Top 4 Itineraries in Messina

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Messina.

If you only have a few days, Messina weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Messina offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Messina are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Messina’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Messina offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Messina offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty. With plenty of time to relax and explore, a beach trip to Messina is the ideal way to recharge.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Messina truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Messina belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Messina are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Messina and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Messina itinerary with our handpicked list. Each of these 4 itineraries is crafted to match different travel styles. So whether you're in Messina just for a weekend, or you plan to see more on a longer city break or road trip, there's an itinerary for you!

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these itineraries will help you experience the best of Messina without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Messina!

A scenic 5-day road trip through Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Siracusa is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 5-day itinerary means that Messina can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Siracusa by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 5 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Catania

• Arrival city: Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, Siracusa, Mazzarò, Messina, Torre Archirafi, Sicilia, Siracusa, Catania, Aci Castello, Taormina, Motta Camastra, Italia, Riposto, and Messina
• Accommodation: hotel in Catania, e.g., B&B Sciara Larmisi

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Catania. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Catania

• Destinations: Catania
• Driving distance: 10.23 km, approx. 36 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Catania, e.g., B&B Sciara Larmisi
• Sightseeing: Piazza Università, Castello Ursino, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, Fountain of the Elephant, and Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini
• Recommended tour: Syracuse, Ortigia and Noto walking tour from Catania

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Piazza Università, Castello Ursino, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, Fountain of the Elephant, and Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Catania, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Mazzarò

• Destinations: Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Mazzarò
• Driving distance: 156 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Messina, e.g., Villa Sara
• Sightseeing: Porta Catania, Castle of Aci, Teatro Antico di Taormina, and Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park
• Recommended tour: Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina

Spend the day exploring Porta Catania, Castle of Aci, Teatro Antico di Taormina, and Gole Alcantara Botanical and Geological Park. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Messina.

Day 4: Experience Siracusa and Messina

• Destinations: Siracusa and Messina
• Driving distance: 237.57 km, approx. 3 hours and 14 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Catania, e.g., B&B Sciara Larmisi
• Sightseeing: Ear of Dionysius, Temple of Apollo, Syracuse Cathedral, Neapolis Archaeological Park, and Island of Ortigia
• Recommended tour: Agrigento and Piazza Armerina: Valley of the Temples and Villa Romana del Casale

Continue your journey through Siracusa and Messina, where you can explore Ear of Dionysius, Temple of Apollo, Syracuse Cathedral, Neapolis Archaeological Park, and Island of Ortigia. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Catania.

Day 5: Bid Farewell to Catania

• Departure city: Catania
• Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Catania. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along the route is around 444 EUR for two people, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Messina. So, if you’re ready to explore iconic landmarks, scenic routes, and charming towns at your own pace, this 5-day road trip itinerary through Catania, Motta Camastra, Taormina, Aci Trezza, and Siracusa is an excellent choice.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Messina for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 6-day city break in Messina with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 6-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Messina without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Messina

Arrive in Messina and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Fontana di Nettuno.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at Comparello Bello, a top local restaurant—the ideal way to kick off your getaway!

Day 2: Discover Nearby Attractions and Iconic Landmarks

Enjoy your first full day in Messina by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Chiesa Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani and Orion fountain.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Messina. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Messina in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Church of Saint Mary of the Carmel and Tempio di Cristo Re are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Messina.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Messina. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Italy!

Day 6: Connect With the Local Culture

No Messina itinerary is complete without learning something about the local culture. The large selection of cultural tours in Messina has something for every traveler.

If you prefer sightseeing on your own, head out to explore Stele della Madonna della Lettera, other popular attractions in Messina.

End the day with a sunset walk and dinner around Stele della Madonna della Lettera.

A 4-day beach vacation in Messina offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Messina:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Capo Peloro beach and Contrada Porticatello.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Villa Sara for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like kiting or windsurfing, kayaking, and kiting or windsurfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at A Putia, Ristorante Oliviero 1962, and Contraste, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Bar Serena | Pasticceria, Gelateria, Tavola Calda, Pasticceria Franco La Bella, and Caffè Svevia, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Piluni đđî Turri Faru, Fontana di Nettuno, Orion fountain, Interdisciplinary Regional Museum of Messina (MUME), and Tempio di Cristo Re, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 4-day beach vacation itinerary in Messina, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Messina

Arrive in Catania, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 4 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Capo Peloro beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Messina.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Contrada Porticatello, a top beach in Messina. In the afternoon, make sure to visit Pool of Venus, Lighthouse of Cape Milazzo, and Castello di Milazzo for an exploration of local attractions. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Dive into Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Contrada Porticatello. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Messina to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 4: Say Farewell to Messina

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Messina. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, take a convenient transferto make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Messina. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Messina's coastline.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Messina offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Messina itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Messina weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Messina

Arrive in Messina around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Fontana di Nettuno, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Messina’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Messina with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Tempio di Cristo Re early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Messina and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Messina

No itinerary in Messina is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Chiesa di San Camillo.
• Afternoon: Explore Santuario Parrocchia S. Maria Di Montalto, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Messina and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Italy.

Day 5 - Depart from Messina

Make the most of your last few hours in Messina before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Messina. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Messina itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Messina, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Messina for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Messina in a way that feels truly unforgettable!