Looking for tours and things to do in Messina in 2026? The city offers so many places to visit that it might be difficult to choose, but for sure, the panorama Messina offers is unique. The city is nestled between two seas, the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian. Right in front of the city of Messina the scenic view of the Strait and the Mainland Italy will make an impact on you. Among the things to do in Messina, you can’t skip trying the local food delicacies, visiting the oldest monuments that survived the earthquake of 1908, or capturing its magnificent views from some outstanding points of view with your camera. The city of Messina is definitely able to satisfy everybody’s desire for discovery.
Let’s see together the different options.
Things to do in Messina in 2026: a journey through history and natural beauty, legends and good food
1. Food and wine. One of the best things to do in Messina, especially for foodies, is the Messina Street Food tour. Meet Roberto, a local, friendly guide, who is himself a foodie! He will walk you around the city centre of Messina, and besides all the most important cultural attractions, he will introduce you to the food you must absolutely try when in Sicily, and specifically in Messina. For sure, you have already heard about the famous Sicilian cannolo, but what about the granita with brioche or the arancino? If you try this activity, be careful: do not have breakfast in the morning!
2. The Strait of Messina. Legends and myths have arisen throughout history, and in the Sicilian image of the Strait, monsters and fairies have always been the true protagonists. Among the things to do in Messina, seeing how the legends and myths came to be is not difficult. The geological structure and atmospheric conditions have created so many unique and incredible phenomena that have led people to believe they were related to supernatural powers.
The Scylla and Charybdis Legend was inspired by the turbulent waters of the two seas that come together in the Strait, whose whirlpools crushed boats and killed people, and became the jaws of monstrous creatures. This incredible phenomenon, which today is not as dangerous as before, is visible from the extreme eastern point of the island, in capo Peloro Sicily. You can discover more about this area with a Messina city tour, which also includes a visit to the city centre and to the Lakes of Faro and Ganzirri.
When looking for things to do in Messina, enjoying the Panorama Messina presents in this place is not only incredible because of the beautiful natural scenery, with these two strips of land, far apart yet so near that they seem a touch away, but right here, an extremely rare phenomenon takes place, the Fata Morgana Mirage.
If while watching the sea, suddenly a boat starts floating in the air, don’t worry, you are not having a stroke, and no magic is involved. The atmospheric conditions create an optical illusion that fools us into seeing the opposite coast as if only a couple of hundred meters away or the boats as if they are floating on air. And if you don’t believe us, next time you’re looking for things to do in Messina, make sure to come to see this with your own eyes.
3. Wine tasting in Messina. Amongst the best things to do in Messina if you are a wine lover or just want to know more about Sicilian wines, you can try a lovely wine tasting tour near the city of Messina, visiting the vineyard of a small local winery. You will learn more about the local production of the Faro DCO wine, a recognized label for wine produced in the area of Messina.
Panorama Messina: a look from above
4. Messina Dinnammare. If you are still looking for things to do in Messina, a trip to Messina Mountains is what you want, a place to enjoy the panorama and a bit of fresh air, maybe to escape the scorching weather of the summer. Less than half an hour by car from the city centre, Messina Mountains, called the Peloritan Mountains, are able to surprise its visitors with the incredible view of the city and the whole Strait.
Stripes of blue and green stand before us creating one of the most beautiful sceneries on the island. Land and sea, sky and earth, all seem to come together in this spot, in the most unique panorama Messina can offer. But, this is Sicily and wherever you go there’s always something delicious to eat.
One of the many peaks of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina Dinnammare offers the best view of Messina: the belvedere on one side overlooks the majestic Strait of Messina, and on the other side the Thyrrenian littoral with Milazzo Cape and the archipelago of the seven Aeolian Islands, where to admire enchanting sunsets.
Nearby Messina Dinnammare, a small place, called Don Minico, sells the characteristic “pani cunzato”, a traditional sandwich served with typical cheese, tomatoes, and marinated vegetables (included in the Messina 360° tour). So if you’re looking for characteristic things to do in Messina, eating a piece of “pani cunzato” and enjoying the view from Messina Dinnammare is absolutely one of the first choices, and something that any Messinian citizen has experienced at least once in a lifetime.
3. Umbertine Forts. Situated over Messina Mountains, a series of castles and fortresses watch over the city. The Umbertine Forts were built under the reign of Umberto I of Savoy at the end of the 19th century to protect the city from foreign attacks. Ogliastri and Saint Jachiddu Forts are only two of them, and unfortunately, not many others survived to present day. Among the most interesting things to do in Messina, for sure, a visit to these forts is a must-do.
The new technologies and military engineering used in the Umbertine construction allowed Sicily to defend itself from strong attacks. Efficient rifles and powerful cannons, together with deep moats, thick walls, and a more than convenient position, made protecting the city and defeating the opponents very easy.
These castles today, of course, only remnants of the past, a nice way of going back in time, but their position, still, is what makes them so interesting today, the Panorama Messina castles offer is breathtaking and being able to enjoy the Strait, and the city that is named after it from so many perspectives is a chance you shouldn’t miss.
If you’re still not convinced, or you simply don’t want to go too far away from the city centre to enjoy the Panorama Messina offers, there’s yet another spot you can visit.
5. Montalto Sanctuary and Christ the King temple. A couple of minutes’ walk from the Cathedral on foot, on a strategic slope of the Messina hills, two beautiful churches watch over the city, Montalto Sanctuary and Christ the King temple. Besides their architectural and artistic relevance, the Panorama Messina displays is even more spectacular.
Due to the perfect position, not too high, not too low, the city is visible in all its glory, from the Cathedral to the harbour, from the Strait to the Madonna Stele. Among the most beautiful places to visit and most iconic things to do in Messina, taking some time to go to these two churches is something you really shouldn’t miss.
If you prefer a more lively place where you can maybe sit and sip a nice cold beer or eat ice cream while enjoying the view, then Christ the King Temple and its surroundings are what you’re looking for. If you, instead, prefer a more private, romantic spot, to sit, maybe with your other half, and really take in the beauty of the best sunset panorama Messina can offer, then a visit to the Montalto Sanctuary is what you want.
These two spots and so many more are included in the Messina photo walking tour, where a local guide will take you through a panoramic walk of the city to help you discover the picture-perfect points to take scenic pictures.
Things to do in Messina are so many. The city is a strip of land between mountains and sea, rich in beauty, history, and art, so make sure to take in as much as possible of this city’s natural views next time you visit.
