Discover Messina like a local. Here are 10 Sicilian-inspired suggestions to better dive into the city's spirit.
Messina has the smarmy air of the city by the sea, historically open to hospitality, and a romantic and melancholic Belle Époque air bequeathed by the post-seismic reconstruction (the devastating earthquake of 1908 razed millennia of history to the ground).
While tourists usually aspire to other, more storied Sicilian destinations, it is indeed a prized, special spot with a lively atmosphere and a cuisine that makes it an icon to celebrate on the altar of taste. Discover offbeat Messina and find out what to do like a local with these 10 tips.
Non touristy things to do in Messina like a local
Messina boasts one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the whole of Sicily, an astronomical clock that is a masterpiece of art and complexity, an eclectic and eccentric urban architecture, a little-known but unmissable regional museum. Unsurprisingly, the list goes on.
There is much more to discover in a city to revalue for its artistic and cultural cachet.
What follows is our recommendation for approaching Messina like a local, including what (and how) to order at the bar and the city's best-loved folk festival.
Here are the most authentic things to do in Messina with all the tips to give your next trip an extra sprinkling of Sicilianity.
10. Non touristy things to do in Messina like a local: ordering a 'mezza con panna'
Your local Messinese breakfast is with a fresh granita. Pay attention: you must order a 'mezza ca' panna'. Around the Strait area, the iconic Sicilian drink is traditionally made with coffee and served in a classic water glass.
The perfect match is with a cloud of cream on top to skilfully mix with another Sicilian pastry staple, the canonical brioche “col tuppo”. Even better if served warm.
Generally sweeter and denser than the Catania variant, the Messina granita has a consistency that makes one cry out for a miracle: never icy, yet never liquid—a creamy pleasure.
Discover Sicilian cuisine ❯9. Discovering popular devotion
An unusual thing to do in Messina consists in discovering the many forms sacred art can have. In such an ancient city, the link with religiosity is a red thread that runs through the centuries as a witness to local culture.
The votive aedicules scattered along Messina are fine and pop examples of the phenomenon. They creep between the old working-class neighbourhoods and the stately palaces of the historic centre, creating an ideal urban route.
Despite the natural disasters that have certainly not spared the city, there are still 456 in town: 64 are dedicated to the 'Sacro Cuore', 52 to 'Sant'Antonio da Padova', 46 to the 'Madonna del Tindari', 36 to the 'Madonna di Lourdes' and 16 to the 'Madonna della Lettera'.
Book tour in Sicily❯8. Photographing Messina's murals
Messina and the sea: an indivisible binomial expressed in the streets through the language of art. Indeed, the relationship between the city and its element par excellence is the central theme in the "regeneration" interventions bringing life to urban details that would otherwise be of no interest.
'Distrart', the ambitious project that has led to the creation of an authentic urban art district, has given a new face to several neglected areas, especially the one overlooking the port.
Start with a tram ride to get an idea of how street art is creeping into Messina: the 53 shelters arranged along the line display works related to local culture and topical issues. They all bear the signatures of important names on the international art scene. They all bring beauty to places that had long forgotten it.
Discover experience near Messina ❯7. Taking a trip to Taormina
Fans of The White Lotus will surely love our next stop. Detour from the offbeat Messina itinerary and set off for Taormina. The trip takes less than an hour, and with the same-day return shuttle service, the transfer to Sicilian tourism's destination par excellence is comfortable and convenient.
A visit, however brief, can only begin at the Greek Theatre, the symbol of Taormina, and continue to the Odeon, the only example on the island of a covered Roman theatre.
Take advantage of a stroll along Corso Umberto I (the king of Taormina shopping links Porta Messina to Porta Catania) to buy the famous local ceramics. And delve into the narrow streets of the old town centre in search of tiny flashes of beauty: it will be easy to find them. For example, by simply looking up—the palaces' balconies, adorned with plants and Moorish heads, are enchanting.
Have a look at our Taormina local guide for more insights and learn what is the best way to reach Taormina.
Book roundtrip shuttle transfer Messina/Taormina❯6. Swimming under the Eiffel Tower
The beach of Capo Peloro is among the most frequented by the Messinesi. The experience to put on the checklist of things to do in Messina like a local? A dip in the water of the Strait in the shadow of a curious construction.
