What should we do and see in Messina?

[twoshots]

This is our first time in Messina - we'll be there October 10th - what is the weather like then? What should we absolutely see? Where should we eat, drink and be merry?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! ;)

Thanks,

Jan

[DrJJ]

Go to Taormina, Sicily. It is an hour south of Messina on the Ionian sea by car, and the drive is breathtaking. Most cruise lines have an excursion there, but if you are brave you can also rent a car -- it's pretty much a straight shot, and Avis is right at the port.

 

Taormina sits on the cliffs above the sea, and it is also situated just below the volcano, Mt. Etna. It is right out of a picture postcard -- gorgeous scenery everywhere you look. A cable car/lift runs from the town to the beach below,for a few Euros if you want to park down there or use the beach at the end of your time there. You don't need a guide once you get there -- the town is easily walkable from one end to the other, and there are nice shops and restaurants all along the main pedestrian street.

 

My business partner's family is from Sicily, and this excellent recommendation was given to me by him before our cruise several years ago.

[twoshots]

Thank you...sounds perfect!

I appreciate you taking the time to write to me.

Jan

[D4]

You'd probably get more responses if you post this on the Italy board.

[Gourmetgoddess]

Our group of 13 opted to pre-arrange transportation from Messina straight to Taormina. Our ship was in port from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. so time was of the essence. This was one of our favorite stops! The drive is beautiful and once we arrived in Taormina, we all thoroughly enjoyed the easy stroll from one of town to the other along the pedestrian-only street. Tons of cute shops, but be aware that most didn't open until 10 a.m., cafes and great picture taking spots. There is the Greek amphitheatre as well but we did not visit.

[twoshots]

Our group of 13 opted to pre-arrange transportation from Messina straight to Taormina. Our ship was in port from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. so time was of the essence. This was one of our favorite stops! The drive is beautiful and once we arrived in Taormina, we all thoroughly enjoyed the easy stroll from one of town to the other along the pedestrian-only street. Tons of cute shops, but be aware that most didn't open until 10 a.m., cafes and great picture taking spots. There is the Greek amphitheatre as well but we did not visit.

We are taking the ships Do it yourself tour of Taormina - we're on our own but they guarantee to have us back to the ship in time! I love the description you gave and now can't wait to get there...October isn't that far away!

Jan

[CintiPam]

Taormina really is a beautiful place to visit. Towns with a lot of pedestrian-only streets are so charming. We were there in June. Be sure to visit the Greco-Roman theatre near the top of the town and the lovely gardens lower down. Both have fantastic views.

[AceMonkey]

My husband and I took a train to Taormina from Messina. It is a beautiful little town and the train ride was fun and easy. It's a little bit of a walk from the port to the train station, but not too bad. It took about an hour to get there. We visited a roman amphitheater while we were there and toured the town. The views are incredible and you can see Etna in the background.

[AceMonkey]

I'm sorry, it took about an hour to get to Taormina from Messina by train.