You’ll find Messina’s cruise port just a 5-minute walk from the city centre. The stunning cathedral sits right in the historic district, making it easy to visit. You can see the famous 60-metre Bell Tower and its astronomical clock from the port area.

For other Sicily cruise destinations check out our Mediterranean Cruise Ports in Sicily page.

Popular day trips include Mount Etna and Taormina’s Greek theatre. A taxi from Catania Airport costs ÂŁ80.80, but buses and ride-sharing apps offer cheaper options.

The port provides:

  • Wheelchair-accessible walkways
  • Free Wi-Fi in nearby cafĂ©s
  • Tourist information desks close to main churches

You can start exploring Sicilian culture and history right from where your ship docks.

Map of Messina Cruise Ship Port

Getting Around Messina Port

You can navigate Messina’s cruise port easily with several transport choices:

Transport Options:

  • Taxis charge €80.80 from Catania Airport
  • Rideshare services operate throughout the area
  • Public buses run regularly but with varying schedules

Port Location:

  • 5-minute walk to Piazza del Duomo
  • 5-minute walk to Messina Cathedral
  • Direct access to Via Vittorio Emanuele II

Accessibility Features:

  • Flat ground throughout the port area
  • Wheelchair-friendly pathways
  • No terminal building, but essential services available outside
  • Tour buses can park at the pier

Tips:

  • You’ll find essential services immediately after exiting the port
  • You can walk straight into the city centre
  • Your tour bus will pick you up directly from the pier
  • You won’t need to climb any stairs or steep slopes

The port’s central location lets you start exploring Messina right away, and you can choose the transport option that best suits your budget and needs.

Best Port Day Excursions

The Best Port Excursions in Messina let you discover Sicily’s top attractions during your cruise stop.

You can explore these key activities:

  • Take a guided trip to Mount Etna to walk its volcanic trails
  • Visit Taormina’s Greek theatre and shop in its boutique-lined streets
  • Join a food tour to taste authentic Sicilian pastries and local wines
  • Walk through Messina’s historic centre to see its cathedral and fountains
  • Book a boat trip around Taormina Bay and Isola Bella’s crystal waters
  • Tour the hilltop villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò, famous for The Godfather films

Your excursion options:

  1. Organised Tours
    • Mount Etna and Taormina combined tours save you time
    • Expert guides share local history and hidden spots
    • Transport and entrance fees are typically included
  2. Independent Exploring
    • You can catch local buses to Taormina
    • You’ll find many cafes and shops near the port
    • Walking tours of Messina start from the cruise terminal

Pick your tour based on your interests and energy level. Active travellers might prefer the Mount Etna hike, while culture fans often choose the Taormina walking tour.

Top City Attractions

Messina’s most popular attractions await your exploration in this historic Sicilian city. The Piazza del Duomo houses the magnificent Messina Cathedral, where you’ll spot the 60-metre Bell Tower featuring its famous astronomical clock.

You can explore the resilient Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani church, which still stands proudly after surviving both a major earthquake and wartime damage.

You’ll discover Caravaggio’s masterpieces at the Regional Museum, whilst the Temple Christ the King offers you a unique mix of Corinthian and Baroque architectural styles.

To catch the best views of the city, you can visit the Madonnina, where you’ll see the iconic Madonna della Lettera statue standing guard. The Zona Falcata lighthouse provides another excellent viewpoint for your photos.

You can admire two of the city’s most beautiful fountains: the Fontana di Orione and Fontana di Nettuno, both showcasing Messina’s rich decorative history.

Each attraction sits within easy reach of the city centre, making your exploration straightforward and enjoyable.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Palermo for a different Mediterranean cruise destination.

Essential Port Services

Port Services at Messina

Your ship docks in central Messina, 5 minutes from Piazza del Duomo. You can access key services right at the dock, with level walkways throughout the port area. Tour buses park directly on the pier.

Essential Services:

  • Wi-Fi: Connect at nearby cafes and restaurants
  • Information: Find tourist help desks near main churches
  • Money: Use Euros for all transactions
  • Transport: Reach the train station in 10 minutes on foot

Getting Around:

  • Walk to most city sights within one mile
  • Take a taxi or Uber to hilltop attractions
  • Use accessible paths throughout the port area
  • Board trains to Taormina from the nearby station

You’ll find flat, wheelchair-friendly paths throughout the port area.

The simple layout makes it easy to start your exploration of Messina straight from the ship.

Money and Shopping Tips

Shopping Areas:

You’ll find great shops along Via Garibaldi, Piazza Cairoli, and Viale San Martino. These streets sit near the port, making them easy to reach on foot.

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Visit Saturday markets for cheaper Sicilian food and local crafts
  • Get an Airalo eSIM to cut your roaming costs
  • Skip cruise excursions and explore on your own
  • Take local trains for day trips (Taormina costs ÂŁ5.50 each way)

These straightforward tips help you save money whilst enjoying your shopping and travel around Sicily.

The local markets especially give you the best value for authentic Sicilian items.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is It to Get Back to the Ship After Independent Exploring?

Getting back to your ship is straightforward with several transport options:

You can take:

  • Hourly trains (ÂŁ4.30 per journey)
  • Regular buses (ÂŁ1.90 per journey)
  • Local taxis (ÂŁ30 per journey)

You’ll find clear signage throughout the port area. Keep your ship’s departure time in mind and choose your transport method based on your schedule and budget. Transport terminals are well-marked and easy to locate.

What Happens if My Cruise Ship Arrival Is Delayed Due to Weather?

You’ll receive immediate alerts if your cruise ship faces weather delays. Your cruise line will send updates about any schedule changes through messages and announcements. They’ll adjust your route to keep you safe, which might mean skipping certain ports or changing arrival times. For major delays, you can ask about compensation or refunds for missed activities. The crew will help you manage any onward travel arrangements affected by the delay.

Are There Storage Lockers Available at the Cruise Port Terminal?

You won’t find storage lockers at the cruise port terminal. The terminal does offer several other useful services for travellers:

  • ATMs
  • Currency exchange desks
  • Taxi ranks
  • Retail shops
  • Dining outlets

All these services are located just outside the main terminal building for your convenience.

Which Months Have the Most Favorable Weather for Visiting Messina?

The best times to visit Messina are Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October). You’ll experience comfortable temperatures ranging from 15-25°C during these periods. These months offer you clear skies, minimal rainfall and smaller tourist crowds. You can explore the city comfortably without the intense summer heat or winter chill.

Can Cruise Passengers Attend Mass at Messina Cathedral During Port Stops?

Yes, you can attend mass at Messina Cathedral during your cruise stop. The cathedral sits near the port, making it easily accessible. You’ll need to:

  • Check the current mass schedule before your visit
  • Wear appropriate clothing (covered shoulders and knees)
  • Confirm your ship’s departure time
  • Allow enough time to return to your ship

The cathedral welcomes cruise visitors, and services typically last about one hour.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Taormina Cruise Ship Port.