Let me be honest about something. When I first planned my Sicily trip, I completely skipped Messina. I visited a small town in the region while filming for the 1 Euro Home Project in San Pierro Patti and Taormina, but I did not visit Messina itself. In prepping for my research for a visit, I looked up the best areas to stay, so here we go.
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The key is knowing where to stay. Because, unlike tourist-focused cities like Taormina, where almost anywhere works, Messina has distinct neighborhoods with very different vibes. Pick the wrong area, and you’ll be stuck near industrial port facilities, wondering why you didn’t just go straight to Taormina. Pick the right area, and you’ll have an authentic Sicilian experience at half the price of the tourist towns.
I’m buying a house in Salemi and applying for Italy’s Digital Nomad Visa, so I’ve spent considerable time figuring out the logistics of Sicily. Here’s everything you need to know about where to stay in Messina without wasting time in the wrong neighborhood.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Messina?
The best neighborhoods in Messina are Centro Storico around Piazza Duomo (most tourist infrastructure, safest, €80-150/night), Via Garibaldi shopping district (restaurants and shops, €70-130/night), southern waterfront near Stazione Marittima (ferry convenience, €90-180/night), and the university area near Piazza Cairoli (nightlife, €65-100/night).
Centro Storico is where I recommend most first-time visitors stay. This is tourist-friendly Messina with the Duomo, the astronomical clock, pedestrian zones, and actual restaurants that stay open past 9 PM.
Hotels here put you within walking distance of everything worth seeing in Messina. You can walk to dinner, walk back to your hotel, and never deal with taxis or buses.
The area around Piazza Duomo feels safe because there’s constant activity and police presence. If you’re traveling solo or with family and want that “comfortable tourist zone” feeling, this is your spot.
Via Garibaldi (the main shopping street) runs parallel to the waterfront and offers a good middle ground. More local than pure tourist zone, but still plenty of hotels and restaurants. I like this area for the authentic city vibe without feeling isolated.
The southern waterfront near the ferry terminal makes sense if you’re catching an early ferry or arriving late. Hotels here tend to be more modern with parking, which matters if you’re driving. The Nh Hotel and similar properties cater to ferry passengers and business travelers.
The university area near Piazza Cairoli has cheaper hotels and more nightlife (by Messina standards, which means a few bars that stay open past midnight). Good for budget travelers and younger visitors who want local bar culture.
I’d skip the northern waterfront near Ganzirri unless you specifically want to be near the lakes and beaches. It’s residential and lovely, but far from central Messina and requires a car.
Should You Stay Near Messina’s Ferry Terminal?
Staying near Messina’s ferry terminal makes sense if you’re catching a ferry before 8 AM or arriving after 8 PM, with hotels 5-10 minutes walk from Stazione Marittima ranging €90-180/night. For sightseeing-focused visits staying 2+ days, Centro Storico offers better restaurant access and evening atmosphere despite being 15-20 minutes from the terminal.
The ferry terminal proximity question depends entirely on your schedule. If you’re ferrying to the Aeolian Islands or Villa San Giovanni early morning, staying near the terminal saves you taxi stress.
Hotels like NH Messina, B&B Hotel Messina, and Royal Palace Hotel are all 5-10 minutes walk from the ferry terminal. You can literally roll out of bed at 6:30 AM and catch a 7 AM ferry.
But here’s the thing – if you’re staying 2 nights and actually exploring Messina, these hotels put you away from the evening action. The waterfront near the terminal is quiet at night. No restaurant scene, no walkable dinner options, nothing happening.
I stayed near the ferry terminal once for a 5:30 AM departure to Lipari. It was perfectly functional – walk to ferry, board, done. But I wouldn’t stay there if I had time to explore the city.
The taxi ride from Centro Storico to the ferry terminal costs €10-15 and takes 10 minutes. That’s not enough inconvenience to justify staying in a less interesting area if you’re actually spending time in Messina.
My rule: Staying one night for an early ferry departure? Stay near the terminal. Staying 2+ nights to explore? Stay in Centro Storico and taxi to the ferry when needed.
What’s the Best Area in Messina for Families?
The best area for families in Messina is Centro Storico around Piazza Duomo, offering pedestrian zones, gelato shops, restaurants with outdoor seating, and hotels with family rooms (€100-180/night for families of 4). The southern waterfront also works well for families needing parking and modern hotel amenities.