Il Pilone di Torre Faro, an old and disused transmission tower dating back to the 1950s, is now an integral part of the Messina skyline, a tourist attraction beloved even by residents. Over the years, the pylon has acquired a somewhat romantic allure.
This Sicilian 'Eiffel Tower' adds a touch of charm to the sandy beach lining the shoreline. No Grand Palais, Louvre or Notre Dame at its feet, but the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, the lakes of Ganzirri and the seaside village of Torre Faro.
Discover the wonder of the Sicilian sea ❯5. Visiting Ganzirri
Ganzirri is a delightful Sicilian village, a small seaside hamlet about 13 kilometres from the centre of Messina located on the northeastern tip of Sicily.
Narrow streets and small dwellings marks this timeless place where the ancient traditions linked to the old sea trades still survive.
Cycling along the northern shore is an excellent way to reach Ganzirri and the Nature Reserve surrounding the town. You'll be able to admire Lake Grande, connected to the Ionian Sea, and Lake Piccolo, joined to the Tyrrhenian Sea; wander around the Capo Peloro nature reserve; discover the lagoon and the village of Torre Faro and glimpse the monumental Pilone in the distance.
Book trip near Messina ❯4. Attending the Procession of the Assumption
Are you planning to travel to Sicily next summer? Spend part of your journey in Messina like a local and attend the famous procession of La Vera.
The whole city is buzzing with excitement for the celebrations honouring Madonna Assunta. It's a must-see event for the people of Messina and a true reflection of the city's religious and festive vibe.
The tradition dates back to the 16th century and continues to captivate the locals, who eagerly partake in the festivities. August 15th is a day to remember for everyone in town.
Hundreds of people pull a 15-meter-high votive cart in a procession. The massive float symbolizing the Assumption of the Virgin now features papier-mâché statues, but it wasn't always that way. Before 1866, the impressive and picturesque composition comprised real people secured to the structure with a rope.
3. Visiting the Botanical Garden
The University Botanical Garden is home to a stunning array of plants and flowers from the farthest corners of the globe.
Founded in 1638 and named after Pietro Castelli, a renowned physician and botanist, the garden is conveniently located near the historic city centre, steps away from the most popular shopping streets.
What truly sets this Giardino Botanico apart is its lush, overflowing vegetation that seems eager to spill over the perimetral walls.
In addition to its unique collection of exotic tropical and subtropical plants, the garden is deeply committed to the preservation of endangered native species.
Regular events are organized to encourage locals and visitors to explore the beauty of this sanctuary, which remains surprisingly shielded from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Nature paths are designed to be accessible even to those who are visually impaired.
Messina's Botanical Garden is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with free admission.
Discover Sicily's nature❯2. Visiting the Regional Museum
The Regional Interdisciplinary Museum is a must-see, even though visiting it still is among the non-touristy things to do in Messina.
The museum is housed in the adjacent 19th-century Mellinghoff textile mill and the former Monastery of San Salvatore dei Greci, two sites of great historical significance. The place traces the evolution of Sicilian art through centuries of priceless paintings, sculptures, and jewellery, with Caravaggio and Antonello da Messina as the highlights.
The exhibition follows a chronological journey, starting in the Middle Ages, passing through the Renaissance, and exploring Mannerism and Caravaggism, all the way to Sicilian art of the 19th century.
It's not just the museum's interior that's impressive—the surrounding Mediterranean garden, nestled within the monastery's ruins, offers a delightful blend of nature and art.
Get your tickets for Museo Interdisciplinare Regionale di Messina ❯1. Strolling Through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Near the central Piazza Duomo, you'll find Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III, a popular gathering spot for young locals who frequent the pizzerias, pubs, and cafés in and around this alluring venue.
This Art Nouveau building, one of Messina's most prestigious and grandest structures, was built in the 1920s. Today, it is recognized as a site of historical and artistic significance, a splendid example of 20th-century architecture.
In many ways, it rivals the more famous galleries of Naples, Rome, and Milan, sharing with them key features: the mosaic floor, a stunning glass dome, and an undeniable architectural grandeur.
