Messina, an embrace of sea and light

Messina is a city of borders and encounters, suspended between two shores and shaped by centuries of history, myths and rebirths.

Overlooking the Strait that bears its name, it represents the natural gateway to Sicily, a place where the sea does not divide but unites, telling stories of travelers, peoples and Mediterranean cultures.

The symbolic heart of the city is the Cathedral of Messina, rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1908 and today an emblem of resilience and identity. Next to the cathedral stands the famous astronomical clock, one of the largest and most complex in the world, which every day at noon animates the square with mechanical figures and symbolic scenes, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Strait of Messina is the deep soul of the city: a stretch of water full of charm, legends and fascination. This is where the myths of Scylla and Charybdis come to life, while reflections of light and the movement of the sea create ever-changing views, especially at sunset, when sky and water merge into a single emotion.

Walking through Messina, you will discover open squares, historic churches, Rationalist buildings and scenic views that reveal a more intimate and authentic city. The seafront, one of the most beautiful in Sicily, invites you to slow down, engage with the sea and contemplate the landscape.

It is a city that does not show off, but reveals itself little by little, leaving a memory made of light, wind and open horizons.
Visiting Messina means enjoying a sincere experience, shaped by hospitality, history and the sea. A place that is not merely passed through, but invites you to stop, observe and listen to the breath of the Strait.

The 10 things to see in Messina

Cathedral of Messina
The symbol of the city, rebuilt after the 1908 earthquake, and its spiritual and historical heart.

Astronomical Clock
One of the largest and most complex in the world, it comes to life every day at noon.

Strait of Messina
The place of the myths of Scylla and Charybdis, with evocative views and unique plays of light.

Sanctuary of Christ the King
An exceptional panoramic viewpoint overlooking the harbor and Calabria.

Orion Fountain
A Renaissance masterpiece by Montorsoli, symbol of water and rebirth.

Neptune Fountain
Monumental and scenic, facing the sea.

Messina Seafront
Perfect for a relaxing walk between the sea and the city.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III
An elegant historic Art Nouveau passage.

Regional Interdisciplinary Museum
Home to masterpieces by Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina.

Mount Dinnammare
For nature lovers: spectacular views over the Strait and the Peloritani Mountains.

Messina is a city to be discovered slowly, between the sea, history and Mediterranean light.

The 10 things to eat in Messina

Messina is also about flavors and traditions: from seafood cuisine to traditional desserts, every bite tells the deep bond with the land.

Fried stuffed focaccia with escarole, anchovies, tomato and cheese: a symbol of local street food.

Messina-style focaccia
Tall and soft, topped with tuma cheese, escarole, anchovies and cherry tomatoes.

Messina arancino
Traditionally pear-shaped, with classic and creative fillings.

Pasta alla Norma
A great Sicilian classic, also much loved in Messina.

Messina-style swordfish
Fresh and flavorful, often grilled or cooked “alla ghiotta”.

Swordfish rolls

Stuffed with breadcrumbs, capers and Mediterranean herbs.

Messina-style meat rolls
Stuffed meat rolls, grilled or oven-baked.

Messina granita
Creamy and intense, often served with brioche with a “tuppo”.

Sicilian cannoli
Crispy and filled with sweet ricotta, a must-have.

Messina pignolata
A traditional dessert made of small fried dough balls coated with lemon and chocolate glaze.

Eating in Messina means savoring the sea, tradition and the most authentic convivial spirit of Sicily.

TDS Tips for visiting Messina

1. Arrive calmly with a sea view
TDS recommends starting your visit from the port or the seafront, to immediately connect with the rhythm of the Strait.

2. Visit the Cathedral at noon
Plan your visit to the Cathedral to witness the astronomical clock show, a unique daily moment.

3. Stop at the Sanctuary of Christ the King
An unmissable panoramic stop: from here Messina reveals itself between sea and hills.

4. Walk along the seafront
Perfect for a relaxing break among light, wind and reflections on the water.

5. Explore the historic center without haste
Messina should be experienced slowly, among squares, fountains and often uncrowded urban views.

6. Taste the local cuisine
Pidoni, Messina focaccia, swordfish and granita are essential stops to know the city through its flavors.

7. Choose the right time
Morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit Messina, avoiding heat and enjoying the best light.

8. Rely on a comfortable transfer
With an NCC service like TDS, travel becomes part of the experience, without stress or logistical issues.

9. Combine Messina with the surroundings
TDS recommends pairing the visit with the Ganzirri Lakes, Capo Peloro or a stop in the Peloritani Mountains.

10. Experience Messina as an encounter
Messina does not impose itself: it is discovered. With TDS, the visit becomes an authentic moment of contact with the sea, history and the light of the Strait.

With TDS, Messina becomes a balanced, relaxing and meaningful experience.

With TDS, the visit becomes an authentic moment of contact with the sea, history and the light of the Strait.

With TDS, Messina turns into a balanced, relaxing and meaningful experience.

Why choose TDS to visit Messina

Choosing TDS means experiencing Messina in an authentic, comfortable and worry-free way, transforming a simple visit into a carefully curated experience.

Comfort and peace of mind
With TDS you travel in total relaxation, avoiding stress, traffic and parking difficulties. Every transfer is smooth and pleasant.

Local knowledge
TDS knows Messina and the Strait: we know when to visit key sites, which viewpoints to prioritize and how to optimize time.

Optimized timing
The itinerary is designed to let you enjoy the Cathedral, the astronomical clock, the seafront and panoramic spots without rushing.

Personalized experience
The visit can be tailored to your needs: half-day, full-day or combined tours with the surroundings of Messina.

Exclusive NCC service
A private, discreet and professional service, ideal for couples, families and small groups.

Added value
Not just transportation, but assistance, advice and attention to detail that make the difference.

If you want to rent a car at Palermo, Catania or Trapani-Birgi airport, or anywhere else in Sicily, click this link https://www.tdsrent.it

If you want to book a transfer from one of the main airports or from anywhere in Sicily where you are, click here https://www.tdstransfer.it