SICILY · MESSINA TOURS
For most travellers Messina is a gangway and six hours. These 15 are built for exactly that: Taormina and Etna and back to the ship on time, with the driving honestly counted, plus the local trips for anyone staying longer.
Night boat from Milazzo to Panarea and Stromboli, with sunset views and Sciara del Fuoco eruptions. Comfortable ride, great value.
“it was nice but a little crowded to see the volcano.”
Day trip by boat from Milazzo to Lipari and Vulcano, with town time, black-sand swimming, and volcanic scenery for about $60.
“Amazing trip, we had the opportunity to look around lipari and swim on the black sand beach at vulcano. Bring snorkels if you have them!”
Shore tour from Messina to hilltop Castelmola and Taormina’s Corso Umberto, with scenic stops, cathedral views, and free time.
“Both areas were great in their own way. Interesting and fun. Helps if you have a great guide as we did.”
2-hour boat tour from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella, the Faraglioni, and the Blue Grotto, with a swim and welcome drink.
“A short 2 hour trip around the coastline, optional dip at the end. They gave us a shot of something sweet and alcoholic and a sweet, neither of which we were expecting, so a nice touch. They showed us caves and waves, and some interesting features. If you have a couple of hours to kill, well worth it!”
Cruise from Milazzo to Lipari and Vulcano for Lipari old-town wandering, sea cliff views, and sulphur-warm bathing in a timed 9-hour day trip.
“This was not exactly at guide, but was excellent transportation! The boats run like clockwork so be sure to get there 10 minutes early.”
Sail from Milazzo to Panarea and Stromboli for a 10-hour sea day, with San Pietro walking time and a sunset volcanic show.
“It was a nice excursion, but they informed us half an hour before taking the boat that we wouldn't visit Stromboli because it's risky in this period of the year I would like to get informed earlier and be able to decide if I want to do the excursion or not, because finally we spent 4 hours in Panarea. If you want to move in Panarea you have to take a taxi to go to the beach, It's 30 minutes walking distance and you get there at 2'o clock so it is really hard to go to the beach on foot. Although we didin't get off in Stromboli it was…”
2.5-hour Messina walking tour with a local guide, Duomo clock tower at noon, Byzantine mosaics, Norman-Arab church, puppet museum, tasting.
“Excellent walking of Messina with a fantastic guide. We only booked this tour the day before arriving in Messina at the cruise port. Our previously booked shore excursion was cancelled by our cruise ship leaving us with no booked tour. The highlight of the tour for us really was viewing the Bell Tower at 12 midday when all the figurine move.”
Messina shore excursion to Castelmola and Taormina with Greek-Roman Theatre ticket, guided walks, and free time for shopping and views.
“The cannolis at Laboratorio Pasticceria Roberto Chemi were very delicious, the Greek-Roman amphitheater was very cool. Sofia was very good and kept good track of her group. If they spent less time in Taormina this tour would be better.”
Private Messina to Castelmola and Taormina day with dreamlike views, Bar Turrisi almond wine, and flexible time for photos and shopping.
“This was a great tour. Francesco drove and Aurora provided insightful information on Sicily’s history and culture and other interesting details about the whole story of what Sicily and Messina is, including the two towns on the tour. Francesco added to the discussion as well. They did a wonderful job tailoring the message to fit our needs and desires”
Cruise from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella and grottos, swim in the Marine Park, sip prosecco aperitif, and enjoy Etna coast views.
“Incredible! We found it tricky to find the lady at the start (she’s sat inside a restaurant!) but other than that it was easily to best thing we did whilst in Sicily. Beautiful and so much fun!”
Day boat trip from Milazzo to Panarea and Stromboli, with free time ashore and night views of the Sciara del Fuoco.
“Molto carina personale gentile e disponibile, personalmente avrei passato più tempo su Stromboli che e molto bella e caratteristica. Consigliato”
Private tour from Messina to Taormina, Castelmola, and Savoca, with Godfather film stops, almond wine, Etna views, and Messina highlights.
“Friendly and intimate tour. Guide went out of her way to lead us into small businesses where we could sample products and meet the owners and, in one case, the Baker. Tour extremely well structured and very informative. We were given free time in Tarominia to have a nice lunch and browse some shops. Fillipo, our driver, was extremely good at navigating narrow winding roads. Felt very safe with him behind the wheel. Tonya, our guide is American born and has lived in Sicily for 22 years. Spoke fluent Italian to the people we interacted with yet so easy for us to understand what she was saying because she had…”
Paddle Sicily’s coast from Giardini Naxos to Isola Bella and the Blue Grotto. Small groups, guided kayaks, possible dolphin sightings, $60.
“The guides were very nice and waited for everybody. The pace was fast but it was definitely managable. Amazing adventure. Would highly recommend.”
A 2-hour guided walk through Messina’s cathedral, bell tower clock, and Montalto sanctuary, with a puppet museum stop and sweet tasting.
“Our guide Chiara was excellent. She is knowledgeable and shared her passion for Messina. She made our day a memorable experience even with our walk in the rain! Highly recommend Chiara for anyone interested in booking this tour.”
2-hour Giardini Naxos boat trip to Isola Bella with snorkeling, solarium relaxation, snacks, and Taormina coastline views.
Every kind of day out on the island, and the best of each.
