Cruises to Italy visiting Messina

Italy, with its rich history, art, culture, and stunning coastlines, offers a truly captivating cruising experience.

A cruise offers a convenient way to explore Italy's diverse attractions, from ancient Roman ruins and Renaissance treasures to charming coastal towns. It is also an ideal way to experience the stunning Italian coastline and easily access cities that may be difficult to reach by other forms of transport, particularly when visiting multiple destinations.

Popular Cruise Ports in Italy

Civitavecchia (for Rome)

As the port for Rome, Civitavecchia offers access to iconic historical sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain, allowing visitors to explore the heart of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

Civitavecchia (for Rome) Cruises

Porto Marghera (for Venice)

Venice, with its unique canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture, offers an unforgettable experience, although large ships now dock outside the main lagoon, with smaller boats bringing passengers into the city.

Porto Marghera (for Venice) Cruises

Naples

Located near Pompeii and Herculaneum, Naples offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, as well as access to the beautiful Amalfi Coast.

Naples Cruises

Cruises visiting Messina, Italy

Discover Messina, the ancient gateway to Sicily, and witness the world's largest astronomical clock in motion before exploring the beautiful island beyond.

Messina, a bustling Sicilian port city, offers an atmosphere of resilience and vibrant local life. Located on the northeastern tip of Sicily, it is the island's panoramic gateway from mainland Italy. The city has a lively, authentic feel with wide boulevards and a historic centre that has been rebuilt and reimagined throughout its history. While often serving as a starting point for excursions, the city itself provides a captivating glimpse into Sicilian life with its lively streets and beautiful waterfront.

The cultural significance of Messina is deeply rooted in its ancient past as a Greek colony and its strategic position on the Strait of Messina. Its history is marked by a series of destructive earthquakes, which have led to a city that has been repeatedly rebuilt with a resilient spirit. This history is reflected in its monuments, particularly the impressive Messina Cathedral, a Norman-era church that has been painstakingly restored after each major disaster. The city's maritime heritage is also a key part of its identity, with its port being a crucial point of connection between Sicily and the mainland for centuries.

Messinian cuisine is a delicious blend of land and sea, with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. A local speciality is 'pesce stocco alla ghiotta', a flavourful cod or swordfish stew. This is the region where you can savour the true taste of Sicilian street food, such as 'arancini', which are deep-fried rice balls, and 'pidoni messinesi', a type of savoury turnover. For dessert, a visit would not be complete without trying a refreshing 'granita' with a 'brioche con il tuppo', a common Sicilian breakfast treat.

Messina provides a true taste of Sicily, with a history of resilience, a vibrant atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. The city's authentic charm and historical landmarks, such as the impressive astronomical clock, offer a perfect introduction to the island, serving as an excellent base for exploring some of Sicily's most famous sites, like the hilltop town of Taormina.