Located in the north-eastern part of Sicily, the port of Messina overlooks the western side of the homonymous Strait that separates the island from the mainland. The port area is partially protected by the arm of San Ranieri, a small peninsula in the shape of a sickle.
From a structural point of view, the port consists of several piers, where daily ferries and hydrofoils leave for the mainland (Villa San Giovanni, Reggio Calabria and Salerno), Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands. Some piers are reserved for ships carrying the trains of the State Railways.
Special mention for the tourist port (Marina del Nettuno), which can accommodate up to 160 boats (max. length 40mt.) and equipped with a variety of services.
Regional trains depart from:
The ATAM (Transport Company for the Metropolitan Area of Reggio Calabria) connects the airport directly with the port of the Calabrian capital, from which ferries leave for Messina (see “How to reach the port of Messina”).
To reach the port of Messina, it is possible to use the trips offered by Sais Autolinee.
The distance by car or taxi is approx. 111 km.
After reaching Palermo central station with the Prestia and Comandè shuttle service (runs every 30 minutes, travel time 50 minutes. Active online booking service. For info +39 091586351), take the regional train that leads to Messina (see "How to reach the port of Messina - Trains").
The distance by car or taxi is approx. 254 km.
From Reggio Calabria Centrale, Catania Centrale and Palermo Centrale regional trains leave for Messina (see "How to reach the port of Messina - Trains"). From Messina station, the port is about 600m away.
Located near the station, the car park is covered and is guarded. Active shuttle service (for the station and for boarding) and luggage storage service.
Tel: +39 0902936063
The garage, located a few hundred meters from the port, is guarded and covered.
Tel: + 39 0902922588
The car park, covered and under video surveillance, is located near the port area.
Tel. +39 3400695635
Indoor garage with video surveillance. Open 24 hours a day.
Tel: +39 3486403291
Near the train station and the port, the covered parking is guarded and under video surveillance. Service h24.
Tel: +39 348 640 3291
Liberty Lines , via Luigi Rizzo
Blu Jet , via Luigi Rizzo
Bluferries , via Luigi Rizzo
Caronte & Tourist , viale della Libertà
The Gentiluomo Garage in via Trieste provides luggage storage service (for info: +39 090 293 6063).
Moving towards the center of Messina (located close to the port), you will find a whole range of business activities: clothing shops, pottery shop, a gift shop, cosmetics store, a department store and so on.
Despite being devastated over the centuries by tragic natural events and by the hand of man, Messina is full of places that are absolutely worth visiting during your stay in the city. Among the most significant monuments there is certainly the Duomo, which overlooks the square of the same name. Next to the cathedral (which houses the Treasury) is the bell tower, on top of which there is an astronomical clock, one of the largest in the world.
Among the numerous places of worship in the city, a particular mention deserves the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Montalto, located not far from the Duomo, and the Fort of the Santissimo Salvatore, on the ancient port of Messina (where the stele of the Madonna della Lettera, symbol of the city).
Other important monuments are Palazzo Zanca (seat of the Municipality of Messina), Castel Gonzaga, the Real Cittadella, Porta Grazia and the Vittorio Emanuele II Theater. Messina is also the city of fountains: walking around the center you will find that of Orione and that of Neptune (both made by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, a pupil of Michelangelo). The botanical garden and museums are also worth a visit, among which the MuMe stands out.