Top Messina Food & Drink

Discover three different Sicilian wineries as you sample tasty regional reds, whites, and rosés. Driving in an air-conditioned car, cruise past picturesque villages, fruit orchards, and lava-made churches as you explore the fascinating region of Etna, known for its volcanic terroirs. Sip samples of the volcano-infused drink in family-run wineries, munching on local gastronomic delicacies, from cheeses to salami.

The Gole Alcantara is one of Sicily’s most popular attractions, and often has the crowds to match. On this private half-day tour, let a local guide help you sidestep the tourists and show you the park’s caverns and rock formations, gardens, and best swimming places. Later, explore the seaside town of Giardini Naxos on foot. Finish the tour with food and wine tasting at a local wine bar.

Book 48h in advance and Explore Mt. Etna without the hassle of navigating on a private tour with round–trip transport from your Messina port or accommodations. Going with a guide ensures you see the best views of the Sicilian countryside, as well as visit secluded natural locations often missed by visitors. Enjoy a meal prepared with locally–sourced ingredients with wine pairings at a Messina vineyard to round out your authentic Italian experience.

Experience Sicily’s culture, history, and cuisine in a single day with this all-inclusive shore excursion. Save time with port pickup and head straight to Mt. Etna to explore its volcanic slopes and sample local delicacies. Then stop in Savoca, the village where The Godfather was set, for a food and wine tasting with a view. Top off your day with a walking tour of Taormina, home of the magnificent Greek Theater.

Immerse yourself in The Godfather on a private tour with stops at the movie’s iconic film locations, from the Church of Santa Lucia to Bar Vitelli. In addition to navigating for you, your guide provides refreshments, entrance fees when necessary, and a wealth of stories often unheard by visitors. Upgrade to include lunch and/or dinner at a classic Sicilian seafood restaurant.

Explore the historic city of Messina on a walking tour with a local guide that’s a great overview and orientation for first-time visitors. Learn about Sicily’s Arab-Norman heritage as you make your way from Cathedral Square to a series of churches, landmarks, and artwork, and hear stories from Messina’s fascinating past. Multiple departures are available throughout the day.

Make the most of your time in Sicily on this immersive, small-group shore excursion. Over the course of just half a day, you’ll venture to Taormina (and will discover top landmarks like its Greek amphitheater), will visit the hilltop village of Castelmola (renowned for its impeccable scenery), and will finish with a walking tour of Messina’s historical city center. Port pickup and drop-off, and round-trip minivan transit, make logistics seamless and stress-free.

Make the most of your shore excursion with this 4-hour tour of the historic seaside resort of Taormina from Messina. See the beautiful cathedral and spectacular Greek Theater. Enjoy views over the Ionian Sea and Giardini Naxos Bay. Admire Mt. Etna looming over everything. Get a brief tour of Messina before returning to port.

While your ship is in Messina, see more of Sicily on a half-day trip to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, sample Sicilian delicacies, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola, and on return to Messina, check out this ancient port’s highlights. Port and Taormina pickup and drop-off included.

Master three different traditional pasta recipes during this private cooking workshop in Messina. Head to the home of a local cook for a culinary immersion. Put your cooking skills to the test at your own workstation with ingredients and tools. Then, taste your home-cooked creations, paired with red and white local wines.

Travel from your port or hotel through the Sicilian countryside to Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano. Admire the orchards of olive, lemon, orange, and almond trees along the way. Taste local wines and honey, visit natural areas around the crater, and enjoy free time to shop for lava souvenirs. End the day at a winery with views of the Ionian Sea, indulging in local foods like charcuterie, mushrooms, olives, and fresh bread.

Learn the secrets of Sicilian cuisine—and cook with a Messina local in their own home—when you sign up for this immersive, private cooking class. Pick between morning and afternoon class times to best suit your schedule. You’ll be cooking alongside a Cesarina; a local ambassador of Italian cuisine that has been carefully vetted and is part of a national network. Enjoy an authentic experience, prepare several gourmet dishes, and sit down to enjoy your meal (with local wine on the side).

Book 24h in advance to Skip the hassle of arranging transportation and meals with this all-inclusive Taormina and Castelmola day trip. Enjoy pickup at your hotel or port and private transport to Taormina, where you’ll stop for a guided walking tour through the old town to take in its most famous sights. Then continue on to the scenic village of Castelmola perched on the slopes above to sample “pasta alla norma” and Sicilian cannoli.

Escape the tourist track and embark on an exclusive, private dining experience in a real-life local home. Taste hard-to-find, home-cooked delicacies, passed down in family cookbooks over generations. Dinners or lunches include four gourmet courses, plus a selection of regional red and white wines. You’ll also have a chance to watch a cooking demonstration to learn time-tested cooking secrets.

Discover Messina’s key historical sights—and immerse yourself in the city’s idyllic, relaxed ambiance—on a private walking tour. Meet your guide directly at your hotel or port, and travel via air-conditioned car to the city center, if required. You’ll see many of Messina’s top landmarks, from the Messina Cathedral and its famed Astronomical Clock to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele III and beyond. Afterwards, for an optional upgrade, head to a popular local wine bar for traditional Sicilian drinks and dishes.

This experience start at the designated location (port, railway station, hotels) with a transfer to Linguaglossa. You will enjoy a guided tour of the modern winery and then a tasting with a guide that give to you all the informations about the typical products. (The tasting is included in the price).

The Etna wine tour gives you the opportunity to explore all about Etna's wine and Mount Etna, the highest active volcano of Europe. Your guide will lead you to discover the enthralling volcanic phenomena, walking through ancient forests, on old craters, and unique lava formations.

See where your culinary curiosity takes you with this creative market visit and cooking class. Choose ingredients that catch your eye with your host and instructor, then take them back to their home kitchen for a private hands-on cooking class. Learn how to prepare Italian dishes with your selections then enjoy a meal featuring your handiwork to celebrate your new skills in the kitchen.

Visit the vibrant local market and immerse yourself in a private dining experience at a Cesarina's home, enjoy an exclusive show cooking and taste authentic recipes from Messina treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian Mammas. Feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as you connect with local people.  Enjoy a 4-course menu including starter, pasta, main course with side dish, dessert with drinks included (water, selection of red and white wines from regional cellars and coffee). This experience is held by Cesarine: Italy’s oldest network of 1000+ home cooks all over the country in more than 500 cities. They are passionate and welcoming hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences.