Porta Messina
Porta Messina: Taormina's grand northern gateway to a historic town filled with charm, shops, and culinary delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Porta Messina
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Porta Messina: Taormina's grand northern gateway to a historic town filled with charm, shops, and culinary delights.
"The gate provides access to the heart of Taormina, the most beautiful part of history and visited the city."
🚶♀️ Walk Between Gates
Don't miss exploring from Porta Messina to Porta Catania to see the full historic wall.
💰 Avoid Tourist Traps
Shops on the main street can be pricey; seek local eateries for better value.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Porta Messina Archway
Northern entrance to Taormina's historic center
The grand northern gateway to Taormina's charming old town, marking the start of its main thoroughfare.
Main Street Exploration
Via Messina, leading from Porta Messina
Wander the vibrant main street, discovering shops, cafes, and the pulse of Taormina's historic heart.
Sicilian Cooking Class
Various locations near Porta Messina
An unforgettable culinary journey learning authentic Sicilian dishes with passionate local chefs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Taormina's Gates
Embrace Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Between Gates
Don't miss exploring from Porta Messina to Porta Catania to see the full historic wall.
💰 Avoid Tourist Traps
Shops on the main street can be pricey; seek local eateries for better value.
🍳 Book Cooking Classes Early
Popular Sicilian cooking classes fill up fast, book in advance!
📸 Capture the Entrance
The archway is a great photo spot, especially with the street leading into town.
7 days in Messina
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Between Gates
Don't miss exploring from Porta Messina to Porta Catania to see the full historic wall.
💰 Avoid Tourist Traps
Shops on the main street can be pricey; seek local eateries for better value.
🍳 Book Cooking Classes Early
Popular Sicilian cooking classes fill up fast, book in advance!
📸 Capture the Entrance
The archway is a great photo spot, especially with the street leading into town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Porta Messina to be a picturesque and historically significant gateway to Taormina's vibrant old town. Many highlight the enjoyable experience of exploring the main street and highly recommend the local Sicilian cooking classes for their immersive and fun nature. Some note that prices on the main street can be tourist-oriented.
"We signed up for a cooking class with Paulo! It was the best thing we did during our trip, and it was entirely down to how lovely an experience Paulo made it. We learnt how to cook lots of dishes (and importantly eat them after) and it was such a fun experience. The group we were with were lovely and it was a great way to meet people too if you’re a solo traveller. This is a must if you’re staying in Taormina."
Molly Brewer
"This gate is the entrance to the old town located to the north. It was inaugurated by Ferdinand I of the two Sicilies/ Ferdinand IV of Bourbon.
Tourists don't always walk all the way from gate to gate, but they should pay attention and do so.
The shops on the main road between the gates charge at a tourist price.
You can get dinner like pizza to eat and/or a glass of wine nearby. There's a cooking class somewhere around here too.
Follow the IG link in profile for more travel and food and drink tips, ideas and reviews!"
J L
"We went for the Sicilian cooking class and it was the best decision ever! Paolo was so great! He made sure that we had the best time, he included everyone and was just really fun overall. The dishes turned out delicious and we even got some limoncello and canolli. Thank you😊"
Fanni Kiss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porta Messina is a primary northern entrance to Taormina's historic center. If arriving by car, you'll likely park outside the town and walk in. Public transport options like buses will also bring you close to the town's entrances.
Yes, buses often stop near the main entrances of Taormina, including areas close to Porta Messina. From there, it's a short walk into the historic center.
Generally, the historic center of Taormina, including the area around Porta Messina, is restricted to local traffic. Visitors typically park outside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) and walk.
Once you pass through Porta Messina, you're on Taormina's main street, Corso Umberto. It's best explored on foot to discover its shops, cafes, and historical sites.
While you can't drive directly through Porta Messina, there are several paid parking lots on the outskirts of Taormina that provide access to the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Porta Messina is a historic gateway and is freely accessible as an entrance to Taormina's old town.
As an open archway and part of the town's structure, Porta Messina does not have specific opening hours and is accessible at all times.
There are no fees to pass through Porta Messina itself. However, attractions within Taormina, like museums or theaters, will have their own admission charges.
Absolutely! Porta Messina is the northern entry point to the main street, Corso Umberto, making it an ideal starting point to explore Taormina's historic center.
Yes, Porta Messina is illuminated at night and offers a beautiful entrance to the town, which becomes even more magical after dark.
📸 📸 Photography
The archway itself is a classic shot. Try framing the street leading into Taormina through the arch, or capture the details of the stonework.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for more picturesque shots. Evening light can also be beautiful.
No, photography is generally permitted at Porta Messina as it's an open public space. Be mindful of other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the archway and the street. A standard zoom lens will also work well for general shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in historic town centers due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the main street has many options, some can be tourist-priced. Look for trattorias and pizzerias slightly off the main drag for more authentic and affordable meals.
Yes, you can find various eateries offering lunch specials. Some places offer pasta dishes like paccheri with pistachio or seafood, and burgers are also available.
Expect classic Sicilian cuisine, including fresh seafood, pasta dishes, and delicious pizzas. Many places also offer grilled meats.
Yes, you can find bars offering a selection of cocktails, including popular choices like Americano, Negroni, and Pornstar Martini.
Many restaurants will offer vegetarian pasta dishes or pizzas. It's always a good idea to check the menu or ask your server about options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical aspects might be less engaging for very young children, the lively atmosphere and the prospect of treats like gelato can make the exploration enjoyable. Consider a cooking class as a family activity if your children are older and enjoy hands-on experiences.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, look for smaller, less prominent eateries off the main street for meals. Consider packing snacks or enjoying a picnic with items bought from local markets. The experience of walking through the gate and exploring the town is free, making it accessible for all budgets.
💖 Couples
A Sicilian cooking class can be a wonderfully intimate and fun activity for couples, creating lasting memories together. The evening ambiance of Taormina, with its illuminated streets and lively squares, is perfect for romantic walks after passing through the historic gate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Porta Messina
Today, Porta Messina is more than just a historical monument; it's the vibrant starting point for exploring Taormina's main artery, Corso Umberto. This bustling street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere. While the shops on the main street can cater to tourists, the gate itself represents a tangible link to Taormina's past, inviting visitors to step back in time as they enter the charming old town.
Travelers are encouraged to appreciate the architectural details of the gate and understand its role in the city's historical layout. Walking from Porta Messina towards Porta Catania allows for a comprehensive experience of the fortified perimeter and the evolution of the town.
Culinary Delights: Cooking Classes and Local Flavors
Chefs like Paolo and Anthony are frequently mentioned for their welcoming nature and exceptional teaching skills. Participants learn to prepare a variety of authentic Sicilian dishes, from pasta to cannoli, and enjoy the fruits of their labor with local wine and limoncello. It's a highly recommended activity, especially for solo travelers looking to meet new people and couples seeking a memorable shared experience.
Beyond cooking classes, the area around Porta Messina offers diverse dining options. While the main street can be pricier, venturing slightly off-course can lead to more authentic and budget-friendly trattorias and pizzerias. You can find everything from traditional pasta dishes featuring local ingredients like pistachios and swordfish to hearty burgers and grilled meats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit