularly around the cathedral area where there were busy restaurants and plenty of people around in the evening.

However, I wouldn’t say I felt quite as comfortable walking around Messina as I had in Scilla or Tropea.

An Uncomfortable Experience Walking Back From the Station

One evening, while walking back from Messina Centrale railway station, someone in a car asked me to get in.

I obviously didn’t get into the car or stop to engage. I simply carried on walking.

Nothing further happened, but it was an uncomfortable experience, particularly because I was traveling alone.

It’s the sort of situation that can leave you feeling a little more aware of your surroundings, even when you continue your journey without any further problems.

I don’t want to suggest that one incident means Messina is an unsafe city, because that wouldn’t be a fair conclusion. I spent three nights there and most of my experiences were perfectly ordinary.

However, when I’m writing about somewhere I’ve personally visited, I think it’s important to mention the experiences that weren’t entirely positive as well as the ones I enjoyed.

That particular incident affected how comfortable I felt walking around the city alone, especially compared with other places I’d visited.

How Did Messina Compare With Scilla and Tropea for Solo Travel?

I felt much more relaxed during my solo visits to Scilla and Tropea.

In Scilla, I loved wandering through the traditional fishing village of Chianalea, enjoying the waterfront setting and exploring the little streets. The atmosphere was peaceful, and I felt comfortable spending time there on my own.

I’ve shared more about that experience in my guide to the best things to do in Scilla, including the areas I particularly enjoyed exploring.

Tropea was livelier, with a larger historic center, plenty of restaurants and people wandering around in the evenings.

I enjoyed eating out alone, exploring the streets and walking between my accommodation and the main attractions. You can read more about the town in my guide to the best things to do in Tropea.

That doesn’t mean Scilla and Tropea are automatically safer than Messina, or that every solo traveler will have the same experiences I did.

These are simply my personal impressions after visiting all three places alone.

It’s also worth remembering that Scilla and Tropea are smaller coastal destinations, whereas Messina is a much larger working city. The atmosphere is naturally going to feel different.

Would I Recommend Messina for a Solo Trip?

I wouldn’t rule it out, particularly if you need the convenience of its transport connections, but I would be more selective about where I stayed and how I planned my evenings.

I’d recommend choosing centrally located accommodation, checking the walking routes between the station and your hotel, and considering a taxi if you don’t feel comfortable walking back alone later in the evening.

I’d also make sure I knew where I was going before leaving the station, particularly when arriving somewhere unfamiliar after dark.

These are precautions I’d consider in any city rather than something unique to Messina.

For someone planning their first solo trip to southern Italy, I’d personally be more inclined to recommend Scilla or Tropea based on my own experiences.

However, Messina still served its purpose during my trip, and I don’t regret staying there.

What Is There to See in Messina?

Although I wouldn’t choose Messina purely for sightseeing, there are some impressive historic buildings and interesting places worth discovering.

I particularly enjoyed coming across the churches and architecture around the city center during my evening walk.

Messina Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock

One of Messina’s most famous attractions is its cathedral, located in Piazza Duomo.

The cathedral is an important landmark in the city, and its bell tower houses an elaborate astronomical clock with mechanical figures.

The clock’s main mechanical display normally takes place at midday, making it something worth planning around if you’d like to see it in action.

I visited the cathedral area during the evening, so I didn’t personally see the midday clock performance.

However, I enjoyed exploring the surrounding streets, and this was one of the areas where I found the city much more appealing than the streets near the port.

There are restaurants and places to stop for drinks nearby, so it’s a good area to explore even if you’re only visiting Messina for a few hours.

Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani

One of the most interesting buildings I photographed was the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani.

This historic church dates back to the Norman period and is particularly recognizable for its unusual geometric stonework, rounded arches and distinctive architectural details.

It looks quite different from many of the other churches you’ll see around Italy, with a mixture of architectural influences that reflect Sicily’s history.

It’s also particularly significant because it’s one of the medieval buildings that survived Messina’s devastating earthquake in 1908.

I came across it while exploring the city on foot, and it was one of those buildings that made me stop and take a proper look.

If you enjoy historic architecture, I think this is worth including in a walk around central Messina.

Church of Santa Caterina di Valverde

Another building that caught my attention was the Church of Santa Caterina di Valverde.

With its grand entrance, tall columns and impressive facade, it stands out from the surrounding streets.

The church was rebuilt following the destruction caused by the 1908 earthquake, and its architectural style is very different from the much older Annunziata dei Catalani church.

I didn’t go inside, but I enjoyed seeing the exterior and discovering some of the different architectural styles around the city.

These buildings were among the highlights of my time exploring Messina itself.

