Province of Messina: Taormina, Coast, Nebrodi, Villages

The province of Messina occupies the northeast corner of Sicily between the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Sea; only the Strait of Messina separates it from Calabria. Its capital is Messina. Since August 2015 the province has officially been the Città metropolitana di Messina, with 108 municipalities on 3,266 square kilometers and about 593,000 inhabitants (ISTAT-based figures, April 2026). It is known for Taormina, the seaside towns between Milazzo and Capo d'Orlando, the Nebrodi Park and the Aeolian Islands.

The city itself has its own page: things to do in Messina.

What is there to see in the province of Messina?

The province has three landscapes: the Ionian coast around Taormina, the Tyrrhenian coast around Milazzo, and the Nebrodi mountains in between. These places each have a guide:

The theater of Taormina was built in the 3rd century BC and rebuilt in Roman times in the 2nd century AD. With an auditorium about 109 meters across, it is the second-largest ancient theater in Sicily after the one in Syracuse (Parco archeologico Naxos Taormina). The Greek-Roman theater of Tindari dates from the 3rd century BC as well; next to the excavation site stands the sanctuary of the Black Madonna.

At seven hectares, the citadel of Milazzo is the largest fortified complex in Sicily. Building work began in 1278 under Charles of Anjou, and the Aragonese wall with five round towers was finished in 1456. In Montalbano Elicona a Swabian-Aragonese castle looks out over the Aeolian Islands. Savoca, Novara di Sicilia and Montalbano Elicona count among the "most beautiful villages in Italy" (I Borghi più belli d'Italia).

Which towns in the province of Messina are by the sea?

On the Tyrrhenian coast, Milazzo, Tonnarella, Oliveri, Portorosa and Capo d'Orlando follow one another between Capo di Milazzo and Capo d'Orlando. On the Ionian side, Taormina is the best-known coastal town. Boats can use the marinas Portorosa and Porto di Capo d'Orlando. The Beach category lists the beaches across the island.

From Milazzo, Tonnarella, Oliveri, Portorosa and Tindari can be reached by car. From the parking lot at Capo di Milazzo a footpath leads to the Piscina di Venere, a natural pool at the tip of the peninsula.

Which inland villages and nature areas are worth a visit?

At 85,587 hectares the Parco dei Nebrodi is the largest protected area in Sicily. It spreads over 23 municipalities, 18 of them in the province of Messina. Further inland lie the mountain villages Novara di Sicilia and Montalbano Elicona. From Montalbano a hike leads to the Argimusco plateau and its limestone megaliths. More ideas are listed under nature reserves, monuments and panoramic points.

The seven Aeolian Islands belong administratively to the province of Messina and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. They have a page of their own: Aeolian Islands.

How do you get to the province of Messina?

The nearest large airport is Catania-Fontanarossa (CTA). Across the strait lies Reggio Calabria airport (REG). The A18 motorway runs from Catania to Messina and the A20 from Messina to Palermo; see the Highway page. The ferry from Villa San Giovanni to Messina takes about 20 minutes (Caronte & Tourist, as of 2026); the harbor is described on Porto di Messina. Bluferries runs from Villa San Giovanni to Tremestieri, the commercial port about ten kilometers south of Messina (around 50 minutes). Hydrofoils sail from Milazzo to Lipari in about an hour (Liberty Lines, as of 2026).

When is the best time to visit the province of Messina?

The coast is busiest in the swimming season, while the Nebrodi Park and the Alcantara gorge suit spring or autumn. Monthly air and sea temperatures are on the travel planning page.

Vacation rentals across Sicily are listed on sicily.vacations.