Parking Via Bonino

It’s nice and easy to get to Messina city centre, so you can explore at your leisure, perhaps popping in a few times rather than having to do it all in one go. And there’s plenty to do and see here, starting with the cathedral (home to the world’s largest astronomical clock), the Orion Fountain and the Norman-era Chiesa dei Catalani. After that, you’ll still need to take in the MUMe Museum, stroll along the promenade and around the harbour, look out for statues and smaller churches and go shopping along the smart Viale San Martino. And of course you’ll need to allocate plenty of time to the pastry shops, gelaterias and restaurants, trying everything from swordfish to cool coffee granita. Got a bit longer? Good. How about a hydrofoil trip to the Aeolian islands from Messina, venturing into the hills to Dinnammare (45 minutes’ drive) or looking out for birds on a walk around Ganzirri Lakes (35 minutes)? It’s also possible to get to Taormina (35 minutes’ drive; public transport available).