one day in Sicily, Italy (Messina Port)
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a captivating region of Italy known for its rich history, diverse culture, stunning landscapes and the towering presence of Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. It’s also known for its historical Greek and Roman Ruins, such as the Valley of the Temples and the Greek theatre in Taormina. Cicily was excited to cross Sicily off her bucket list!
Messina-
On our Mediterranean Cruise, we docked in Messina. The Messina Port offers several highlights and things to do for visitors arriving at its Port:
Visit the Duomo di Messina: The Messina Cathedral is a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque Architecture. Don’t miss the astronomical clock with its mechanical figures that put on a show at noon.
Explore the Regional Museum: The Museo Regional houses a collection of art and artifacts that showcase Sicily’s rich history and culture.
Stroll along the promenade: Take a walk along the city’s seafront promenade, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the Strait of Messina and the mainland.
Go to the Fountain of Neptune: This grand fountain is a great spot to take photos.
Visit the Bell Tower and Sacrario di Cristo Re: You can climb the Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city and visit the Sacrario di Cristo Re, a monument dedicated to soldiers who fought in World War I.
Day trip to the charming town of Taormina: To get from the Port of Messina to Taormina, you have a few options. You can pre-arrange a tour, which is what we did. They also have a local train near the Port of Messina. Take the train to the Taormina-Giardini station, this is the closest train station to Taormina. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the town itself.
We booked a private tour, to Sicily with Sebastian. We had a few tours to pick from, including Mount Edna and a tour with visits to the Godfather sites. We picked the Taormina & Castelmola tour. After visiting these towns we took a boat ride to explore the beautiful coastline and the Blue Grotto.
Piazza Belvedere-
Our first stop was Piazza Belvedere, where we had breathtaking views of Isolabella and the Messina coastline.
Castelmola-
Then we made our way to Castelmola, a small village perched high above Taormina. Often described as a hidden gem. It offers a quieter and more tranquil alternative to the bustling Taormina below. The village has charming streets, medieval architecture, and the iconic Castello di Castelmola, a hilltop castle. The village is famous for its almond wine, and breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea, Mount Etna, and stunning vistas.
We met this 86-year-old man in Castelmola. Sebastian says life here is really slow. They just enjoy each day… he called it, the land of “Dolce far niente,” “the sweetness of doing nothing.” I like that!
Next, we stopped in Taormina…
Cicily loved buying lots of Sicily souvenirs!
…a picturesque town known for its breathtaking views of the Ionian Sea and the majestic Mount Etna. It’s celebrated for its well-preserved ancient Greek theater, which hosts various cultural events. Taormina’s narrow, winding streets are lined with boutiques cafes and restaurants, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to explore both historical and contemporary facets of the Sicilian culture. One of the famous churches in Taormina is “Chiesa di San Pancrzio” (Church of San Pancrazio). This beautiful church is located in the heart of the town and is known for its historic and architectural significance. It often hosts cultural events and weddings due to its beautiful setting.
Piazza Duomo in Taormina is a square named after the Duomo di Taormina, a beautiful medieval cathedral. This is the perfect place to relax and take in the atmosphere of the historic town.
Blue Grotto-
After visiting Taormina we boarded a boat to see the beautiful coastline, and see the Blue Grotto. The Blue Grotto in Sicily, Italy, is not to be confused with the more famous Blue Grotto in Capri. The one in Sicily is located on the island of Isola di Favignana, in the Aegadian Islands.
The Blue Grotto is a sea cave known for its vibrant blue waters and can be explored on boat tours. The intense blue color of the water is created by the play of sunlight on the sea inside the cave, creating a magical and memorable experience for visitors. *Top picture is the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace... the filming location for the series, The White Lotus.
We had a fantastic day, Sebastian kept us entertained and we appreciated his knowledge of Sicily. We felt like we were walking with a friend telling the stories of daily life in Sicily. This was one of the best tours of our trip. I would highly recommend spending your day with Sebastian. When I asked Cicily what her favorite destination was on our Mediterranean cruise, she replied… “SICILY, Italy”!
