Would it be advisable to stay 1 night in Messina before boarding ferry to Reggio Calabria. Is there anything that we must see/do in the area? We are based in Catania and doing day trips from there. Or, take an early bus/train to Messina?
Thank you
Posted by
North Carolina
572 posts
I spent 3 days in Messina to see the Cathedral, a couple of Norman churches, and the two Caravaggio paintings in the Museo Regionale. The animated cathedral clock tower striking noon is fun to see. I did a day trip to the Aeolian island of Vulcano as well. You have several options - go straight from Catania to Reggio Calabria and bypass Messina, do a day trip to Messina, or spend a day or 2 days in Messina and then cross the strait to the mainland from there. All depends on inclinations.
Posted by
OP
east haven, ct
388 posts
Carolina,
I appreciate your help. I did see on a map, a ferry from Catania to Reggio Calabria. However several websites have me go to Messina to board a ferry. I could not find a company that is direct. If we have to go to Messina I would plan on staying 1 or 2 nights. Is 2 nights too much?
Thanks,
Lorie
Posted by
North Carolina
572 posts
I don't plan based on nights because one night could literally mean you arrive late, sleep, and leave the next morning. If you want to visit sites in Messina, you need a day on the ground, therefore two nights. As I said earlier, you could bypass Messina by starting your journey in Catania, in which case Messina is merely a stop on the route. Not sure about the bus - if you have to transfer to another or stay on until you get off at Reggio Calabria. By the way, once the train loads onto the ferry, you are allowed to get out, go on the deck, and watch the crossing. Probably the same for a bus, but I don't know.