Sicily · MESSINA TOURS
Most people meet Messina off a ship with one day to spend. The 15 below are built around that clock: Taormina and Etna runs, the Aeolian crossings and the city itself, with pickup points and return times spelled out.
Travel by air-conditioned bus from Messina Port to hilltop Castelmola and Taormina. Guides such as Sabrina, Katia, Gabriella, and Mariarita lead the way, mixing local stories with free time for views, churches, shopping, food, and the Greek Theater.
“Our guide Gabriella, she was really wonderful, we had great time in Castelmola and Taormina, beautiful places.”
Set out from Pontile Pizzichella with an Italian- and English-speaking captain, often Francesco, Antonio, or another member of the team. Cruise past sea caves and Capo Taormina, swim near Isola Bella, see the Blue Grotto and Mazzarò Bay, and enjoy snacks with a welcome drink.
“35 4 minimum 18 176 total This was definitely a fantastic, memorable experience for our entire family. We were 10 people and much to our surprise we had the privilege of a private tour. Francesco was super funny and had great tunes to jam out on. The captain certainly makes a difference in your experience. He was interactive with our young adult kids, took pics and joked around a lot. An unforgettable experience for sure. Thank you”
Walk central Messina with a local guide such as Chiara, Katia, Claudio, or Gabriella. See the cathedral and noon clock show, visit a Sicilian puppet museum, sample a cannolo, and learn how earthquakes shaped the city. The 2.5-hour route suits cruise passengers who want a clear introduction without leaving town.
“Tour is exactly what it says it is. Nice 2,5 hr walking tour around the city. Chiara our guide was very nice and knowledgeable. She was also easy to find right where you exit the ship.”
Travel from Messina or Giardini Naxos port to hilltop Castelmola and Taormina with guides such as Sabrina, Katia, Sara, or Mariarita. Walk Corso Umberto, enter the Greek-Roman Theater, enjoy Etna views, and have free time for food and shopping.
“This was a great private excursion off of the cruise ship. We were picked up the cruise terminal as planned and on time. Our guide Katia and driver Peppe were very friendly and we started our journey to Castleloma. We knew at the start of the day that rain was imminent and throughout the day they were to receive about 2” of rain. We were prepared for it and so was Katia and she provided full size umbrellas for our group of four. Casteloma was stunning, but heavy fog severely limited visibility which was a shame. We proceeded to Taormina and toured the area including the Greek/Roman theater. We had…”
Travel by private vehicle from Messina to Castelmola and Taormina with an English-speaking guide such as Aurora, Marisa, Asena, or Pary. Expect mountain views, almond wine and cannoli at Bar Turrisi, free time in Taormina, and a return to your ship.
“They were the best took us to all the key places!! Kind and wonderful tour guide Marisa!! She took us to the bus place for lunch as well and took awesome pictures of all of us. She was the best and great tour guide and transportation!!! Highly recommend her and this tour!!!”
Set out from Giardini Naxos on a shared boat for a 2-hour run past Capotaormina, Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Mazzarò, and the Bay of Sirene. Swim in the marine park, hear stories from your skipper, and enjoy prosecco, soft drinks, and almond sweets.
“Cracking morning out on the boat!! Really informative, and fun. Prosecco on the way back was a lovely touch. No toilets onboard though”
Paddle about 7 km from Giardini Naxos with an English or Italian instructor to Isola Bella, the Blue Grotto, Grotta degli Innamorati, and Fico Rock. You’ll stop to swim, hear coastal stories, and return by kayak. Small groups are limited to 10 people.
“Great way to tour for the active, with nice friendly staff and Davide was a great tour guide! Had an amazing time, completed something off my bucket list! You see all the locations up close that you can’t see on a boat and they gave us a traditional Sicilian sweet treat at the end. Would definitely recommend this activity😊”
Join a skipper and crew for a two-hour boat trip from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella. You’ll see Taormina, Castelmola, Capo Taormina, the Faraglioni, and Mount Etna, then spend about an hour snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the solarium.
Captain Filippo takes you from Giardini Naxos along Taormina’s coast, past *White Lotus* and *Le Grand Bleu* filming sites, sea caves, and Isola Bella. Expect a two-hour cruise with swimming, snorkeling gear, prosecco, Sicilian snacks, music, and guides including Gianluca and Chiara.
“The boat ride was amazing! The crew extremely nice and joyful, we loved it!!! The weather was also perfect, everything was perfect, lots of prosecco for everybody! Thank you!”
Spend about three hours in a private Messina home learning fresh pasta from a Cesarina cook. You may make busiate, ravioli, tagliatelle, or cavatelli, then sit down to a home-cooked meal with wine and coffee. Hosts such as Daniela, Consuelo, Rossella, and Mariella are praised for warm, personal teaching.
“This was the most amazing experiences!! We were picked up and brought to our chefs house where we made pasta and bread and dessert!! I’m lactose intolerant and everything was made with my diet in mind. She was amazing with the kids and we can’t wait to try some of the dishes at home!”
Board a small boat from Giardini Naxos for a two-hour cruise past Taormina’s Blue Grotto, Lovers’ Grotto, Horse Grotto, Isola Bella, Mazzarò, and Letojanni. You’ll get time to swim, sip a soft drink, and taste Sicilian almond paste. Guides speak English or Italian.
“We had a lovely boat trip, our host on the boat sailed up with a big smile on his face and he was very accommodating and informative the whole trip. We had plenty of time to swim and were given a nice chilled glass of Prosecco when we got back on board. I would definitely recommend this trip and I think it's very good value for money.”
From Messina’s port, a private driver and hostess take you to Mount Etna, Taormina, and Messina’s cathedral square. You’ll have time for crater views, independent exploring, and a tasting of honey, olives, wines, liqueurs, and olive oil. Museum and theater tickets cost extra.
“The tour we received did not cover most of the items from the tour description on Viator website (see below for summary), so this misrepresentation is very disappointing. We contacted Viator to no avail. We will be disputing this charge with our credit card company immediately. From Tour Description on Website: Mount Etna Walk on the sylvan craters with a breathtaking view of the Ionian coast of Sicily. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Free 2 Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re Short stop for souvenir photos from the panoramic balcony of Messina 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free NOT PROVIDED 3 Duomo di Messina Stop to visit the famous Piazza del…”
Travel by private air-conditioned van from Messina’s cruise port or your hotel to Taormina. You get two hours on your own in the old town, with photo stops at Isola Bella and the Votive Temple of Christ the King. Filippo may also provide useful commentary along the route.
“Excellent tour and well worth the expense! Filippo was an excellent tour guide and driver. He told us so many interesting facts along the way while pointing out unique things in and around the cities of Messina and Taormina. Would definitely recommend!”
Ride from Messina’s cruise port to Taormina in an air-conditioned vehicle, see the Greek Theater and town sights, then enjoy about two hours on your own. Guides such as Michael, Michele, Erika, Sam, and Chris have led past departures. The return includes Messina sights and port drop-off.
“Our tour guide was very good. She had a true passion for her work. Each stop was well worth seeing Thanks!”
Ride through Messina with a qualified guide in English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, or Portuguese. After a 30-minute orientation, visit Piazza Duomo, the Orion Fountain, San Francesco d’Assisi, Neptune Fountain, and Montalto Church, with route changes possible.
“Francesco was super knowledgeable about the history of Messina and Sicily. Fun was had by all!!”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
