Messina ferries connect Sicily with Italy & Aeolian Islands with crossings available to Salerno, Reggio Calabria & Villa San Giovanni (in Italy) & Lipari, Rinella, Salina, Vulcano, Panarea & Stromboli (in Aeolian Islands). Messina Ferry crossings are operated by Caronte & Tourist & Liberty Lines Fast Ferries and depending on time of year you’ll find a choice of up to 93 ferry crossings daily.
There are up to 93 ferry crossings daily from Messina with sailing durations starting from 20 minutes. Our Messina ferry summary provides a good guide but for the latest sailing information use our fare search.
Located on the north east coast of Sicily, Messina is the third largest city on the island of Sicily, and is widely regarded as the door of Sicily. There are several ferry routes departing from the port of Messina, typically crossing to other coastal resorts belonging to Italy.
At first glance the city may not seem like it has much to offer, but beyond the dull landscape and heavy traffic near the harbour, Messina is a hotbed of cultural landmarks. For a holiday of sightseeing, the first trip should be made to the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, which embodies the stunning architecture synonymous with Italy. After the cathedral, The Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of Orion are popular tourist attractions, especially for those with an interest in history.
The abundance of major attractions can be overwhelming for visitors who like to pack as much in as possible, so for a more leisurely approach, head to the Botanical Gardens which are an oasis of calm. Aside from the cathedral, Messina exudes a modern feel; many of the historical buildings were struck down in the earthquake in 1908 and the mass bombings in WWII, so it seems the entire city has been built completely from scratch.
The port of Messina is accessible via car and train; the railway station is only around 100m walk from the harbour, and there are road links heading directly to the ferry terminal.