Madonna della Lettera Monument

Another recognizable landmark is the Madonna della Lettera Monument, which stands at the entrance to Messina harbor.

The golden statue of the Virgin Mary sits high above Forte San Salvatore and is particularly impressive when viewed from the water.

I photographed it from the ferry during my journey across the Strait of Messina, and it’s one of the most distinctive sights associated with the city.

The monument is also a lovely introduction to Messina if you’re arriving from mainland Italy, particularly on a clear day when you can see the coastline behind it.

Eating Out in Messina Was Better Than I Expected

One of the things that helped change my opinion of Messina was the evening restaurant atmosphere.

I’d barely eaten all day apart from a sandwich, so after spending a couple of hours wandering around the city center, I was absolutely starving.

Unfortunately, a lot of the restaurants were already busy, and my first choice didn’t have any tables available.

Eventually, I managed to get a table at Past’Ovo, near the cathedral.

I ordered a selection of arancini to start, followed by spaghetti Bolognese. I’d originally wanted to try a different local pasta dish, but they’d already sold out.

With a few glasses of wine and a bottle of water, the meal came to around €35.

It wasn’t the cheapest meal I could have found, but I wasn’t trying to travel on the smallest possible budget.

The staff were lovely, the restaurant was busy and I really enjoyed sitting there watching the evening atmosphere.

By around 10:30 PM, I was ready to head back to my accommodation.

Considering I’d seriously considered leaving Messina just a few hours earlier, it had turned into a much more enjoyable evening than I’d expected.

Compared with my experience eating out in Taormina the following day, I also found Messina noticeably more affordable.

Is Messina a Good Base for Exploring Sicily?

This is where I think Messina really comes into its own.

While it might not have the prettiest surroundings, it has useful transport connections for travelers who want to explore northeastern Sicily without renting a car.

During my three-night stay, I used Messina as a base for two full-day trips, one to Taormina and another to Cefalù.

I could leave my belongings in the same accommodation, travel out for the day and return to Messina in the evening without constantly packing and moving hotels.

Getting from Messina to Taormina

On my second day, I traveled from Messina to Taormina.

I’d originally considered taking the train, but realized that Taormina-Giardini railway station sits below the historic town, which would have meant arranging another connection uphill.

Instead, I caught a coach from outside Messina Centrale railway station.

My ticket cost €6, and the journey took approximately one hour and twenty minutes.

The coach was comfortable and air-conditioned, with beautiful coastal views along the way. It also brought me much closer to Taormina’s historic center.

Taormina turned out to be my favorite destination of the trip.

I loved the beautiful streets, restaurants, shops and viewpoints, although it was considerably busier and more expensive than Messina.

After meeting up with some people I’d spoken to on the ferry the previous day, I ended up staying in Taormina much later than planned.

I took an Uber down to Taormina-Giardini station for €15 and caught a train back to Messina for €5.80.

That flexibility was particularly useful, although I’d always recommend checking the last train before planning an evening out.

Getting from Messina to Cefalù

On my third day, I finally visited Cefalù, which was where I’d originally planned to stay.

I caught a direct train from Messina Centrale, paying €11 each way for a journey of approximately two hours.

It’s quite a long day trip, with around four hours spent on trains in total, but I didn’t mind because I’d specifically wanted to visit Cefalù.

Once I arrived, it was an easy walk from the station to the historic center and beach.

Cefalù was absolutely beautiful, with a lovely old town, sandy beach and a much more relaxed atmosphere than Taormina.

I spent the day wandering around the streets, visiting the medieval wash house, stopping for gelato and enjoying dinner overlooking the beach.

Despite visiting in October, the weather was still warm, and there were people swimming and sunbathing.

I could easily imagine spending several days there enjoying the beach, restaurants and relaxed atmosphere.

In fact, if I was planning another Sicily vacation without the train strike to worry about, I’d be very tempted to return to my original plan of staying in Cefalù.

However, for this particular short trip, Messina worked well as a practical base for both destinations.

Where I Stayed in Messina

During my trip, I stayed for three nights at Borgo Antico Rooms, paying £167 for a double room.

At the time, that was approximately $220 for all three nights, which I thought was excellent value.

I was traveling alone, but the room I’d booked would have cost the same for two people, making it particularly affordable for a couple.

It was approximately a 12-minute walk from Messina Centrale railway station and around 14 minutes from the passenger ferry port.

The main shopping streets and restaurant areas were also nearby, so I could walk into the city center whenever I wanted.

The room was spotless and had everything I needed for a short stay, including air conditioning, a mini fridge, hairdryer, desk and a television with Netflix.

