Cruise port Messina (Taormina, Sicily)
Info for port Messina (Taormina, Sicily) on 24 May 2027
Port information & tips for Messina (Taormina, Sicily)
Messina is the picturesque gateway to Sicily and impresses with its spectacular location directly on the historic strait. The port city welcomes travelers with a fascinating mix of historical heritage and lively Mediterranean flair, while the passing ships provide an impressive backdrop. Glitzy highlights in the immediate vicinity include the magnificent Messina Cathedral with the world's largest astronomical clock and the ornate Fontana di Orione on the Piazza del Duomo. Cruise ships dock at the central Messina Cruise Terminal at the Banchina I I Settembre, from where the charming old town and elegant shopping streets can be easily explored on foot in just a few minutes thanks to the ideal location.
Messina is a central hub in the Mediterranean and impresses with a cruise terminal located directly at the historic city center. Thanks to its location right on the Strait of Sicily, guests reach the terminal easily and enjoy short distances to the most important sights and transport hubs right upon arrival.
Airplane
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the most important connection point for travelers from the DACH region and is located about 100 kilometers south of the port. From there, you can reach Messina in about 90 minutes via comfortable direct buses provided by Etna Trasporti or SAIS. Additionally, numerous private shuttle services and car rental stations are available for a seamless transfer to the ship.
Train
Messina Centrale main station is ideally located only a few hundred meters from the cruise terminal and can be reached after a relaxed walk along the waterfront promenade. Travelers benefit from the direct connection to the Italian mainland, where trains are loaded onto ferries in Villa San Giovanni, allowing passengers to arrive directly in the heart of Messina without changing trains.
Car & Parking
The port is excellently connected to the Sicilian road network via the A18 motorway from Catania and the A20 from Palermo, using the Messina Boccetta exit. For the duration of the cruise, guarded facilities such as the Cavallotti parking garage or specialized providers like Industrial Garage offer secure parking spaces, with practical valet services also available for direct vehicle drop-off at the terminal.
Messina is a central hub in the Mediterranean and impresses with a cruise terminal located directly at the historic city center. Thanks to its location right on the Strait of Sicily, guests reach the terminal easily and enjoy short distances to the most important sights and transport hubs right upon arrival.
Airplane
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is the most important connection point for travelers from the DACH region and is located about 100 kilometers south of the port. From there, you can reach Messina in about 90 minutes via comfortable direct buses provided by Etna Trasporti or SAIS. Additionally, numerous private shuttle services and car rental stations are available for a seamless transfer to the ship.
Train
Messina Centrale main station is ideally located only a few hundred meters from the cruise terminal and can be reached after a relaxed walk along the waterfront promenade. Travelers benefit from the direct connection to the Italian mainland, where trains are loaded onto ferries in Villa San Giovanni, allowing passengers to arrive directly in the heart of Messina without changing trains.
Car & Parking
The port is excellently connected to the Sicilian road network via the A18 motorway from Catania and the A20 from Palermo, using the Messina Boccetta exit. For the duration of the cruise, guarded facilities such as the Cavallotti parking garage or specialized providers like Industrial Garage offer secure parking spaces, with practical valet services also available for direct vehicle drop-off at the terminal.
The cruise port of Messina impresses with its prime location right in the heart of the city and provides travelers with convenient access to the cultural treasures of Sicily.
On Foot
Since the terminal borders directly on the city center, you can reach Piazza Duomo and the famous astronomical clock in just about 5 to 10 minutes. A short walk leads you directly to the charming alleys and historical sights of the city.
Tram and Train
The modern tram line Tranvia di Messina runs conveniently along the coastal road and connects the port with various districts. Additionally, the main train station Messina Centrale is within walking distance and offers an ideal opportunity for excursions to Taormina thanks to regular connections.
Taxi
Official taxis are available directly at the exit of the port terminal and offer comfortable rides within the city. At the same time, travelers can use them for longer tours to Mount Etna or to Taormina to explore the surroundings flexibly and individually.
Combine the historical charm of the port city of Messina with an excursion to elegant Taormina to experience the cultural diversity of Sicily at its best in a single day.
Piazza del Duomo & Orologio Astronomico
Directly at the port, the magnificent cathedral welcomes you with its astronomical clock, the largest in the world, whose mechanical figures offer a fascinating spectacle at noon. This central square invites you to stroll and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the terminal, is the perfect starting point for your exploration.
Taormina & Teatro Antico
The world-famous mountain town impresses with its medieval alleys and the ancient Greco-Roman theater, which offers a spectacular view of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. A walk along Corso Umberto also offers excellent shopping opportunities and an authentic Italian lifestyle.
Isola Bella
The small, natural island off the coast of Taormina is accessible via a narrow strip of sand and offers a picturesque bay with crystal-clear water for relaxing hours by the sea. This stretch of coastline is ideal for sunbathing in one of Sicily's most photogenic settings.
The Ancient Theater of Taormina
The ancient theater of Taormina is easily accessible from the port of Messina in about fifty minutes and offers one of Sicily's most impressive views with a direct panorama of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. This historical site impresses with its architectural splendor as well as its immediate proximity to the picturesque old town, which invites you to linger with its welcoming street cafes and exclusive shops. Thanks to its elevated location, you can enjoy a refreshing breeze and first-class photo opportunities in a unique historical setting. Ideally, visit the theater in the early morning to fully enjoy the special morning atmosphere, and plan your return trip to the port about two hours before the ship's departure.
The Port of Messina is located right in the heart of the city, so returning to the ship is straightforward thanks to its central location and good connections to Taormina.
On Foot
From sights such as the Messina Cathedral or Piazza Cairoli, you can walk to the port entrance on Via Vittorio Emanuele II in just a few minutes. Since the cruise terminal is located directly opposite the city center, the way is always easy to oversee and easy to find thanks to the visible funnels of the ships in the harbor basin.
Train and Intercity Bus
If you have spent the day in Taormina, regional trains will take you from Taormina-Giardini station directly to Messina Centrale main station. From there, you can reach the cruise terminal after a short, flat walk of about five minutes and also benefit from regular bus connections from providers such as Interbus or Etna Trasporti, which end at the bus station in the immediate vicinity of the port.
Taxi and Tram
Within Messina, you will find official taxi stands at central squares such as Piazza Duomo and Piazza Cairoli, as well as directly in front of the terminal building. In addition, the modern tram line runs along the waterfront promenade and offers a convenient way to return to the berth on time, as the stop is located almost directly in front of the port gate and enables a fast connection from the outskirts.
In port on 24 May 2027
