Things to Do in Messina
Experiences on the Strait of Messina and Lake of Ganzirri
Discover Messina, the gateway to Sicily
Located in the northeastern corner of Sicily, Messina is often called the Gateway to Sicily.
The city welcomes travelers arriving from mainland Italy and offers a fascinating mix of history, sea views and cultural landmarks.
Thanks to its strategic position between the Strait of Messina, the Ganzirri Lakes and the northern Sicilian coastline, Messina offers a wide range of experiences for visitors.
Guests staying at Sicily in Villa can easily explore the best attractions and activities the region has to offer.
Explore the Ganzirri Lakes
One of the most relaxing experiences near Messina is exploring the beautiful Ganzirri Lakes.
These coastal lakes offer peaceful walking paths, stunning views and a chance to discover the traditional seafood culture of the area.
Visitors can:
- walk along the lakeside promenade
- watch local fishermen at work
- enjoy waterfront restaurants
- admire spectacular sunsets over the water
The area is also perfect for jogging, cycling and nature photography.
Explore the Ganzirri Lakes
One of the most relaxing experiences near Messina is exploring the beautiful Ganzirri Lakes.
These coastal lakes offer peaceful walking paths, stunning views and a chance to discover the traditional seafood culture of the area.
Visitors can:
- walk along the lakeside promenade
- watch local fishermen at work
- enjoy waterfront restaurants
- admire spectacular sunsets over the water
The area is also perfect for jogging, cycling and nature photography.
Boat tours on the Strait of Messina
One of the most memorable activities in Messina is taking a boat tour on the Strait of Messina.
These tours allow visitors to explore the coastline and experience the unique marine environment of the Strait.
Popular activities include:
- coastal sailing tours
- dolphin watching
- snorkeling and swimming
- panoramic sunset cruises
From the sea, travelers can admire both the Sicilian and Calabrian coastlines, separated by only a few kilometers.
Boat tours on the Strait of Messina
One of the most memorable activities in Messina is taking a boat tour on the Strait of Messina.
These tours allow visitors to explore the coastline and experience the unique marine environment of the Strait.
Popular activities include:
- coastal sailing tours
- dolphin watching
- snorkeling and swimming
- panoramic sunset cruises
From the sea, travelers can admire both the Sicilian and Calabrian coastlines, separated by only a few kilometers.
Witness the traditional swordfish fishing
The traditional swordfish fishing with feluccas is one of the most iconic traditions of the Strait of Messina.
These unique wooden boats, equipped with a high observation tower and a long platform, are used by fishermen to catch swordfish using ancient techniques.
Watching this traditional fishing method in action offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime culture that has shaped the history of Messina for centuries.
Witness the traditional swordfish fishing
The traditional swordfish fishing with feluccas is one of the most iconic traditions of the Strait of Messina.
These unique wooden boats, equipped with a high observation tower and a long platform, are used by fishermen to catch swordfish using ancient techniques.
Watching this traditional fishing method in action offers visitors a glimpse into the maritime culture that has shaped the history of Messina for centuries.
Visit Capo Peloro
This scenic cape is known for the meeting of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas and for its beautiful sandy beaches.
Visitors come here to:
- relax on the beach
- swim in crystal-clear waters
- admire the breathtaking views of Calabria
- enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Strait
Visit Capo Peloro
This scenic cape is known for the meeting of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas and for its beautiful sandy beaches.
Visitors come here to:
- relax on the beach
- swim in crystal-clear waters
- admire the breathtaking views of Calabria
- enjoy spectacular sunsets over the Strait
Discover Messina’s historic center
Messina also offers several cultural attractions worth visiting.
Among the most important landmarks:
Messina Cathedral
Famous for its incredible astronomical clock, the largest and most complex in the world.
Messina Cathedral
Famous for its incredible astronomical clock, the largest and most complex in the world.
The Fountain of Orion
A beautiful Renaissance fountain located in Piazza Duomo.
The Fountain of Orion
A beautiful Renaissance fountain located in Piazza Duomo.
The Little Madonna of the Harbour
A panoramic site offering one of the best views of the Strait.
The Little Madonna of the Harbour
A panoramic site offering one of the best views of the Strait.
The Regional Museum of Messina
Home to important artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio.
The Regional Museum of Messina
Home to important artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio.
Enjoy Sicilian food and local traditions
Messina is also known for its rich culinary tradition, strongly influenced by the sea.
Typical dishes include:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- spaghetti with clams from the Ganzirri Lakes
- swordfish rolls
- fresh seafood from the Strait
- Sicilian granita with brioche
Dining in one of the lakeside restaurants in Ganzirri is an unforgettable experience that combines authentic flavors with beautiful views.
Enjoy Sicilian food and local traditions
Messina is also known for its rich culinary tradition, strongly influenced by the sea.
Typical dishes include:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- spaghetti with clams from the Ganzirri Lakes
- swordfish rolls
- fresh seafood from the Strait
- Sicilian granita with brioche
Dining in one of the lakeside restaurants in Ganzirri is an unforgettable experience that combines authentic flavors with beautiful views.
Experience the most authentic side of Sicily
Staying at Sicily in Villa means experiencing Sicily in an authentic way, surrounded by the sea, nature, traditions, and breathtaking views.
The villa’s location—between Ganzirri, the Strait of Messina, and Capo Peloro—makes it easy to explore a region rich in natural beauty and unique experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, a cultural journey, or a food and wine experience, Messina offers endless opportunities to discover the very best of Sicily.
Experience the most authentic side of Sicily
Staying at Sicily in Villa means experiencing Sicily in an authentic way, surrounded by the sea, nature, traditions, and breathtaking views.
The villa’s location—between Ganzirri, the Strait of Messina, and Capo Peloro—makes it easy to explore a region rich in natural beauty and unique experiences.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, a cultural journey, or a food and wine experience, Messina offers endless opportunities to discover the very best of Sicily.
Excursions around Messina
Messina’s strategic location makes it easy to reach some of the most captivating destinations in Sicily.
Among the most popular places to visit:
Taormina
One of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, home to the famous Greek Theatre and stunning views over the sea.
Taormina
One of the most beautiful towns in Sicily, home to the famous Greek Theatre and stunning views over the sea.
Mount Etna
The highest active volcano in Europe, offering excursions and food & wine tours.
Mount Etna
The highest active volcano in Europe, offering excursions and food & wine tours.
Aeolian Islands
A UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago, accessible by boat.
Aeolian Islands
A UNESCO-listed volcanic archipelago, accessible by boat.
Scilla and the Costa Viola
A charming village in Calabria, located just across the Strait, known for its picturesque views and rich history.
Scilla and the Costa Viola
A charming village in Calabria, located just across the Strait, known for its picturesque views and rich history.