Messina is the Sicilian city on the Strait of Messina, facing mainland Italy and Reggio Calabria across a narrow channel steeped in the myths of Scylla, Charybdis and Colapesce. More about Messina →
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60% busier than a typical day in Messina. Busiest 07:00 – 18:00, when all 2 ships are alongside.
Thousands of people in port, guests plus crew. Crowd level compared with a typical Messina day.
The crowd calendar shows every ship and how busy the port is, hour by hour, plus the quietest and busiest days for the next 90 days.
Cruise ships berth along the city-centre quays of Messina's natural harbour (Marconi, I Settembre and Vespri–Colapesce berths), directly in front of the historic and commercial centre. The current cruise terminal, a tensile structure from 2005, stands on the I Settembre quay, a few minutes' walk from the main sights; a new terminal is under construction.
The quays are linked to the railway and bus stations, with connections to Catania and Reggio Calabria airports. The Cathedral area is about 1.6 km by road (about 6 minutes' drive).
1.6 km · ~6 min by car
The historic centre is directly behind the cruise quays; most passengers walk.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
Typical prices, approximate. Fares change with demand, traffic and time of day.
Reggio Calabria airport (REG) is across the Strait and needs a ferry crossing.
1 terminal
Tensile-structure terminal completed in 2005: 550 m2 with a 490 m2 waiting room, air conditioning, check-in, baggage storage, security, first aid, toilets and an info point. Cruise berths: Marconi (ships up to 184 m), I Settembre (224 m), Vespri–Colapesce (450 m). A new 1,800 m2 terminal is under construction.
Daily rate · per vehicle · confirm before travel
No dedicated cruise car park. The ATM Messina 'Cavallotti' car park near Messina Centrale station, a short walk from the Stazione Marittima, charges €1 per hour (07:00–21:00), €9 per 24 hours, €25 for 3 days and €55 for 7 days.
The cruise terminal has access for disabled passengers (port authority).
Pick the area first. Typical nightly prices, approximate.
Walking to the ship and sights.
Typical hotel
Hotels and B&Bs around the Cathedral and Piazza Cairoli, walking distance from the cruise quays.
Rail and bus connections.
Typical hotel
Main shopping street and the area near Messina Centrale station.
Seaside stay on the Strait.
Typical hotel
Lagoon and beach villages on the northern tip of Sicily, facing Calabria.
Resort stay before or after the cruise.
Typical hotel
Hilltop resort town above the sea; about 48 minutes by car from the cruise quays.
Prices are approximate.
Cafes and restaurants around the Cathedral and Piazza Cairoli, steps from the cruise quays.
Seafood restaurants by the lagoon on the northern tip of Sicily.
Messina is the Sicilian city on the Strait of Messina, facing mainland Italy and Reggio Calabria across a narrow channel steeped in the myths of Scylla, Charybdis and Colapesce. Its natural sickle-shaped harbour sits in the heart of the city.
Highlights within walking distance include the Cathedral, whose bell tower holds one of the world's largest astronomical clocks, the Regional Museum with works by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio, Norman churches, medieval fountains and Art Nouveau (Liberty) buildings. Messina is also the gateway for excursions to Taormina, Mount Etna, Savoca, Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands.
One of Sicily's oldest churches; its bell tower contains a huge astronomical clock made in Strasbourg.
Collection of portraits and sculptures with masterpieces by Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio.
Hilltop resort town about 48 minutes' drive from the port.
Europe's highest active volcano, a classic shore excursion from Messina.