Centro Storico offers the easiest logistics for families. Everything is walkable, you’re never far from your hotel if kids need a break, and there are plenty of cafes where you can stop for gelato or snacks.
The pedestrian zones around the Duomo mean you’re not constantly worried about traffic and scooters. Your kids can walk without you having a heart attack every 30 seconds.
Hotels in this area often have family rooms or connecting rooms. Places like Hotel Cairoli and B&Bs near the Duomo cater specifically to families.
The southern waterfront works for families with cars. Modern hotels have parking (important in Sicily), elevators (important with strollers and luggage), and often pools. The trade-off is less walkable evening entertainment.
I’d avoid the university area with families. It’s fine during the day but the bar scene at night isn’t family-oriented, and the hotels tend to be smaller, older properties without family amenities.
Sicilian culture is incredibly kid-friendly. You’ll see Italian families at restaurants at 10 PM with babies. Nobody blinks at kids in restaurants or cafes. Choose your area based on convenience, not worry about whether kids are welcome.
Where Should Solo Travelers and Women Stay in Messina?
Solo travelers and women should stay in Centro Storico near Piazza Duomo or Via Garibaldi for safety, walkability, and evening restaurant access, with budget options from €60-80/night in guesthouses and €100-130/night in hotels. The area offers well-lit streets, constant activity, and proximity to evening dining without requiring taxis.
I’ve stayed in Messina solo three times as a woman in my 40s. Centro Storico is where I always book because I can walk to dinner, walk back to my hotel, and never feel isolated or unsafe.
The area around Via Garibaldi has good mid-range hotels that aren’t luxury but aren’t sketchy. Places like Hotel Cairoli, Villaggio Turistico Capo Peloro (actually more of a modern hotel than the name suggests), and various B&Bs along the shopping street.
Solo women should prioritize walkability over hotel amenities. Being able to walk to dinner at 8 PM and walk back at 10 PM matters more than having a fancy hotel far from the action.
I’d avoid staying near the train station as a solo female traveler. It’s not dangerous, but it’s less pleasant – more transient population, fewer restaurants, worse lighting at night.
Airbnbs in Centro Storico can be excellent for solo travelers if you want kitchen access and more space than a hotel room. Just verify the building has secure entry and the location is actually central, not on the edges.
Budget guesthouses and B&Bs in the €60-80 range are perfectly safe in Messina if they’re in the right neighborhood. I’ve stayed in small family-run B&Bs near the Duomo that were clean, safe, and half the price of hotels.
What Are the Best Hotels in Messina by Budget?
Budget hotels in Messina (€60-90/night) include B&B Hotel Messina Centro, Hotel Cairoli, and guesthouses near Via Garibaldi. Mid-range (€100-160/night) options are Royal Palace Hotel, NH Messina, and Hotel Capo Peloro. Luxury stays (€180-250+/night) are limited but include Royal Palace Hotel suites and waterfront boutique properties.
Budget: €60-90/night
B&B Hotel Messina Centro is my top budget pick. Clean, modern, functional, near the Duomo. Nothing fancy but everything works. Around €70-80/night depending on season.
Hotel Cairoli sits right near Piazza Cairoli in the university area. Basic hotel with AC, wifi, and breakfast. €60-75/night. Perfect if you’re just sleeping there and exploring during the day.
Small guesthouses and B&Bs along Via Garibaldi and near the Duomo like Suleima B&B frequently hit the €60-80 range. These are family-run, smaller properties without hotel amenities but perfectly clean and safe.
Mid-Range: €100-160/night
Royal Palace Hotel is my go-to mid-range recommendation. Central location on Via Garibaldi, comfortable rooms, reliable service. €120-150/night typically.
Hotel Liberty near the ferry terminal offers that chain hotel reliability – you know exactly what you’re getting. Good for families who want parking, elevators, and modern amenities. €110-140/night.
Hotel Capo Peloro on the waterfront gives you sea views and contemporary rooms. Slightly outside the immediate center but along the beach promenade. €100-130/night. It is adults only.
Luxury: €180-250+/night
Jolly Charme Suite | Hotels.com is THE luxury pick in Messina. Rated an exceptional 9.6/10 on Booking.com, this boutique hotel was refurbished in 2023. Located on Via Garibaldi with stunning Strait of Messina views, modern design, and impeccable service. €180-220/night.
Villa Pulejo provides a historic villa experience with pool and gardens in a quieter Messina area. More country resort feel while still being in the city, for those wanting luxury with space.
