CME Cruises Visiting Sicily (Messina), Italy

Messina serves as the primary gateway to northeastern Sicily’s most compelling attractions. While the city itself was largely rebuilt after a devastating 1908 earthquake, it offers a convenient and interesting home base for the day, along with access to two of Italy’s most iconic sights. The premier excursion is to Taormina, a stunningly beautiful hilltop town perched above the Ionian Sea. Its main draw is the ancient Greco-Roman theater, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and, on clear days, the smoking peak of Mount Etna. The town itself is a charming labyrinth of pedestrian-only streets, high-end boutiques, and cafes perfect for people-watching. While it can be crowded, its beauty is undeniable. For a more adventurous day, a trip to Mount Etna provides a memorable encounter with Europe's most active volcano. Excursions take you up the slopes to witness stark, lunar-like landscapes of lava fields and craters, a powerful display of nature's force. If you prefer to stay in port, Messina has its own genuine highlights. The main attraction is the Piazza del Duomo, home to the Norman Cathedral and its incredible astronomical clock tower—the largest in the world. We recommend timing your visit for noon to watch its complex mechanical figures enact a daily spectacle. Nearby, the Museo Regionale (MuMe) holds a significant collection of art, including two masterpieces by Caravaggio. A short walk from the port, you can also sample local specialties like granita or arancini, offering an easy and authentic taste of Sicilian life.