Messina walking Photo Tour in the Most Scenic Spots In Town

Sicily , Italy

Messina walking Photo Tour in the Most Scenic Spots In Town

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3h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Our Messina photo tour is the best if you are a photographer or if you simply want to enjoy the best photo spots with a local guide. Embark on a guided photo tour discovering the historical city center that will take you to the best locations for your pictures and selfies.
After visiting the Catalani Church, one of the few buildings that survived the catastrophic earthquake of 1908, our photo tour will take you to Piazza Duomo, to visit the impressive Bell Tower. Climb up to the panoramic terrace with amazing 360° views over the city, the port, and the Strait.
The tour continues with a panoramic walk to discover the church of the Madonna di Montalto and the shrine of Christ the King with beautiful views of the Strait of Messina and mainland Italy and will finish with a visit to the huge church of San Francesco all Immaculata, the second largest church after the Cathedral and the waterfront with the beautiful Neptune fountain.

Available options

Private tour

Small group (max 16 people)

Pickup included

Shared group tour

Pickup included

What's included

Live commentary

Local guide

Taxes

Light lunch

Liability Insurance

Discover Messina Travel Assistance

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Ancient church located in the historical center of Messina

It is an impressive temple, the second in size for the churches of Messina

Stop 3 Pass by

The Belltower is the most important attraction of Messina

The temple was built on the remains of the castle of Matagrifone of which one of the towers has survived, incorporated into the base. Designed by Giovanni Battista Milani in 1937, it dominates the city with its large dome and its shapes recall the architecture of Filippo Juvarra from Messina, in particular the Basilica of Superga on the hill of the same name in Turin.

Our Messina photo tour will take you uphill to one of the most famous panoramic spots in Messina to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Strait of Messina while visiting the church of the Madonna di Montalto and then the Shrine of Christ the King. Discover the church of San Francesco all’Immacolata, a beautiful example of neo-Gothic style and second largest church in Messina.

Stop 6

The Neptune Fountain, a Renaissance masterpiece created by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli in 1557, will wait for your arrival at the waterfront overlooking the Strait of Messina. Here you will also have the opportunity to take a photograph of the stele of the Virgin Mary of the Letter located at the entrance of Messina port.

The most beautiful fountain of the European sixteenth century”, was defined by the art historian Bernard Berenson, and in fact, it is a work of uncommon beauty, of great significance, and of strong emotional impact.

It was commissioned by the Messina Senate in 1547[1] for celebratory purposes, with the idea of fixing it in memory of the construction of the first city aqueduct.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional)

Private expenses

Anything not expressly specified under the heading INCLUSIONS

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

FOR THE PASSENGERS NOT CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS: we will meet you at our office in Via 1 Settembre 110, 98122.

About Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its rich Greek and Roman heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine, Sicily offers a unique travel experience that captivates visitors with its diverse attractions and warm hospitality.

Top Attractions

Valley of the Temples

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the most well-preserved ancient Greek temples outside of Greece. The site is a testament to Sicily's rich Greek heritage and offers a glimpse into the island's ancient past.

Historical 2-3 hours €10

Mount Etna

Europe's highest and most active volcano, offering stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close. Mount Etna is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Nature Half day to full day €30-€100 (depending on the tour and activities)

Palermo Cathedral

A stunning example of Norman-Arab-Byzantine architecture, Palermo Cathedral is a masterpiece of religious art and history. The cathedral's interior is adorned with beautiful mosaics, sculptures, and tombs of notable historical figures.

Architectural 1-2 hours €7

Taormina

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the iconic Greek Theatre. Taormina is a popular tourist destination offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, €10 for the Greek Theatre

Cefalù

A picturesque coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic landmarks, and charming medieval streets. Cefalù is a popular destination for both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Beach Half day to full day Free to explore, €5 for La Rocca

Must-Try Local Dishes

Arancini

Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, often shaped like small oranges.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Cannoli

Crispy pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese, often garnished with pistachios or chocolate chips.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta with a sauce made from tomatoes, fried eggplant, ricotta cheese, and basil.

Main Course Vegetarian

Granita

A semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavors, typically served with a brioche for breakfast.

Dessert Vegan and gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Madonie Regional Park Volcano trekking on Mount Etna Beach lounging in Cefalù Spa treatments in Taormina Visiting the Valley of the Temples Exploring the historic center of Palermo Snorkeling and diving in the Aeolian Islands Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

May to June, September to October

The peak seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring Sicily's attractions. The sea is warm enough for swimming, and the countryside is lush and green.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: Sicilian, English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET), GMT+2 (Central European Summer Time, CEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some areas requiring caution

Sicily is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur in tourist areas, and some regions may have higher crime rates.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting your journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions, distractions, or overly friendly advances.

Getting there

By air

Palermo Airport • 32 km (20 miles) from Palermo city center
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport • 7 km (4.3 miles) from Catania city center

By train

Palermo Centrale, Catania Centrale

By bus

Palermo Bus Terminal, Catania Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Sicily, with regular services connecting major cities and towns. The network can be complex, but it is affordable and convenient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Palermo Centro Storico Taormina Catania Centro Agrigento

Day trips

Aeolian Islands

25-50 km (16-31 miles) from Milazzo • Full day to overnight

A group of seven volcanic islands known for their stunning landscapes, hot springs, and unique geological features. The islands offer a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, and relaxing in natural hot springs.

Erice

100 km (62 miles) from Palermo • Half day to full day

A medieval hilltop town known for its stunning views, historic landmarks, and charming streets. Erice is a popular destination for those interested in history, culture, and panoramic views.

Noto

90 km (56 miles) from Syracuse • Half day to full day

A picturesque Baroque town known for its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history. Noto is a popular destination for those interested in art, history, and culture.

Festivals

Infiorata di Noto • May Taormina Film Fest • June Sagra del Miele • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Italian or Sicilian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
Visit local markets and try street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Explore the island's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Aeolian Islands, the Madonie Regional Park, and the Zingaro Nature Reserve.
Rent a car for flexibility and access to remote areas, but be prepared for narrow roads, aggressive drivers, and limited parking.
Visit during the shoulder or off-peak seasons (April-June, September-October) for better prices, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather.