Messina tours

Things to do in Messina

Welcome to Messina, a city that serves as your entry point to the wonders of Sicily. It's a place where the Mediterranean's deep blue mingles with the verdant hills, creating a unique backdrop to your exploration. In this lively port city, Vespas zoom past as locals fill the air with laughter. With ToursByLocals, your guide will introduce you to the true essence of Messina, far beyond the famous clock tower. Wander through bustling markets on foot, enjoy the freshest seafood paired with local wines, and bypass the usual queues at key attractions. Every step uncovers the vibrant pulse of Messina, a place that embraces you warmly and leaves you wanting to return. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Messina. Explore Messina your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Messina tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Messina for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Spot migrating raptors and storks from Capo Peloro in spring, then walk the Lakes of Ganzirri as your guide explains the mussel and clam farms. If you’d like, add a private boat ride on the Strait to look for dolphins and see how swordfish feluccas operate, or hike a quiet Peloritani ridge for wide views. History tours: Time your visit to catch the noon show of the astronomical clock at the Duomo, step into the 12th century Church of the Annunziata dei Catalani, and stroll the harbour ramparts by Forte San Salvatore. Wrap up at the Regional Museum to stand before Caravaggio’s The Adoration of the Shepherds and The Raising of Lazarus, with a stop for brioche con granita at a favourite pasticceria. Layover tours: Your guide can meet you at the cruise terminal or station and run a 2–3 hour highlights tour to the Duomo, the clock show, and Belvedere Cristo Re, with a quick granita stop. With 4–6 hours, layover tours can reach Taormina for the Greek Theatre and a stroll on Corso Umberto before a punctual return. The centre is easy to explore on foot, and city buses link most neighbourhoods. For nature spots and day trips, or if you’re on a tight timeline, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide for a tour with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Messina inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Exploring Messina, Italy, with a local guide offers a deep dive into its diverse neighborhoods and cultural landscapes. A private tour allows you to explore areas that align with your interests, whether you're fascinated by history, art, or local traditions. - Centro Storico: This central area is perfect for culture enthusiasts, offering a mix of historical sites such as the Cathedral of Messina and vibrant street life. You can immerse yourself in the city's rich history and admire its stunning architecture. - Ganzirri: Ideal for families and those who enjoy nature, this neighborhood is known for its beautiful lakes and serene environment. You can take a peaceful stroll and enjoy the local seafood specialties. - Torre Faro: This coastal neighborhood offers breathtaking views and is great for those seeking a scenic retreat. You can relax by the sea and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the Strait of Messina. Day trip ideas from Messina Base yourself in Messina and branch out along the Ionian coast, up volcanic slopes, or across the strait for easy day trips that fit your interests, and with private tours you can lean into scenery, food, or local stories without rushing. - Taormina: a clifftop town with laneways, sea views, and café stops along Corso Umberto, which suits you if you like browsing small shops, taking relaxed photos, and adding a simple side stop to Castelmola or the Isola Bella viewpoint with your tour. - Mount Etna and the Etna wine towns: craters, lava fields, and chestnut forests meet cool Etna DOC villages like Linguaglossa and Randazzo, so hikers, geology fans, and wine lovers can mix short walks with tastings while your tour keeps the pace comfortable. - Savoca and Forza d’Agrò: quiet hill villages with stone churches, film locations, and piazza espresso breaks, ideal if you enjoy low-key history, easy strolls, and wide views without big crowds. - Aeolian Islands (Lipari or Vulcano): fast ferries turn a day on the water into coastal walks, black-sand beaches, and simple swims, which works well if you want a change of scene and a slower island rhythm built into your tour. - Reggio Calabria and Scilla: a quick ferry puts you on a palm-lined promenade, a standout archaeology museum, and the fishing lanes of Chianalea in Scilla, good for art, sea air, and lunch by the water with time to wander back streets. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Messina most travellers miss.