There’s something cinematic about sailing into Messina. As your ship glides through the sparkling Strait of Messina, mainland Italy shimmers in the distance and Sicily unfolds in layers of pastel buildings, church domes, and mountainous backdrops.
Messina is a charming Sicilian city that offers a warm, authentic welcome — and serves as the perfect launch point for one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Mediterranean: Taormina.
If time take a few moments to soak in the atmosphere around Piazza Duomo. The impressive Messina Cathedral stands proudly here, famous for its astronomical clock — one of the largest and most intricate in the world. If your timing aligns at noon, you’ll witness a mechanical performance that feels delightfully old-world.
But today? We’re headed up the coast.
🌄 Shore Excursion Spotlight: Taormina
The Drive Along the Ionian Coast
The journey from Messina to Taormina takes about an hour, and it’s anything but ordinary. The road hugs the Ionian coastline, revealing turquoise waters, citrus groves, and dramatic cliffs at every turn. On clear days, you may even glimpse the mighty Mount Etna rising in the distance — Europe’s tallest active volcano.
This scenic drive sets the tone: Sicily doesn’t do ordinary.
A Town Suspended Between Sky and Sea
Perched high above the sea, Taormina feels like a postcard brought to life. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past boutiques, cafés, and flower-draped balconies. The heart of town, Corso Umberto, buzzes with energy yet retains that relaxed Sicilian rhythm.
The crown jewel? The breathtaking Ancient Theatre of Taormina. This remarkably preserved Greek theatre overlooks the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna as its backdrop. Stand here for a moment — it’s one of those travel experiences that makes time feel suspended.
You can almost hear the echoes of ancient performances drifting across centuries.
🎭 MUST-DO: The Greek Theatre of Taormina
If you do only one thing in Taormina, make it a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Taormina (Teatro Antico di Taormina).
Built by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC and later expanded by the Romans, this open-air theatre is dramatically carved into the hillside. But what truly makes it unforgettable isn’t just its history — it’s the setting.
From the stone tiers, you’ll see:
The glittering Ionian Sea The coastline stretching endlessly below The majestic silhouette of Mount Etna
It’s widely considered one of the most beautiful ancient theatres in the world — and once you stand there, you’ll understand why.
What to Do in Taormina
✨ Wander & Shop
Hand-painted ceramics, Sicilian lemon products, local wines, and artisan jewelry make for meaningful souvenirs.
🍋 Savor Sicilian Flavors
Order a granita with brioche (a local breakfast favorite), fresh seafood pasta, or arancini. Pair it with crisp Sicilian white wine and call it a perfect Mediterranean afternoon.
🌊 Take in the Views
Even if you do nothing but sit at a café terrace overlooking the sea, you’ve done Taormina right.
🚢 Why This Is a Must-Do Cruise Excursion
For cruise travelers, Taormina delivers:
Dramatic scenery
Rich history
Walkable charm
Incredible food
Bucket-list photo opportunities
It’s an ideal balance of structured touring and free time — especially for guests who want culture without an overly strenuous day.
Returning to Messina
Sailing away that evening, watching Sicily fade into the horizon, you may find yourself already planning a return.
Because Taormina?
It’s not just a shore excursion.
It’s a memory that lingers. 🌅
Magical Travels with Barb 