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Porta Messina

Porta Messina: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Catania: Day Trip to Mount Etna and Taormina

1. From Catania: Day Trip to Mount Etna and Taormina

Hike to the highest active volcano in Europe, Mt Etna, and continue to the characteristic town of Taormina on a guided day trip from Catania with return hotel transfers. Visit old craters and lava flow caves and sit down for a picnic lunch in nature with a glass of wine. Start with a pickup from your accommodation in Catania and make your way to Etna. Get introduced to the fascinating world of volcanic phenomena by your guide. Gear up in hiking equipment and walk through ancient woods, extinct craters and past lava flows on Etna. Explore a volcanic cave and the surrounding landscape of Etna. After working up an appetite, enjoy a packed lunch with some typical street food products in an open area. In case of bad weather, go to a refuge to munch on sandwiches.  Next, head to the historical center of Taormina for a self-guided visit. Admire the Ionian coast on one side and Mount Etna on the other, immersed in a picturesque atmosphere. Visit the elegant avenue that separates the medieval city gates, Porta Catania and Porta Messina, walk down the alleys, and see the Greek theater. After your visit to Taormina, jump back on board for the return trip to Catania.

Taormina: Guided Walking Tour

2. Taormina: Guided Walking Tour

Wander beautiful Taormina on a guided walking tour. Visit the town's sights, including Porta Catania, Public Gardens, and the ancient Greco-Roman amphitheater. Walk the smallest street in Europe on Viccolo Stretto. Stroll through picturesque Taormina high above the Ionian Sea with Mount Etna looming in the distance. Walk the charming Corso Umberto I. Visit the stunning ancient amphitheater for some unforgettable views. Enjoy a walk in the Public Gardens amid a dazzling array of flourishing plant life. Discover the town's history with a knowledgeable guide.

Taormina: Sunset Walking Tour & Aperitif on Rooftop Terrace

3. Taormina: Sunset Walking Tour & Aperitif on Rooftop Terrace

Meet your professional local guide at a centrally located point in the historic center of Taormina - Porta Messina, and start your small group 2.5-hour sunset promenade, or like Italians say 'paseggiata.' You will walk the main street of Taormina – Corso Umberto - vibrant and lively, but still relaxed and romantic when the sun goes down. Walk from the ancient historic gates of Porta Messina to Porta Catania and see such important monuments like Palazzo Corvaja, the 2nd century Roman theatre Odeon, ancient Roman naumachia, old churches of San Pancrazio, Santa Caterina, San Giuseppe and other. Stop to admire a spectacular view of Mount Etna and the Ionian coastline opening from the terrace of Piazza IX Aprile, then continue to Piazza Duomo to see the main cathedral of Taormina and the symbol of the town – ancient fountain holding a centaur with a female head. From your friendly licensed local guide, who is truly in love with his home town, you will hear about the history and interesting facts of Taormina, learn about the influence of the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards presented at each step, each stone and in the everyday life of the town – its architecture, culture, cuisine, language and even the Sicilian mindset.  You will feel the unique atmosphere of Taormina at sunset, when its charming streets are lit with romantic lights, the air is full of beautiful scents of citrus and fresh seafood and local musicians perform live on the streets and squares. You will end your sunset tour on the terrace of one of the best restaurants in Taormina with a glass of Aperol spritz or wine accompanied with light appetizers, admiring the incredible view of Mount Etna and illuminated Ionian coastline.

Other Sightseeing Options in Porta Messina

Want to discover all there is to do in Porta Messina? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Porta Messina

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 100 reviews

If you want to enjoy Mount Etna and avoid tourist groups then you must book the Private Tour! Giovanni was an amazing guide who was so passionate. We arrived at Mount Etna before the buses and he took us through less traditional paths to walk us through the various craters and talk about the history of the eruptions. Perfect if you want explanations and a bit of adventure. The drive to the winery was a lot of fun full of stories, the food and wine there was excellent and my partner and I didn't feel one second this was a tourist trap. We finished at Taormina which was a lovely city full of lovely spots for pictures, maybe a bit touristic but we were lucky to visit off season to appreciate it.

It was a great trip with 5 other travelers and our guide Floriana who was friendly, helpful and full of joy. We had a short walk to the refugio and the Silvestri craters followed by simple lunch with schiacciata and wine. Then we had off to Taormina where we had 2 hours to wonder around.

Very nice experience The guide was fantastic, a lot of information, respected all the participants, used 3 languages, the food at lunch, in a vineyard was sublime, in short we are delighted

Excellent organization. Our companions Alessandro and Marco were competent and available to our every need. I highly recommend the experience.

Excellent experience with competent, helpful and prepared guide