Messina is a great port for exploring Sicily’s highlights without packing your suitcase. Its strategic location makes it easy to combine scenic villages, historic sites, and volcanic wonders into a day trip. We especially like the Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour for its blend of history, stunning views, and leisurely pace. The tour’s walk through the ancient Roman streets, visits to the Greek Theater, and panoramic stops at Castelmola give a real sense of Sicily’s charm. Plus, pickup and drop-off from Messina or Giardini Naxos help keep things stress-free.
If you want to combine adventure and tasting, the Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina With Tasting Of Sicilian Products offers a full-day experience with a focus on Sicily’s volcanic landscape and local flavors. For those seeking an immersive full-day adventure that includes a film-famous village, the Best Shore Excursion in one day: Etna – Taormina – Godfather with food provides a mix of volcano exploration, scenic towns, and delicious food tastings. For more personalized service, the Private Tour Tindari, Milazzo And Messina allows flexible stops and a tailored itinerary. Finally, if you’re short on time, the Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina – Shared offers a quick but thorough taste of one of Sicily’s most photogenic towns.
1. Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion
For around $139, this full-day tour to Taormina is a balanced mix of history, nature, and panoramic views. It lasts about 7 hours and includes pickup and drop-off from Messina and Giardini Naxos. The tour starts with a guided stroll through Taormina’s Corso Umberto, the main street lined with shops and cafes on what was once an ancient Roman road. Visiting the Greco-Roman Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C., is a highlight, as the site offers sweeping views of Mount Etna and the coast.
Then, the trip continues to Castelmola, a small village perched 500 meters above sea level, famous for its baroque Minotaur fountain and incredible views. The tour also includes stops at historic sites like the cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicola di Bari and the 1557 Montorsoli fountain. The overall experience is praised for friendly guides and well-planned logistics. One reviewer called it a “great private excursion,” appreciating the mix of scenery and history.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers who want a full day of sightseeing with a mix of walking, culture, and stunning vistas. The price and reviews suggest good value for a well-organized trip.
2. Best Shore Excursion Etna, Taormina, Messina With Tasting Of Sicilian Products
At number 2, this excursion is perfect if you want to combine volcano exploration with culinary delights. It lasts about 6 hours and costs roughly $219, making it a more immersive experience. The tour starts with a walk on Mount Etna’s sylvan craters, offering breathtaking views of the Ionian coast. The guide explains the volcano’s eruptions and how it shaped Sicily’s landscape. Visiting Rifugio Sapienza at 2000 meters allows you to see the famous Silvestri Craters, take in panoramic vistas, and browse lava-based souvenirs.
Next, the group heads to Messina’s Piazza del Duomo to see the largest astronomical clock in the world and explore the cathedral. Then, you get full autonomy for two hours in Taormina, where you can visit the Greek Theater, Palazzo Corvaja, or just enjoy the local shops and cafes. The combination of natural wonder and local food tasting makes this tour stand out.
Bottom line: Great for travelers eager to see Sicily’s volcano, enjoy scenic towns, and indulge in Sicilian flavors—all in a manageable half-day trip.
3. Best Shore Excursion in one day: Etna – Taormina – Godfather with food
For those wanting an all-in-one experience, this full-day tour is a comprehensive dive into Sicily’s culture, scenery, and cinematic history. Costing about $499, it covers Mount Etna’s slopes, Savoca, and Ravello’s film settings in the village of Savoca, famous for appearing in The Godfather.
Your private guide explains Etna’s eruptions and offers a visit to Rifugio Sapienza, where you can admire the Silvestri Craters and enjoy panoramic views. Then, the tour moves to Savoca, where you’ll taste local wines, olive oil, and Sicilian specialties while soaking in views from the medieval village. The tour is ideal for those interested in Sicilian cuisine and film locations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and history.
Guests mention Omar, the guide, making the experience memorable with his knowledge and friendliness. Keep in mind, this is a longer, more indulgent day — suited for travelers keen on a deep dive into Sicily’s culture.
Bottom line: Best for food lovers and film fans who want a full-day of sights, tastings, and stories. It’s the most expensive but offers the most comprehensive experience.
4. Messina Shore Excursion: Private Tour Tindari, Milazzo And Messina
For a personalized exploration, the Private Tour Tindari, Milazzo And Messina offers a flexible 5-hour itinerary. Priced at about $208, it’s perfect if you prefer a custom schedule. The tour’s highlights include the Tindari archaeological site, known for its ancient Greek theater and the Black Madonna Sanctuary, and Milazzo, a charming seaside town with a lively harbor.
What makes this tour special is the ability to decide the pace — whether you want more time at certain sites or to include a lunch in a local restaurant. The guide and driver are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, with reviewers mentioning that the driver went “above and beyond,” and that the tour was well-organized.
This private option is ideal for couples or small groups wanting to explore at their own speed, with the flexibility to add extra sights or tastes along the way.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a tailored experience with the comfort of private transportation and the ability to customize their stops.
5. Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina – Shared
If you’re on a budget and short on time, this shared tour to Taormina offers a 4-hour overview for about $103. It includes a drive from Messina, a stop at Taormina’s Greek Theater, the cathedral, and Corso Umberto. You’ll have about two hours of free time to explore the town on your own, soaking in the views of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea.
Guests like Wendi & Wade appreciated the guide’s commentary and the scenic stops, though some felt it was a quick glimpse rather than a deep dive. It’s best suited for travelers who want a taste of Taormina without the full-day commitment, and who don’t mind sharing the experience with others.
Bottom line: An affordable, quick way to see Taormina’s highlights — perfect if your schedule is tight or you’re traveling on a budget.
How to Choose Your Perfect Messina Shore Excursion
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re after a full day of sightseeing with cultural stops, the Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour is a great value. For mountain scenery coupled with tastings, the Etna and Taormina with Sicilian Products delivers a bit of everything. Want a cinematic experience? The Godfather tour immerses you in film locations and food. If flexibility is your priority, the private Tindari and Milazzo tour offers a custom itinerary. Finally, for a quick, budget-friendly visit, the shared Taormina tour gives a snapshot of this beautiful town.
Consider your interests: history and scenery, volcano and food, or just a brief visit. Also think about how much time you want to dedicate — some tours run 4 hours, others 7 hours or more. Booking early is wise, especially for popular excursions or private options, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Messina offers a wide range of shore excursions, from full-day adventures exploring Mount Etna and Taormina to private tailored trips around Tindari and Milazzo. For those eager to combine natural wonders with local flavors, the options are plentiful. Travelers interested in history and panoramic views will enjoy the full-day Taormina tour, while those craving a personalized experience should consider the private Tindari tour. Budget travelers can make the most of the shorter, shared excursions, and food lovers won’t want to miss the tasting adventures.
No matter which you choose, booking your tour early and clarifying your interests will ensure you get the most out of your time in Messina. These excursions are a fantastic way to experience Sicily’s highlights beyond the port, making your cruise stop truly memorable.