Looking for suggestions on what to see for a day in Sicily - Messina? We're only there 1 day and the shore excursions from the ship don't look very enticing. Would love to experience some culinary options? Markets? Local flair in the villages. Ideas?
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Where does the cruise dock for the day, and how much time do you have exactly (after subtracting out a travel time "buffer" to make it back to the ship)?
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7036 posts
I'm not sure why you said Messina (with a ?) unless that's where the ship docks. If so, then my first instinct would be to say Taormina but I'm sure that's a scheduled excursion from the ship so maybe it doesn't sound interesting to you, their market day is Wednesdays but not in August from what I've read.
Agree with Agnes that we would need to know where the ship docks, and it would help to know when you are going and what day you're in Sicily if possible to give good info on markets. More info will get you better suggestions.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Exactly how much time will you have in Messina (a big port)?
Posted by
OP
La Pine, Or
82 posts
Yes the ship docks in Messina on a Sat. 10/1, and we're there from 10:00am - 7:00pm.
Thanks!
Posted by
Atlanta
4856 posts
Rick Steves has a guide book on Mediterranean ports that is very good. Perhaps it will be of value for other ports as well as Messina.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
It's not exactly what you're looking for but, logistically, it would be very easy to do Taormina on your own. I would say the Aolian islands but you can't count on the ferry schedules so I wouldn't risk it.
Posted by
OP
La Pine, Or
82 posts
I've seen reviews of Mario Sicily Tours and I may go with him, based on the good comments. The cruise tours don't seem to be very exciting and I'm not a fan of tours with big groups.
TC-I will check out Rick's book you suggested since we're making numerous port stops. Thanks.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7321 posts
I rashly bought the 2014 edition of Rick's cruise port book and was chagrined to find that it does not cover Sicily! What it does cover is very good, however.
Posted by
Corvallis OR
7036 posts
Giardini Naxos is a beach town at the foot of the hills below Taormina, their market is on Saturday. You could do both on your own if you have enough time.
Posted by
TN, USA
2114 posts
Port summary from CruiseCritic.com
http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=82
Top 10 things to do in Messina from Trip Advisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187889-Activities-Messina_Province_of_Messina_Sicily.html