This was probably my favorite port. We went to Taormina and Mt. Etna on a shared tour excursion: https://italytoursharing.com/messina-port/mtetna-taormina. Being on Mt. Etna was truly life changing but bring a jacket! You're 6,000 feet above sea level and it's freezing! We went to a honey farm for free samples of honey, olive oil and wines and explored the beautiful shopping town or Taormina.

Visited: Oct 01, 2017

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Please don’t miss Mt Etna!! Simply amazing and stunning!!

Done our own thing on this island. Lots of litter and graffiti. Went to a little shop and had Gelato while there my husband accidentally set his wallet down on the counter when paying for it. About 15 minutes later as we were sitting outside, the worker came walking out and handed my husband his wallet. He had asked everyone in the shop if it was their. With all the talk of pick pocketing we were thrilled everyone was honest and denied it was theirs. My husband got his wallet back with everything still in it. A tip was given to the worker from my husband. ( which at first the worker tried refusing that)

Messina isn't very exciting, take the train to Taormina, which is a really beautifully situated old town with plenty of shopping, restaurants, great views and more.

Visited: May 27, 2016

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We went to Taormina and the Blue Grotto. One of my favorite ports. Taormina is breathtakingly beautiful, we did lots of sightseeing and shopping and then took a boat ride to the Blue Grotto where the water was an unbelievably beautiful blue color. Then they dropped anchor and we were able to swim around the boat. When we returned to the boat the captain served Prosecco to everyone and played Italian music. It was just wonderful.