Things to do in Province of Messina

Experience the glitz and glamour of the Aeolian Islands on this full-day tour. See the famous Capo Milazzese, Cala Degli Zimmari, Saint Vincent’s Square, and other places before witnessing the magical sunset over the island. After departing from Milazzo, sail to Panarea, the smallest of the islands. Soak up the glamorous atmosphere of the island, favored by VIPs, as you stroll around the narrow streets of its historic center. You will continue to pay a visit to the prehistoric village of Capo Milazzese, where you can learn more about Panarea's ancient origins. Visit Cala Junco Bay, a spectacular beach in the shape of an amphitheater that is ideal for underwater swimming. Finally, relax on the sandy beach of Cala Degli Zimmari before continuing your journey. Having left Panarea, sail through the picturesque inlets which form a micro-archipelago between Lipari and the island of Stromboli, your next stop. Enjoy some free time to discover this island, which is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world, at your own pace. Visit Saint Vincent’s Square, named after the church dedicated to the same Saint, and the house in which Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman lived during the shooting of the film "Stromboli terra di Dio" (Stromboli land of God). As the sun sets over the island, enjoy panoramic views of the port and volcanoes from the main square. Watch as the fire of the eruptions and the dark sky clash with each other providing ever-changing colorful creations in the Sciara del Fuoco, which will be visible from the sea during the return journey.

Compare the plot of The Godfather saga with the history of real-life Sicilian Mafia during this guided day trip from Taormina to the villages of Savoca and Forza D'Agro. Travel in comfort on a minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off. Enjoy an authentic Sicilian lunch with a glass of wine. Begin the tour with a drive to Savoca and take a guided walk through the old town. Visit locations where The Godfather movie was filmed. See the Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone met the father of his future wife Apollonia, and St. Lucy’s Church, where they were married. Learn about the history of the Sicilian Mafia and how it spread throughout Italy. Hear about the Mafia clan wars for control of the territory. Then, head to your second stop, Forza D'Agro, another small village where the movie was filmed. After a walking tour, stop for lunch in a charming restaurant. Enjoy a plate of fresh pasta with wine from the Etna region on a terrace overlooking the Sicilian coast.

See the stunning Aeolian Archipelago on a day trip to the islands of Vulcano and Lipari from Milazzo. Take a boat to Lipari and go on a walk in the Old Town. Then, sail to the UNESCO-listed chain of volcanic islands. Enjoy a mud bath in Vulcano, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, or relax on the beach.  Discover the 2 beautiful Liparian Islands north of the coast of Sicily. Begin your tour in the morning at the Port of Milazzo and set out along the foothills of Capo Milazzo to Lipari. Explore the land with its wonderful old town and archaeological park. Walk down the little streets and wander into tiny shops. Admire the impressive needle- and cone-shaped rock formations of Faraglioni, Pope John Cliff, the Angels' Grotto, and the Mummy Cliff. Then return to your ship and continue on to the island of Vulcano. Relax here in the sulfuric mud spa or on the dreamlike black sand beach, or enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. On your way back to Milazzo, enjoy one last view of the picturesque town of Gelso with its antique lighthouse.

Take a tour of Stromboli and Panarea, both belonging to the Aeolian Archipelago. Enjoy this unique chance to see volcanic eruptions and learn the history of these ancient islands. On a private motorboat equipped with toilets and bar, arrive at Panarea onto Calajunco Bay and the small Zimmari Beach. Take in the quiet beauty of these stunning beaches as you explore the second smallest of the islands. Meander along its winding streets and gravel beaches, taking in the perfect Sicilian backdrop.  Sail around the rocks in front of Panarea and then proceed to Stromboli, home to one of Italy’s 3 active volcanoes. Constantly active, you will be able to see the eruptions from the sea and the many viewing points on the island. This spectacular phenomenon has given the island the nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean'. After looking over the small village of Ginostra from the sea, you have the chance to explore the historical center of San Vincenzo until sunset. Back on board guests sail out to sea to watch the dramatic eruptions of the Sciara del Fuoco, fire slide, against the night’s sky. 

Begin your journey by boarding a bus with your knowledgeable tour leader. This will take you approximately 1,900 meters (about 6,233 feet) up Mount Etna, where you will then switch to jeeps in order to get within a safe distance of the main crater area at 3,000 meters (about 9,840 feet) elevation.  During your ascent, you’ll be escorted by licensed guides of the CAI - Italian Alpine Club. Mount Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, and the tallest active volcano in Europe, standing at 3,350 meters (about 10,990 feet).  It’s also one of the most active volcanoes in the world and in an almost constant state of activity since its first eruption about half a million years ago. After reaching the highest authorized area, stop to experience a stunning sunset as the fading sun’s colors cover the volcano, the Valley of the Bove, and all of the expansive surroundings.  Following the sunset, return by jeep to 1,900 meters, at which point it will be time for dinner (cost not included) in a local restaurant to finish off the evening.

Discover the islands of Lipari and Vulcano in a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea on this day trip from Taormina. Ride in a climate-controlled bus to Milazzo and take a private boat to the island of Lipari and Vulcano.  Depart from Taormina aboard a comfortable bus to Milazzo harbor on the North coast of Sicily. Hop aboard a spacious boat and feel the sea breeze as you travel to Lipari, the most populated and most historically significant of the Aeolian Islands. Spend some free time exploring the Old Town which has vibrantly colored buildings, a stunning cathedral, and old fortification walls. Stroll through the narrow streets to uncover shops and cafes, and take in views of the turquoise sea. Head to the island of Vulcano, which gives its name to all volcanoes. Take free time to enjoy its black beach or go for lunch at a local restaurant. On the way back to Milazzo, the tour follows the coastline to see the breathtaking Faraglioni Rock formation, the Horse Cave, and the Mermaid's Rock. Transfer back to the meeting point in Taormina by bus at the end of your tour. 

Discover the rich underwater world of Giardini Naxos, Taormina, and Isola Bella on this guided tour aboard an air-conditioned submarine. Have the chance to spot sea creatures like dolphins, barracudas, octopuses, big groupers, and stingrays. Hop aboard a comfortable, bright-red submarine in Giardini Naxos and plunge down to the seabed. Have the option to go below or head up to the above deck area. Look for moray eels and schools of juvenile barracudas as you cruise through the vast meadow of oceanic posidonia grass in Isola Bella.  Feel the romance as you pass by the Cave of Lovers and experience the Blue Grotto from below. Take a look under the waves at the Bay of Sirens and venture into the protected waters of a nature reserve.   Upon returning to your meeting point, if the weather and sea conditions allow it, there is the possibility of spotting playful dolphins which populated this stretch of sea in eastern Sicily.

Then don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this original excursion aboard a Kayak and discover the Marine Park of Taormina's Isola Bella. You will be provided with the necessary equipment to carry out the excursion and throughout the trip you will be accompanied by one of our qualified instructors. Starting from the beach of Giardini naxos, you will kick off your tour of about 2 hours; you will reach Isola Bella, the beautiful Blue Grotto, the Grotta degli Innamorati and the Fico rock. On hot days, you may be lucky enough to even spot dolphins swimming just a few meters away from you.

On this informative tour, follow in the footsteps of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Discover the beautiful medieval villages of Savoca and Forza d’Agrò nestled on 2 beautiful hills where Francis Ford Coppola shot the famous movies. Explore the splendid hidden corners of Sicily as you go off the beaten path. Visit St. Lucy Church where Michael married Apollonia and the Cathedral of Forza d'Agrò where another wedding scene was shot. Enjoy a drink or lemon granita at Bar Vitelli where Michael Corleone asked Mr. Vitelli if he could marry his daughter. Then, explore the beautiful Castello Degli Schiavi (subject to availability).

Benefit from pick-up at your accommodation and journey with an authorized local guide through the typical villages of Sicily's west coast. Pass houses made from lava stone and marvel at groves of orange, olive and almond trees. Listen to tales of local traditions and learn about the food and wines produced in the volcanic landscape of Mount Etna. Stop at a family-run winery and get a glass of rosé Prosecco as a welcome.  Visit the cellars before a wine tasting with cold appetizers in a lava stone open-air amphitheater. Sample a glass of white and red wine with locally produced cheeses, salamis, artichokes and more. Continue to a farmhouse to savor more food and wine on an open-air terrace overlooking the vineyards. Try various dishes, including ricotta cheese with marmalade and 2 different pastas made with seasonal ingredients, such as black pork sauce.  Lastly, taste a homemade Limoncello and be dropped off at your accommodation.