In short: The Province of Messina in the northeast stretches from the Strait of Messina to the famous Taormina and the mountain ranges of the Nebrodi. This is the gateway to the Aeolian Islands (Milazzo harbour), plus Giardini Naxos, the pilgrimage town of Tindari and the city of Messina with its famous cathedral. Strong for culture, coastline and island connections.
Quick Facts
- Location: Northeast Sicily, on the Strait of Messina
- Highlights: Taormina, Messina (Cathedral), Milazzo, Giardini Naxos, Tindari
- Islands: Aeolian (Lipari) Islands – gateway is Milazzo
- Getting there: Train ferry/ferry across the strait; Catania Airport nearby
Who is the Province of Messina good for? (Decision Helper)
| Travel type | Good for | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Culture & panorama | Taormina (theatre, Etna view), Tindari | Taormina expensive and crowded in summer |
| Island connections | Milazzo as gateway to the Aeolian Islands | Islands/booking via our specialist page (see below) |
| Coast & swimming | Giardini Naxos, Letojanni, Capo Milazzo | partly pebble beaches; crowded in high season |
| Transit/arrival | Messina as ferry/train-ferry hub | the city itself is more a transit point than a destination |
Places in the Province of Messina
- Taormina – ancient theatre, old town, Etna view.
- Messina – cathedral with astronomical clock, gateway to the mainland.
- Milazzo – port town and gateway to the Aeolian Islands.
- Giardini Naxos – seaside resort with a long beach promenade below Taormina.
- Tindari – pilgrimage site with a sanctuary and views over the Laghetti di Marinello.
Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian (Lipari) Islands belong to the Province of Messina and are usually reached from Milazzo. You’ll find all the details, ferries, accommodation and personal travel advice including booking on our specialist site liparische-inseln.it. General overview: Island Hopping in Sicily.
Getting There & Best Time
Via the Strait of Messina (train ferry/car ferry) or nearby Catania Airport. Best time: spring and autumn. More: Getting to Sicily, Best Time to Visit.
Taormina, the coast and mainland connections as a tailor-made trip – our travel agency plans and books it (Aeolian Islands via our specialist page). Just send us a no-obligation travel request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highlight of the Province of Messina?
Taormina with its ancient theatre and Etna view – plus the connection to the Aeolian Islands from Milazzo.
How do you get to the Aeolian Islands?
Usually by hydrofoil from Milazzo. Details and booking at liparische-inseln.it.
Is the city of Messina worth visiting?
Yes, for a short stop (cathedral with astronomical clock); as a destination it’s more of a transit and arrival city.
Sources & Update
Basis: editorial local knowledge; Aeolian Islands = UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. As of: 14 June 2026. Schedules, opening hours and prices are time-dependent and should be checked before your trip.
More Sights & Castles in this Province
- Parco Archeologico di Naxos – Sicily’s first Greek colony
- Halaesa Arconidea – ancient town above the north coast near Tusa
- Castello di Milazzo – Sicily’s largest citadel