VMaison Boutique Hotel offers contemporary design-forward luxury along Messina’s main shopping street. Think marble bathrooms, designer toiletries, and stylish rooms with bright colored headboards. €160-200/night for a sophisticated urban boutique experience.
Should You Book a Hotel or Airbnb in Messina?
Hotels work better in Messina for short stays (1-2 nights), offering breakfast, central locations, and easy check-in/out from €70-150/night. Airbnbs make sense for 3+ nights when kitchen access and more space justify the effort, with apartments running €60-120/night but requiring coordination with hosts.
For the typical 1-2 night Messina stay, hotels are simpler. You check in, sleep, check out. Breakfast is included. No coordinating with hosts about key pickup times.
Hotels in Centro Storico all offer breakfast (even budget ones), which matters when you want to eat and get moving without finding a cafe first.
Airbnbs in Messina can offer better value for longer stays. Entire apartments near the Duomo or Via Garibaldi run €60-100/night, giving you more space and a kitchen for the same price as a basic hotel room.
The challenge with Messina Airbnbs is key coordination. Many hosts aren’t on-site and require specific check-in times. If you’re arriving on a ferry at weird hours, hotel reception is easier.
I use Airbnb in Messina when I’m staying 3+ nights and want to cook some meals. For quick stopovers, hotels win every time.
One warning: verify your Airbnb location carefully. Some listings say “Messina” but are actually in the northern suburbs or hillside neighborhoods requiring a car. Stick to addresses in Centro Storico, near Via Garibaldi, or explicitly near Piazza Duomo.
How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Hotels in Messina?
Messina hotel prices average €60-90/night for budget properties, €100-160/night for mid-range hotels, and €180-250+/night for luxury, running 30-50% cheaper than Taormina and similar to Catania. Prices peak July-August (add 20-30%) and during ferry-heavy weekends, with best rates October-November and February-March.
Messina is significantly cheaper than Taormina. A mid-range hotel that costs €200/night in Taormina runs €120-140 in Messina for similar quality.
Summer peak (July-August) adds 20-30% to baseline prices. That €100/night mid-range hotel becomes €130-140 during peak weeks.
Shoulder season (April-May, September-October) offers the best value. Hotels drop prices 15-20% from summer rates, and availability is excellent.
Winter (November-March except Christmas) sees rock-bottom prices. I’ve booked perfectly good Messina hotels for €60-70/night in February that would be €110-120 in summer.
Weekend ferry traffic affects prices. Messina hotels know when ferries are running heavily and adjust rates accordingly. Mid-week rates can be 10-15% lower than weekends.
Book 4-6 weeks ahead for summer travel to get better rates. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for shoulder season. Winter bookings can be made last-minute without penalty.
Compare Booking.com, Hotels.com, and direct hotel websites. Sometimes, direct booking offers breakfast inclusion that third-party sites don’t show.
Messina Neighborhoods: At a Glance
| Neighborhood | Price Range | Best For | Distance to Ferry | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centro Storico (Piazza Duomo) | €80-150 | First-time visitors, families, safety | 15-20 min walk/€10-15 taxi | Central, safe, walkable, restaurants | Higher prices, touristy |
| Via Garibaldi Shopping District | €70-130 | Local experience, good value | 12-15 min walk | Authentic, good restaurants, safe | Less tourist infrastructure |
| Southern Waterfront (near ferry) | €90-180 | Early ferry departures, parking | 5-10 min walk | Convenient for ferries, modern hotels, parking | Quiet at night, less atmosphere |
| University Area (Piazza Cairoli) | €65-100 | Budget travelers, nightlife | 10-12 min walk | Cheaper, bars open late, local vibe | Smaller hotels, bar noise |
| Northern Waterfront (Ganzirri) | €80-140 | Beach lovers, car travelers | 25-30 min drive | Beaches, quieter, local | Far from attractions, need car |
What Attractions Should Your Hotel Be Near?
Book hotels within 5-10 minutes walk of Piazza Duomo to access the Duomo, astronomical clock, Regional Museum (15 min walk), and Via Garibaldi shopping street. The ferry terminal is 15-20 minutes walk from Centro Storico or a €10-15 taxi ride.
Piazza Duomo is the center of tourist Messina. The cathedral, the astronomical clock show (daily at noon), and the pedestrian zone all cluster here.
The Regional Museum is about a 15-minute walk north along the waterfront from the Duomo. You don’t need to stay right next to it, but staying in Centro Storico puts you within reasonable walking distance.
