The province of Messina, located in northeastern Sicily, is one of the island’s most geographically diverse and culturally rich regions. It offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from volcanic islands and pristine beaches to rugged mountain ranges and charming medieval towns.
Framed by the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, and overlooking the narrow Strait of Messina, the province is a dynamic fusion of natural beauty, historical significance, and lively traditions. It is a destination for travelers who want to experience the full spectrum of Sicilian life.
Perhaps the crown jewels of the province are the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of seven volcanic islands scattered across the Tyrrhenian Sea. Lipari, the largest, is known for its picturesque port and archaeological museum.
Stromboli, with its active volcano, offers thrilling night-time eruptions, while Salina is a green, fertile island famous for capers and Malvasia wine. Each island has its own unique character and charm, from Panarea’s exclusive atmosphere to Vulcano’s steaming mud baths.
Along the Tyrrhenian coast, Messina province is home to some of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches and resort towns. The town of Milazzo is a key gateway to the Aeolian Islands and boasts a long beach, a charming old town, and a dramatic castle overlooking the sea.
Further west, Capo d’Orlando and Gioiosa Marea offer stunning coastlines with crystal-clear waters and vibrant promenades. On the Ionian side, the famous town of Taormina, though technically in the province, acts as a cultural magnet with its beaches, Greek theatre, and dramatic cliffs.
The Nebrodi Mountains stretch through the interior of the province, forming one of the most important ecological zones in Sicily. The Parco dei Nebrodi is the largest protected natural area on the island, filled with ancient beech forests, rivers, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.
Hiking trails connect remote villages and highland lakes, such as Lago Maulazzo and Lago Biviere, offering a tranquil, green contrast to the coastal heat. These mountains are also home to the distinctive Nebrodi black pig, a symbol of the region’s agricultural heritage.
Throughout Messina province, hilltop towns tell stories of medieval life and layered cultural influences. Montalbano Elicona, awarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, features a well-preserved Norman castle and panoramic views over the countryside.
Other notable towns include Novara di Sicilia, with its stone streets and baroque churches, and San Marco d'Alunzio, perched above the Tyrrhenian coast. These villages are quiet, atmospheric places where the traditions of rural Sicily remain strong and alive.
The narrow strait separating Sicily from mainland Italy is steeped in legend and maritime importance. According to ancient mythology, this is the domain of Scylla and Charybdis, sea monsters that guarded the passage in Homer’s Odyssey.
Today, the strait is a busy channel for ferries and cargo ships. The coastal drive along the strait offers breathtaking views of Calabria across the water and opportunities to visit scenic towns like Ganzirri and Torre Faro, where traditional fishing techniques are still in use.
The province celebrates numerous festivals rooted in deep Catholic faith and vibrant local folklore. One of the most striking is the Vara di Messina, a towering religious float carried through the city each August, representing the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Smaller towns hold processions, medieval reenactments, and culinary festivals throughout the year. In villages like Roccavaldina and Santa Lucia del Mela, these events are central to community life and offer visitors a chance to experience Sicilian culture up close.
The cuisine of Messina province is a celebration of land and sea. Swordfish is a local specialty, especially in the coastal villages along the strait, often grilled with olive oil, herbs, and lemon. Aeolian dishes often include capers, olives, and fresh seafood.
Inland, the cuisine turns to cured meats, cheeses, wild herbs, and chestnuts. The Nebrodi black pig is used in salumi and stews, while local wines, from the Malvasia of Salina to red blends from the hills, are gaining recognition for their quality and character.
The province is home to many ancient sites, from Greek settlements to Roman villas. Tindari, perched above the sea, is both a modern pilgrimage site and an ancient city founded by the Greeks. It features a Roman theatre and ruins with expansive coastal views.
The sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari draws religious visitors, while the site’s dramatic cliffside location adds a mystical element. Other archaeological spots include the ancient town of Abacena and traces of prehistoric settlements in the Nebrodi hills.
Reaching the province is easy via the city of Messina, which connects to the mainland by ferry and to other parts of Sicily by train and highway. Milazzo is a common base for exploring the Aeolian Islands and the Tyrrhenian coast.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels in coastal towns and rural farmhouses in the Nebrodi to seaside villas on the islands. Whether you seek adventure, culture, or relaxation, Messina province offers a uniquely Sicilian experience filled with discovery and natural beauty.
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