Sicily has four main cruise ports where you can start exploring this lovely Mediterranean island. Palermo’s port is an easy walk to the city centre, and Messina’s port puts you right by its brilliant astronomical clock. If you’re headed to Taormina, you’ll dock at Giardini Naxos – it’s brilliant for trips to the ancient Greek Theatre and Mount Etna. Trapani’s port is smack in the middle of town, so you can wander through its baroque streets and pop over to see the salt flats. You’ll find tourist info and transport at each port, making it simple to get around and see Sicily’s amazing cultural spots. Each port has its own character, so you can pick the one that suits your ideal Sicilian holiday best.
Palermo Cruise Ship Port Guide
The busy port of Palermo greets cruise ships at Sicily’s lively capital city.
You’ll find your ship pulling in at the Stazione Marittima terminal, just a 10-minute walk from the old town centre. The terminal has all the basics – tourist info, Wi-Fi and taxis right where you need them.
When you walk out of the port, you’re practically on Via Emerico Amari, a main street that takes you straight to the good bits.
You can walk to the Teatro Massimo opera house, Quattro Canti junction, and the Norman Palace without much fuss. The buzzing Ballaro Market is about a 20-minute walk from the terminal.
If you fancy saving your legs, there’s a free shuttle bus running between the port and city centre, or you can grab a taxi from the stand by the terminal entrance.
Messina Cruise Ship Port Guide
Messina’s cruise port sits right at Sicily’s northeastern point, and you’ll be happy to know it’s just a quick walk from the heart of the city.
The terminal has all the basics you’ll need – tourist info desk, places to grab souvenirs, and taxis waiting outside.
Want to make good use of your time in Messina? Here are the must-sees:
- Pop by the Duomo to watch its astronomical clock – at noon, the bronze figures spring into action.
- Have a look at the Fountain of Orion in Piazza del Duomo – a brilliant 16th-century work by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli.
- Nip into the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani – it’s a brilliant mix of Norman and Arab styles.
- Head up to Monte Dinnammare – you’ll get cracking views of the Strait of Messina and mainland Italy.
If you fancy a walking tour from the port, they usually take 2-3 hours – plenty of time to see the city’s best bits.
Taormina Cruise Ship Port Guide
Sailing down Sicily’s eastern coast from Messina, you’ll spot Taormina’s port at Giardini Naxos – a lovely little harbour tucked under the cliffs of this well-known holiday spot.
Your cruise ship drops anchor in the bay, and you’ll hop on tender boats to get to the pier. From there, catch a 15-minute shuttle bus that winds its way up to Taormina itself.
The port has all the basics you’d need – tourist info, places to grab a coffee, and shops for holiday bits and bobs.
While Giardini Naxos has its own beach and some brilliant old ruins to see, most people head straight up to Taormina’s old centre. The ancient Greek Theatre is a must-see, and you can wander along Corso Umberto with its posh shops and brilliant views of Mount Etna.
If you fancy going further afield, the port’s quite handy for trips to the volcano or the lovely hilltop village of Castelmola.
Trapani Cruise Ship Port Guide
Trapani’s cruise port sits right in the middle of the old town, which is brilliant for visitors. You can walk straight off your ship and into the city centre – no faffing about with buses needed.
It’s dead easy to wander around this lovely seaside town on foot.
- Pop up to the Torre di Ligny, a 17th-century watchtower with cracking views of the Mediterranean and Egadi Islands.
- Have a look at the Chiesa del Purgatorio church, where you’ll see 20 amazing wooden figures used in Trapani’s Easter parades.
- Take a walk down Corso Vittorio Emanuele to see fancy baroque buildings and buy some locally-made coral jewellery.
- Hop on the cable car to Erice, a medieval town high up on Mount Erice – you’ll get brilliant views and see loads of old buildings.
If you fancy going further afield, you can catch boats to the Egadi Islands or head to the salt flats near Marsala.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Cruise Around Sicily?
The perfect time to sail around Sicily is between April and June or September to October – you’ll get lovely mild weather, fewer tourists about, and plenty of sunshine for wandering the ports and enjoying the beaches.
Are There Ferries Connecting Multiple Sicilian Ports During Cruise Stops?
Plenty of local ferries run between Sicily’s main ports each day. When your cruise ship docks, you can easily catch a boat to travel between places like Palermo, Catania and Messina – it’s quite straightforward to get around.
Which Cruise Lines Offer the Most Sicily-Intensive Mediterranean Itineraries?
MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises have the most Sicily-heavy routes, usually calling at Palermo, Messina and Catania. Norwegian and Royal Caribbean pop into multiple Sicilian ports on some of their Mediterranean sailings as well.
How Rough Are the Waters Around Sicily During Cruise Season?
The waters near Sicily are usually pretty calm when cruise ships visit (May-October). The Med’s quite gentle in this area, though you might get a bit of wobble in early spring or when autumn sets in.
Can I Visit Mount Etna During a Cruise Stop in Sicily?
Mount Etna stands guard over Sicily like a giant, and you can visit from cruise stops at Catania or Messina. It’s best to set aside 6-8 hours for a proper look around, so it’s worth booking your trip through the cruise company.
