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”
Travel privately from Messina to Castelmola and Taormina, then return for a short city tour. Expect a driver and, depending on the arrangement, an additional guide such as Paria, Bahar, or Diamond. You get mountain views, free time, food tips, and pickup coordination by phone, WhatsApp, or email.
“Paria and Alberto were terrific. The tour was beautiful and interesting with just the right balance of guiding and having time on your own. Taormina is beautiful and well worth the trip, especially the Greek theater and views of Mt Etna, Taormina and Ionian Sea. An added bonus of stopping in Castelmola was great, and we sampled the perfect cannoli. We were there in January so crowds were low and weather was cool and breezy. That's our sweet spot for travel. Alberto's kind personality and Paria's bubbly enthusiasm were the icing on the cake.”
Travel from Messina to Taormina, Castelmola, and Savoca in a private air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll see Isola Bella, the Greek-Roman Theater, Bar Vitelli, Mount Etna views, and Messina’s cathedral. Guides such as Sonia, Lillo, and Filippo tailor the day to your pace.
“Fue el mejor tours en Sicilia Messina, Filippo fue nuestro guía, nos llevó a Taormina, Castelmola, Savoca, luego antes de llevarnos al crucero nos llevó a un restaurante, el cual le doy 5 estrellas, donde mejor hemos comido en Italia, nos dio un tours por la ciudad, nunca miró el reloj, siempre nos protegió, realmente es un excelente ser humano, guía, realmente el mejor de los mejores!!!!! Habla español perfectamente...nos recogió antes de tiempo y regresamos después de la hora acordada.... realmente EL MEJOR!!!!!!!”
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.
Meet your English-speaking guide at Gate 5 in Messina’s cruise harbor for a two-hour walk through the cathedral district, Montalto Sanctuary, Palazzo Zanca, and the Church of S.S. Annunziata dei Catalani. See the noon clock show, visit a Sicilian puppet museum, and finish with a local sweet.
“This was a thoroughly enjoyable walking tour of Messina. Our guide, Chiara, was knowledgeable and informative. The tour was well paced and we enjoyed it all! We ended wth a sweet treat, gelato and granita, which was a perfect ending to our experience. This is a great way to appreciate and become oriented to Messina. Grazie, Chiara!”
Meet Alessandro’s team at Gate 5 in Messina for a private 5 to 7 hour tour through Savoca, Castelmola, and Taormina. See The Godfather filming sites, taste granita, cannoli, and almond wine, and enjoy flexible timing in a comfortable van.
“Fantastic time exploring Savoca, Castlemola and Taormina!! Paria and Alberto were wonderful guides tailoring the day to accommodate everything we wanted to see and do. From timing each stop to avoid the crowds to the extras like canollis and almond wine, we couldn’t have asked for a better day!!”
Spend five to six hours with a private driver and guide visiting Godfather filming sites in Savoca, Taormina’s Greek Theater, Castelmola, and Messina’s cathedral clock. Guides such as Yana, Silvia, and Nicola tailor stops to your group, with pickup and drop-off available.
“We only had one day on Sicily and wanted to see as much as we could. This tour - with port pick up and drop off - met all of our expectations, and more!! Our driver and guide were both animated and interesting and made our visiting each location truly a wonderful experience. We recommend this tour.”
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!”
Travel from Taormina or Giardini Naxos to Piano Provenzana, then ride off-road vehicles to 3,000 meters on Mount Etna. An alpine and volcanological guide leads a gentle 30-minute walk near the craters and Bove Valley. Finish at the Alcantara Gorges with a Sicilian food tasting.
“Excellent tour of Mt. Edna. Graziella, our tour guide, was great. Also, the volcanologist was very knowledgeable. This tour was one of the best tour I have participated in Sicily.”
Pick a coast, a volcano or a kitchen.
