Gasoline (1 liter) | USD 2.33 |
Milk (1 liter) | USD 1.86 |
Imported beer at restaurant | USD 5.08 |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff | USD 0.20 |
Loaf of white bread | USD 1.92 |
1 Summer dress in a chain store | USD 74.58 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of centre | USD 610.17 |
1 Pair of Jeans | USD 114.21 |
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city centre | USD 1 016.95 |
Combo meal at McDonalds | USD 9.49 |
Capital of the Italian province with the same name, Messina is Sicily’s third biggest city known for its flourishing agriculture and thriving seaport. Despite the series of natural disasters ravaging the city, Messina has managed to emerge as a tourist destination with a rich cultural environment. Its heritage has been enriched by several dynasties including the Greeks, Roman, Arabs and Byzantines.
Owing to its location and topography, there is no airport in the city. For availing cheap flights to Messina, you will have to use Reggio Calabria Airport which is nearest to the port city. It is approximately 27 km away.
The architecture of Messina bears marks of natural ravages and numerous wars and the Church of Via Santa Maria Aleman stand witness to those upheavals. It is based on typical gothic architecture. The famous Piazza del Duomo or cathedral square remains a major attraction for tourists. The presence of the biggest astronomical clock which was made in 1733 is a major crowd-puller. The nearby Orion fountain made by G.A. Montorsoli, a student of Michelangelo, serves as a nice contrast to the cathedral’s architecture. Messina has a museum where artworks of Caravaggio are stored.
Another architectural wonder of Messina is Votive Temple of Christ the King, also referred to as Tempio Votivo di Cristo Re. Set up at dawn on the twentieth century, it features an eye catching octagonal dome and Sicilian Baroque styled architecture.
After seeing the Duomo and other edifices in Messina, tourists usually head towards exploring nearby natural sights. The beautiful coastal town of Taormina with its pristine beaches and serenity allures visitors to Messina. From this port city, you can also visit Mt Etna which is the world’s most active volcano. For tourists arriving in mid August, the historic Ride of the Giants festival can be a major attraction. The appeal of rich heritage and architectural remnants of this port city with several cheap flights to Messina make it a desirable destination for tourists.
For accommodation, Messina offers you a number of decent options. You can opt for budget hotels in Messina apart from the few 3-star hotels based on your budget and amenity needs.