There were plenty of electrical outlets, towels and toiletries were provided, and the accommodation included daily housekeeping.

The owner was also available through WhatsApp to help with check-in, check-out and any questions.

I particularly appreciated the air conditioning because the weather was still very warm during my October visit.

For a city I was mainly using as a base for exploring, I couldn’t really have asked for much more from the accommodation itself.

Although I probably wouldn’t choose to return to Messina, I’d still recommend considering Borgo Antico Rooms if you’re planning a similar itinerary. The property was comfortable, good value and conveniently located for my transport connections.

Check current prices and availability at Borgo Antico Rooms.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. The accommodation price mentioned reflects what I paid for my stay and is not a current advertised rate. My review is based on my own experience.

Is Messina Expensive to Visit?

One of the things I appreciated about Messina was how affordable the accommodation and public transportation were compared with some of the more famous destinations in Sicily.

My three-night stay cost £167, and my restaurant meal at Past’Ovo came to around €35, including drinks.

That compared quite favorably with Taormina, where I spent around €50 on a main course, side dish and drinks during my visit.

Of course, those aren’t like-for-like restaurant comparisons, but they reflect my own experience of eating out in the two destinations.

Getting around was another area where I found Sicily surprisingly affordable.

These were some of the transport prices I paid:

• Reggio Calabria Airport to the ferry port: €2 by local bus.
• Reggio Calabria to Messina: €4 for the passenger ferry.
• Messina to Taormina: €6 by coach.
• Taormina-Giardini to Messina: €5.80 by train.
• Messina to Cefalù: €11 each way by train.

These were the fares available during my trip, so I’d always check current prices and schedules before traveling.

However, they show just how affordable it can be to explore this part of Sicily without renting a car.

I wasn’t trying to make my trip as cheap as physically possible. I ate in restaurants, enjoyed wine with my meals and spent money on the things I wanted to do.

For me, saving on flights, accommodation and transportation meant I could enjoy myself without constantly worrying about the overall cost.

Can You Visit Messina Without a Car?

Absolutely, and this was probably the biggest advantage of staying there.

I completed my entire four-day Sicily trip using public transportation, without hiring a car.

After landing at Reggio Calabria Airport, I took a local bus to the ferry port and then crossed the Strait of Messina as a foot passenger.

The bus cost €2 and took around 15 minutes during my journey, while the ferry ticket cost €4 for a crossing of approximately 40 minutes.

Once I arrived in Messina, I walked to my accommodation and spent most of my time getting around on foot.

Messina Centrale railway station was also within walking distance, which made my day trips to Taormina and Cefalù straightforward.

This is one of the main reasons Messina worked so well for my particular itinerary.

Of course, if you’re planning to explore remote beaches or smaller villages away from the main public transportation routes, hiring a car might give you more flexibility.

However, for a trip focused on Messina, Taormina and Cefalù, I found public transportation worked well.

I’d just be mindful of arrival times and the walks back from transport hubs when traveling alone, particularly later in the evening.

What Are the Downsides of Visiting Messina?

Although I enjoyed parts of my stay in Messina, there are a few things I’d want other travelers to understand before choosing it as their base.

Messina Isn’t Particularly Pretty

This is probably the biggest thing I’d mention.

Having visited Scilla and Tropea previously, I was disappointed by my first impressions of Messina.

There are certainly attractive buildings and interesting architecture, but I wouldn’t describe the city overall as beautiful.

It doesn’t have the same picturesque atmosphere as Taormina or Cefalù, and there are parts of the city that look rather tired.

If you’re choosing a destination based on beautiful scenery and charming Italian streets, I think there are better options in Sicily.

It’s More of a Working City Than a Vacation Resort

Messina feels like a busy, functioning Italian city rather than somewhere built around visitors.

There are shops, restaurants, churches and attractions, but the overall atmosphere is quite different from the coastal towns that many people associate with Sicily.

For some visitors, that might actually be part of the appeal.

However, if you’re looking for a relaxed seaside vacation, I’d personally choose somewhere else.

I Didn’t Feel Quite as Relaxed Exploring Alone

My uncomfortable experience while walking back from the station did influence how I felt about Messina as a solo traveler.

It wasn’t a reason to leave the city immediately, and I continued enjoying my trip, but I didn’t have quite the same relaxed feeling I’d experienced in smaller coastal destinations.

That’s something I’d consider if I was choosing between Messina, Scilla and Tropea for another solo vacation.

Day Trips Can Involve Quite a Lot of Traveling

Although Messina has useful public transportation connections, that doesn’t mean every destination is particularly close.

My trip to Cefalù involved around four hours on trains during the day, which is something I’d consider carefully if I was planning a longer vacation.

