Messina Cruise Port: Things to Do, Excursions & Cruises Calling

About Messina

Messina serves as a major cruise call in the Western Mediterranean, positioned near the northeast corner of Sicily at the Strait of Messina. As the capital of the Metropolitan City of Messina, this harbour city is the third largest on the island and the 13th largest in Italy, with a population of 216,458 in the city proper.

The port offers immediate access to some of Messina's most celebrated landmarks. The Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina stands just 0.1 km from the port and holds a 4.8 rating across 2,811 reviews. Equally close is the Orion fountain, rated 4.5 stars. Nearby attractions include the Fontana di Nettuno (0.7 km away), the Stele della Madonna della Lettera (0.8 km), and the Passeggiata a Mare Messina park and garden (1.0 km).

Getting to Messina

Messina functions as an important access terminal to mainland Calabria, serving towns such as Villa San Giovanni and Reggio Calabria. Nearby ports in the region include Barcelona, Cannes, Ajaccio, and Cagliari.

Messina is a harbor city and the capital of the Metropolitan City of Messina in the autonomous island region of Sicily in Italy. It is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, and the 13th largest city in Italy, with a population of 216,458 inhabitants in the city proper and 594,074 in the metropolitan city as of 2026. It is located near the northeast corner of Sicily, at the Strait of Messina and it is an important access terminal to the Calabria region on the mainland, namely the town of Villa San Giovanni and the city of Reggio Calabria.

Things to do in Messina on a port day

Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.

Photo: Campanile del Duomo con Orologio Astronomico · via Google Maps
Tourist attraction

Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina

4.8 (2,811) 0.1 km from port

Near: Piazza Duomo (25 m) · Basilica Cattedrale "Santa Maria Assunta" (30 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- Sunday: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
- 5 · “Very interesting clock that puts on a show, don’t stop there take the climb to the top for outstanding views…” — Christopher Pettie
- 5 · “The clock is absolutely captivating! Make sure you go at noon so that you can witness all the statues in…” — Robert Roberts
Website Google Maps Directions +39 090 675175
Photo: B. Denisar-Green · via Google Maps
Fountain

Fontana di Nettuno

4.5 (1,947) 0.7 km from port

Near: Palazzo del Governo (31 m) · Prefettura (98 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “One of Messina’s most striking monuments, especially after dark, when the lighting brings the entire composition dramatically to life. Created…” — Jacob K
- 5 · “Nice place in Messina where you can admire the other part of Italy (the tip of the boot). The statue…” — Andrei Vînătoru
Google Maps Directions
Photo: Simone Poli · via Google Maps
Park and Garden

Passeggiata a Mare Messina

4.2 (1,569) 1.0 km from port

Near: Fontana Bios (32 m) · Vittoria house of charme (108 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Historic place. A window to the sea. Need more attention trough” — M C
- 5 · “A perfect quiet park to admire the sea, especially when you just have a little bit of time before getting…” — Marisa Leone
Google Maps Directions
Photo: Cipri · via Google Maps
Tourist attraction

Orion fountain

4.5 (1,169) 0.1 km from port

Grand 16th-century fountain with statues of mythological figures built to celebrate running water.

Near: Piazza Duomo (24 m) · Astronomical Clock of the Cathedral of Messina (37 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Be there at noon to experience the tower come to life” — fernando toscano
- 5 · “Messina is well worth a visit. Loads of history, places to see, explore. 1908 disaster, etc. Also Taormina if you…” — David Malpass
Website Google Maps Directions +39 090 7721
Tourist attraction

Stele della Madonna della Lettera

4.5 (423) 0.8 km from port

Near: Forte del Santissimo Salvatore (146 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “worth a visit.. ask gemini about the history of the letter..” — Joe C
- 5 · “In front of my hotel window, the statue that welcomes those arriving and departing at the entrance to the port…” — John D
Website Google Maps Directions +39 377 290 3175