MarleneMarshfield

I’m cruising into Messina in Oct.  do you recommend Taormina?  I would hire a driver or taxi. Our interests our mostly food, wine, small quaint towns ( with shops and cafes). What itinerary would you suggest if you were my travel agent?  We will be there on a Saturday from 8 to 6. Thanks

On 6/18/2023 at 10:36 PM, vwlmember said:

Was in Sicily for two weeks last month. Have been 27 times so I do know the island well. Palermo is not worth the trip unless you port there.

 

Taormina is incredible but can be packed this time of year.

 

There is also Cefalu and Tindari on the north coast. Both could be done on a 8+ hour trip.

 

Near Cefalu is Santo Stefano di Camastra, a town dedicated to beautiful ceramic items. At very reasonable prices. 

 

There is also Milazzo that is only 15-20 minutes from Messina. Great boardwalk with many restaurants and some shopping. As well as an ancient fortress open to the public and Capo di Milazzo is the point of the peninsula that has amazing views and a small church built into the cliff side, Santo Antonino. There are a few "bars" there to get a bite to eat, a Gelato or a granita. 

 

Montalbano Elicona is a great Baroque town with a restored castle and spectacular views as it is on a hilltop. About an hour from Messina. The ride there is fun as well. 

 

Basically,  there is more to see and do within 60-90 minutes from the Messina port that puts Palermo to shame. While the city does have great street food and sights, including the Monreale cathedral just outside of the city and the Cappuccini catacombs in Palermo proper,  you can get the same things (minus the catacombs) much closer. 

 

Feel free to PM me for more info. I love the island dearly and will be retiring there in a few years. Sharing it with others gives me pure joy as it is a paradise that is very overlooked and extremely affordable.