Port guide · Italy
The port city at Sicily's north-east tip, with the pier right in the centre. Ten minutes' walk away, the astronomical clock puts on its show at 12:00; an hour away is Taormina, with its Greek theatre facing the sea and Etna.
Ships berth in Messina port, next to the centre, 10 minutes' walk from the cathedral. For Taormina, the Interbus coach runs direct; you can also take the train from Messina Centrale (10–15 minutes' walk from the pier) to Taormina-Giardini and go up by bus.
Time: 10 min to the cathedralApprox. price: Free
The clock starts at 12:00: arrive ten minutes early
Time: 1–1.5 hApprox. price: Approx. €4–5 per person
Goes straight to Taormina bus station
Time: 1–1.5 hApprox. price: Depends on the route
Train to Taormina-Giardini, then a bus or taxi up to the town
Taormina sits high up and return buses and trains are few: check the timetables and allow at least two hours to get back to the ship.
Route 1
Messina Cathedral
The astronomical clock
Daily at 12:00: the bronze figures move for about 12 minutes
Fountain of Orion
On the same cathedral square
Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani
A small Norman-era church
Back to the ship
Route 2
The town perched above the sea, with its shop-lined main street and the Greek theatre facing the sea and Etna.
Interbus to Taormina
Corso Umberto
From Porta Messina to Porta Catania, past shops and cafés
Piazza IX Aprile
A viewpoint over the sea and Etna
Greek Theatre
Paid entry; behind the stage, the sea and the volcano
Cable car down to Isola Bella (optional)
An islet and beach; very busy in summer
Bus back to Messina
Route 3
Europe's highest active volcano: you can walk beside old craters through lava landscapes. Given the distance and the changeable mountain weather, an organised tour is the easiest way.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Search MSC cruises calling at Messina with VIAJES FH, with live prices.
Search cruisesYour advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: CHMunro / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0