It was worth doing once, but I wouldn’t want to spend every day traveling that far simply to enjoy the beach or historic center.

For a longer stay focused on Cefalù, I’d book accommodation there instead.

Is Messina Worth Visiting on a Day Trip?

Yes, particularly if you’re arriving from mainland Italy or passing through the city on your way to another destination.

I think you could enjoy a few hours exploring central Messina, seeing the cathedral, admiring some of the historic churches and stopping for lunch.

The city isn’t somewhere I’d personally say you need several days purely for sightseeing.

In fact, I saw much of what interested me during my first evening, spending a couple of hours walking around the center before dinner.

If you’re visiting from a cruise ship, arriving by ferry or changing trains, it would be worth allowing some time to explore rather than leaving immediately.

However, I wouldn’t necessarily travel a long distance across Sicily purely to spend a few hours in Messina when there are so many beautiful destinations elsewhere on the island.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Messina?

I stayed for three nights, but I wouldn’t recommend spending three full days exploring Messina itself unless there were particular attractions you wanted to see.

Instead, I’d think about how you’re planning to use the city.

• A few hours: Explore Piazza Duomo, the cathedral area and some of the nearby historic streets.
• One day: Take your time discovering the city’s architecture, restaurants and waterfront.
• Two nights: Explore Messina and include a day trip to Taormina.
• Three nights: Use Messina as a base for exploring Taormina, Cefalù or other destinations.

For my particular trip, three nights worked because I wanted two full days for visiting other parts of Sicily.

I could enjoy the evening atmosphere in Messina without needing to spend every day sightseeing there.

However, if I was booking a relaxing week in Sicily, I’d choose to stay in Taormina or Cefalù instead.

Is Messina Better Than Taormina or Cefalù?

Having visited all three destinations during the same trip, I think they offer completely different experiences.

Messina

Messina was the most practical base for my itinerary.

It offered reasonably priced accommodation, convenient train and ferry connections, and plenty of places to eat and drink.

However, it was easily the least picturesque of the three destinations.

I also didn’t find the experience of exploring alone quite as relaxed as in some of the other Italian destinations I’d visited.

Taormina

Taormina was my favorite place during the trip.

I loved the beautiful streets, historic buildings, shops, restaurants and incredible coastal views.

However, I also found it much busier and more expensive than Messina, even though I was visiting in October.

For a romantic getaway or a vacation focused on enjoying a beautiful destination, I’d personally choose Taormina over Messina.

Cefalù

Cefalù felt much more relaxed than Taormina.

It has a gorgeous sandy beach, attractive historic streets and plenty of restaurants overlooking the sea.

I could easily imagine staying there for several days, enjoying the beach and exploring the town without feeling the need to travel somewhere different every morning.

For a more relaxed seaside vacation, Cefalù would probably be my choice.

My overall verdict: Taormina was my favorite destination, Cefalù was somewhere I’d love to stay longer, and Messina was the most practical place to base myself because of the circumstances of my trip.

Who Would I Recommend Messina To?

I think Messina could be a good choice for certain types of travelers, but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone.

For independent travelers, Messina can work well because of its transport connections. I was able to visit several destinations without needing a rental car.

For solo travelers, I found the practical side of visiting straightforward, but I’d be more cautious about choosing accommodation and planning walks back from the station later in the evening. I felt less relaxed than I had in Scilla or Tropea.

For budget-conscious travelers, I found accommodation and meals reasonably priced compared with some of Sicily’s better-known tourist destinations.

For people combining Calabria and Sicily, Messina is a useful arrival point because of its ferry connections to mainland Italy.

For people dealing with transport disruption, Messina can also be a practical base because of its location, which was exactly why I ended up staying there.

However, for couples looking for a romantic coastal getaway, families wanting a traditional beach vacation or anyone hoping to stay somewhere particularly picturesque, I’d recommend looking at Taormina or Cefalù instead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Messina

Is Messina, Sicily Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you’re exploring northeastern Sicily or arriving from mainland Italy. Messina has some interesting historic buildings, a lively city center and convenient transport connections. However, I wouldn’t personally choose it over Taormina or Cefalù for a picturesque seaside vacation.

Is Messina a Pretty City?

I wouldn’t describe Messina as particularly pretty overall. There are some attractive historic buildings and churches, but parts of the city, especially around the port, looked rather tired during my visit. I found it much more appealing in the evening when the city center became busy with restaurants and people enjoying themselves.

