Located at the north-eastern tip of Sicily, Messina is a city shaped by the sea. Overlooking the Strait that separates Sicily from mainland Italy, it is a place where Mediterranean life, history and local traditions come together. From the city centre to the beaches of the coast and the hills of the Peloritani Mountains, Messina offers plenty to discover.
One of the first things you will notice is the Duomo, at the heart of the city. Its bell tower houses the famous astronomical clock, one of Messina's most recognisable landmarks. The city also has a rich artistic heritage, with works connected to artists such as Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio, as well as historic fountains, churches and palaces.
But Messina is perhaps best experienced through its food. Make sure to try a granita with brioche, especially for breakfast, as well as pignolata messinese, cannoli, arancini, pidoni and focaccia messinese. The local cuisine also reflects the city's relationship with the Strait, with dishes based on fresh fish and swordfish being particularly characteristic.
Messina's identity also comes alive through its festivals and traditions. Every August, the city celebrates the Festa della Vara, one of its most important traditional events. The enormous Vara is pulled through the streets towards Piazza Duomo in a spectacular procession on 15 August. The celebrations are accompanied by the Giganti, the monumental statues of Mata and Grifone, figures deeply connected to the city's folklore and legendary origins.
During the warmer months, life moves towards the coast. The lidi and beaches become meeting places for students and locals, with evenings by the sea, music, parties and events. And if you want to escape the city for a while, the Peloritani Mountains offer hiking trails, panoramic views and small villages to explore.
So don't just visit Messina — live it. Try the local food, explore the coast, get lost in the city centre, join a festival, take the ferry across the Strait and discover the places that make Sicily feel like home. You can easily start by discovering our 'Erasmus checklist', a list of fun challenges curated to help you live our city to the fullest.
