🚢 Sicilia Nord-Orientale
Messina Cruise Port – Shore Excursion Transfers
From the Cruise Terminal to Taormina, Etna, Castelmola and "The Godfather" locations in Savoca: fixed-price private transfers.
Overview
The Port of Messina is a premier cruise stop for visiting Taormina, Mount Etna and the historic villages of northeastern Sicily. With around 520,000 cruise passengers per year, it is the closest port to Taormina (50 km, just 40 minutes) and one of the best bases for day excursions. Ships dock at the Cruise Terminal in the heart of the city, 2 km from the historic center and 10 minutes from the A18 motorway. Main cruise lines include MSC Cruises, Costa Crociere, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises. For cruise passengers who love cinema, we also offer excursions to the villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agrò, where the Sicilian scenes of "The Godfather" were filmed.
Top shore excursions
Where to find your driver
At the exit of Messina Cruise Terminal, our driver awaits you with a personalized sign. The pickup area is right in front of the terminal, 30 meters from the dock. For most excursions (Taormina, Castelmola, Savoca) we recommend a minimum 5-hour stay in the city, to visit comfortably and return safely before the all-aboard time.
Cruise lines
- 🚢MSC Cruises
- 🚢Costa Crociere
- 🚢Royal Caribbean
- 🚢Norwegian Cruise Line
- 🚢Princess Cruises
- 🚢Holland America
- 🚢Cunard
Port amenities
- ✓Cruise Terminal 2 km from Messina historic center
- ✓Free Wi-Fi at the terminal
- ✓Bars, restaurants and shopping nearby
- ✓Tourist information desk
- ✓ATMs and currency exchange
- ✓Direct access to A18 motorway to Taormina
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to reach Taormina from Messina Port?+
Only 40 minutes via the A18 motorway (50 km). Messina is the closest port to Taormina, ideal for cruise passengers who want to visit the "pearl of the Ionian Sea" with maximum time available.
Can I visit "The Godfather" locations during the stop?+
Yes. The villages of Savoca (Bar Vitelli, San Nicolò Church) and Forza d'Agrò are 50 minutes from Messina Port. We offer a dedicated "Godfather Movie Locations" tour from €200 with driver at disposal for 4 hours.
How much is the private transfer from Messina Port to Taormina?+
€100 one-way for a standard vehicle up to 3 passengers. Round-trip with 4-hour wait: €180. All prices are fixed, no surprises.
Can I reach Mount Etna from Messina Port?+
Yes, the private transfer Messina → Rifugio Sapienza Etna (1900m) takes about 1h30. For a complete experience with excursion on the craters, plan 6-7 hours total.
Do you guarantee return to the port in time?+
Yes, we monitor your ship's all-aboard time and real-time traffic. Minimum 1-hour safety buffer before departure.
Where exactly is the Messina Cruise Terminal?+
In the central port area, 2 km from Messina Cathedral and 10 minutes from the A18 motorway to Taormina/Catania.
Do drivers speak English?+
Yes, all our drivers speak English. Service suitable for international cruise passengers, especially UK, USA, Germany, France.
Book your shore excursion from Messina
Private Mercedes, fixed price, guaranteed return before all-aboard time.
Book now