Is Messina Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

I spent three nights exploring Messina alone and enjoyed several aspects of the visit. However, one evening someone in a car asked me to get in while I was walking back from the railway station. I kept walking and nothing further happened, but it made me uncomfortable. I felt more relaxed during my solo visits to Scilla and Tropea. That’s my personal experience rather than evidence that Messina is unsafe for everyone.

Is Messina Worth Visiting From a Cruise Ship?

If your cruise ship stops in Messina, I think it’s worth spending some time exploring the city center, particularly Piazza Duomo and the historic churches. However, I’d also consider whether you’d prefer to use your time for an excursion to somewhere such as Taormina, depending on your ship’s schedule.

Is Messina Expensive?

I found Messina fairly affordable. I paid £167 for three nights of accommodation and around €35 for a restaurant meal with wine. Public transportation was also inexpensive during my trip, although prices will depend on when you travel and where you choose to stay.

Can You Visit Messina Without a Car?

Absolutely. I arrived by passenger ferry from Reggio Calabria and explored Messina on foot. I also used trains and coaches to visit Taormina and Cefalù. For my four-day itinerary, I didn’t need a rental car.

How Long Do You Need in Messina?

If you’re only interested in exploring the city itself, I’d allow a few hours to a full day for the main highlights. I stayed three nights because I was using Messina as a base for day trips rather than planning to spend every day sightseeing in the city.

Is Messina Better Than Taormina?

For beautiful scenery, historic streets and a vacation atmosphere, I personally preferred Taormina. However, Messina offered more affordable accommodation and convenient transport connections for my particular itinerary.

Can You Take a Ferry From Reggio Calabria to Messina?

Yes. I traveled between Reggio Calabria and Messina as a foot passenger on the Liberty Lines ferry. My ticket cost €4 each way, and the crossing took approximately 40 minutes. I’d recommend checking the current schedule and prices before traveling.

Would I Visit Messina Again?

Probably not by choice. I was pleased I stayed because it allowed me to continue my Sicily trip rather than cancel because of the train strike, but I found other destinations more appealing. Messina suited a purpose, and for this particular trip, that was enough.

Would I Stay in Messina Again?

Probably not, although that doesn’t mean I regret staying there.

Messina wasn’t somewhere I’d originally planned to visit, and during my first hour, I genuinely considered getting back on the ferry and returning to Scilla.

I’d imagined Messina might have the kind of lively, chaotic Italian city atmosphere I associated with Naples. When I later visited Naples with my family, I enjoyed the experience much more, although I appreciate that visiting somewhere solo and visiting with family aren’t necessarily comparable experiences.

Messina did improve considerably after those initial impressions. The city center was lively on Sunday evening, I enjoyed discovering some of its historic buildings and I had a lovely meal at Past’Ovo.

However, I never really fell in love with the city itself.

My uncomfortable encounter while walking back from the train station also affected how relaxed I felt exploring alone, particularly compared with the experiences I’d had in Scilla and Tropea.

What Messina did offer was a practical solution to a problem.

Faced with an Italian train strike that threatened my original plans, I could either cancel the trip or find somewhere better connected.

Messina allowed me to continue my Sicily adventure, visit Taormina and Cefalù, and return to Reggio Calabria Airport without depending on the railway network during the strike.

For that, I’m glad I stayed.

Would I recommend Messina as a base for exploring Sicily without a car? Yes, particularly if convenience and affordability are your priorities.

Would I recommend it over Taormina or Cefalù for a relaxing Italian vacation? Definitely not.

Messina served its purpose, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need from a destination.

It wasn’t my favorite place in Sicily, and I probably wouldn’t choose to return, but it meant I could enjoy the trip I’d planned rather than miss out altogether.

More Sicily and Calabria Travel Guides

If you’re planning a trip around southern Italy, you might also find these guides helpful. They’re based on my own experiences exploring Calabria and the surrounding coastline without renting a car.

• Is Scilla Worth Visiting? – My honest experience of the beautiful coastal town I almost returned to instead of staying in Messina.
• Best Things to Do in Scilla – The traditional fishing village, Ruffo Castle, beach and waterfront restaurants.
• How to Get to Scilla Without a Car – Practical advice for reaching Scilla by train and public transportation.
• One Day in Scilla – A relaxed walking itinerary covering the main sights.
• Where to Stay in Scilla – My experience staying in the upper town and accommodation options for different budgets.
• Is Tropea Worth Visiting? – My firsthand review of another beautiful Calabrian coastal town.
• Best Things to Do in Tropea – Beaches, historic streets, coastal viewpoints and attractions.
• How to Get to Tropea Without a Car – Airport connections, trains and practical travel advice.
• Scilla vs Tropea: Which Is Better? – My comparison after staying in both towns during a solo trip around Calabria.