Via Garibaldi is the main shopping street where you’ll find restaurants, cafes, and shops. Hotels along this street or within 2-3 blocks have excellent access to evening activities.
The waterfront promenade is pleasant for evening walks. Hotels near the Duomo give you easy access to this as well.
Honestly? Messina’s tourist attractions fit into a tight area around the Duomo and along the waterfront to the museum. Any hotel in Centro Storico puts you within 15 minutes walk of everything.
The real question is ferry terminal proximity, which depends on your schedule as discussed earlier.
Messina vs Taormina: Where Should You Actually Stay?
Stay in Messina for budget-friendly authentic Sicily (hotels €70-150/night), ferry connections to Aeolian Islands, and exploring northeastern Sicily without tourist crowds. Stay in Taormina for beach clubs, luxury hotels (€150-400+/night), and resort atmosphere. Taormina is 45 minutes from Messina by bus or train (€4-8).
This is the real question most people face. Should you even stay in Messina, or just go straight to Taormina?
Stay in Messina if you want authentic Sicilian city life, care about budget, or need ferry access to the Aeolian Islands. Messina is a real working city where Sicilians live normal lives. Prices are 40-50% lower than Taormina for similar quality.
Stay in Taormina if you want the resort experience, luxury hotels, beach clubs, and that “vacation destination” feeling. Taormina is beautiful and tourist-focused in the best way. But you’ll pay for it.
I do both. I stay in Messina for a night or two at the beginning or end of Sicily trips to handle ferry logistics and explore the city. Then I move to Taormina when I want beach time and resort atmosphere.
The bus from Messina to Taormina costs €4-8 and takes 45-60 minutes. The train is similar. You’re not locked into one location.
For families on a budget, Messina offers better value. For couples on a romantic getaway, Taormina delivers the experience you’re probably imagining.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Messina Sicily
What is the best area to stay in Messina for tourists?
What is the best area to stay in Messina for tourists?
Centro Storico around Piazza Duomo is the best area for tourists, offering pedestrian zones, restaurants, the cathedral, and hotels from €80-150/night within walking distance of all main attractions and safe evening access to dining.
Is it worth staying in Messina or should you go straight to Taormina?
Stay in Messina for 1-2 nights if you want authentic Sicilian city life at 40-50% lower prices than Taormina (€70-150 vs €150-400/night), need ferry access to Aeolian Islands, or appreciate real working cities over resort towns.
How far is Messina from the ferry terminal?
Centro Storico hotels are 15-20 minutes walk (1.5 km) from Stazione Marittima ferry terminal, or a €10-15 taxi ride taking 8-10 minutes. Waterfront hotels near the port are 5-10 minutes walk from ferry departures.
Is Messina safe for tourists staying overnight?
Yes, Messina is safe for tourists with standard precautions. Centro Storico and Via Garibaldi are well-lit with police presence, though avoid poorly lit streets after 11 PM. The port industrial area is safe but empty at night.
Are there hotels near Messina ferry terminal?
Yes, hotels within 5-10 minutes walk of the ferry terminal include NH Messina (€110-140/night), B&B Hotel Messina (€70-90/night), and Royal Palace Hotel (€120-150/night), all offering convenient early ferry departure access.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Where to Stay in Messina
Messina isn’t trying to be Taormina, and that’s exactly why it works as a Sicily base. You get authentic Sicilian city life, reasonable prices, excellent ferry connections, and actual local culture instead of tourist overlay.
Centro Storico around Piazza Duomo gives most visitors everything they need – safety, walkability, restaurants, and proximity to the limited attractions Messina offers. Budget €100-130/night for comfortable mid-range hotels here.
If you’re catching early ferries to the Aeolian Islands or arriving late, the waterfront hotels near the terminal make logistics easier. If you’re actually exploring Messina for 2+ days, prioritize neighborhood over ferry proximity.
Book hotels over Airbnb for short stays (1-2 nights), consider apartments for longer stays with kitchen access, and always verify exact locations since “Messina” listings sometimes mean suburban areas requiring cars.
And yes, Messina is worth staying in despite what tourist guides say about it being “just a port city.” It’s a real Sicilian city with good food, interesting architecture, and none of the tourist prices. That’s exactly what makes it valuable.
Ready to book your Messina accommodation? Search 4-6 weeks ahead for summer travel, 1-2 weeks for shoulder season. Compare Booking.com, Hotels.com, and direct hotel sites for breakfast inclusions and cancellation policies.
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