If you come to Sicily by ferry from the mainland, Messina will be the first part of the island you see. It's not a bad introduction either. The fine harbour and views of the Messina Straits showcase much of the natural beauty of the area - welcome to beautiful Sicily!

It is the third largest city in Sicily and capital of the province of Messina. Many people use Messina simply as a point of arrival and swing off to places nearby.

How to get to Messina

As you might have guessed from the description above Messina lies in the very far north eastern corner of Sicily on the Northern Ionian coast. Trains, buses and ferries can all get you to and from Messina. The trains are actually loaded on the ferries to make the crossing over the Messina Straits to the mainland, a rather lengthy process at times. You can also take your car onboard. Ferries and hydrofoils from Messina can also transport you across to the beautiful Aeolian Islands just north of the coast.

In Messina itself there are local buses and even a tram service to get around.

Things to do and see in Messina

Unfortunately Messina has been much devastated by invaders, bombs, earthquakes and even the plague! This hasn't left a lot of historical buildings and for example the duomo standing in town today is in fact a copy of the original 12th Century Norman cathedral that once stood there. It was destroyed twice - by earthquake in 1908 and by firebomb in 1943. The square in which the church stands also features the world's largest astronomical clock with a lion that actually roars at noon - definitely worth stopping off to see and hear!

There are some other remnants of Messina's previous occupants in town such as the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Normans. For example the Chiesa Annunziata dei Catalini is an Arab-Norman church building. To see some more examples head to the Museo Regionale.

The other place to visit before you head off elsewhere in Sicily is to Capo Peloro, a wonderful coastline with some fine beaches and great seafood dining.

Shakespeare set his play "Much Ado About Nothing" in Messina, which readers may remember from the acclaimed 1993 film directed by Kenneth Branagh, and in which he also stars. For those that don’t remember, or need reminding, Leonato, the father of Hero, is the governor of Messina in the play.

Accommodation and restaurants in Messina

You won’t have any difficulty locating good eating at affordable prices in Messina. Located so close to the sea and the Straits of Messina, it should come as no surprise that this place serves up some fantastic seafood.

The best places actually in town are in and around Piazza Cairoli, Piazza del Popolo, Cristo Re and Montalto. But if you fancy a watery view with your seafood then the place to eat out is by the lake used for mussel-farming at Ganzirri or the seaside at Mortelle, about 10km north of the city. These townships are very popular haunts in summer which is also the best time to order swordfish (pesce spada).

Most people don't tend to stay overnight in Messina unless they are waiting for transport connections the next day. However there are hotels available in the centre. Alternatively consider staying a little out of town at Moretelle on the beach front.

*Photos by Hen Magonza

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