Where to stay in Messina Sicily
Messina is the third largest city in Sicily and when it comes to where to stay in Messina, there is a lot of great accommodation to choose from. However, choosing the right place really does depend on your preferences and the reason you have chosen to visit. You can also check out our Messina travel guide for even more on the city.
How we choose where to stay in Messina
We have been to Messina ourselves and we also have Italian family and can speak the language, so we are able to get a lot of recommendations from locals at restaurants and bars. We tend to select where to stay in Messina according to lifestyle and around what you want to do.
If you want to be close to all the attractions, such as the Fontana de Orione or the Palazzo dei Musei, rather than having to travel in, that will shape your choice. We also take into account local and guest reviews, looking at things like service, amenities, dining experiences, and whether a property is close to some of the best restaurants in Messina.
We also look at heritage. This means properties with architectural heritage mixed with modern luxury, historic buildings, and those with local influences. We also favour properties that have views of the ocean, the domes, or even the Strait, which is lovely to look at.
Where to stay in Messina by the ocean
If you are looking for where to stay in Messina by the ocean and you want to be near the beaches or just near the water, here are some recommendations. Some have direct beach access, some even have private beaches, and others might just be a short walk away.
Casa Sulla Spiaggia
Casa sulla Spiaggia. If you are looking for where to stay in Messina right by the beach, this is the one for you. They have their own private beach area at Mortelle Beach.
The home was renovated in 2022, and it has amazing ocean views and a balcony. If you do not want to go into town, they also have a kitchenette and a barbecue, making it great for families, too.
Find out more information and check the prices for Casa sulla Spiaggia.
Casa Azzurra Apartment
Casa Azzurra apartment is one of my favourite places to stay in Messina. It is located on the Lido Vengo anch'io in Messina, and it is a beautiful two-bedroom residence that can fit around five people.
They have Wi-Fi and air conditioning and the beach is only a few seconds away from the apartment. You will also find other restaurants in Messina within a short walking distance.
Find out more information and check the prices for Casa Azzurra apartment.
Ciauru Design B&B
Ciauru Design B&B is little bit away from the beach but more towards the ocean, Ciauru Design B&B is a premium bed and breakfast just 300 metres away from the Regional Museum of Messina.
When wondering where to stay in Messina, Ciauru Design B&B also has a spa and a restaurant. The rooms are really nice with air conditioning and flat screen TVs.
Some of the bedrooms also have balconies and there is bike hire available. Messina is very much a walking city but a bike will get you there a little bit faster.
Find out more information and check the prices for Ciauru Design B&B.
Where to stay in Messina city centre
If you are looking for the hustle and bustle of Messina and want to be close to all the restaurants and historical landmarks, the city centre is where you want to be. Here are my favourite options for where to stay in Messina centre.
Hotel CineApollo
Hotel CineApollo is a four-star place right in the city, about 300 metres away from the university and also the Piazza Duomo.
The rooms are amazing, and a lot of them are inspired by cinema, such as The Godfather and Fifty Shades of Grey, so you really do get a unique experience.
You will also get air conditioning, which can be hard to find in some properties, and free Wi-Fi.
Find out more information and check the prices for Hotel CineApollo.
Vmaison Hotel
Vmaison Hotel is a more traditional Sicilian place. The rooms are really snazzy and range from superior deluxe to an awesome terrace suite.
If you are looking for where to stay in Messina central that is a little bit different, this amazing 4 star property is the one for you.
It also has an awesome rooftop terrace for breakfast, and can help with airport trips with a shuttle service.
Find out more information and check the prices for Vmaison Hotel.
The Royal Palace Hotel
The Royal Palace Hotel is a four star place very close to the city centre. If you are driving, they do have parking, or they are just a few minutes away from the train station if you are arriving by train.
Most of the rooms have panoramic views and all come with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
One of the highlights is also the breakfast, where you can choose either a traditional Sicilian breakfast or an American buffet, so it suits everyone.
Find out more information and check the prices for The Royal Palace Hotel.
Where to stay in Messina on a budget: Bed & Breakfasts in Messina
If you are looking for where to stay in Messina on a more budget friendly option, bed and breakfasts are a popular choice. They may not have all the amenities of a luxury place, but B&Bs in Messina are surprisingly modern and are often run by small families, so you can get a really authentic Sicilian experience. Here are a few of the best B&Bs to consider.
B&B Il Galleone
B&B Il Galleone. When I was looking for where to stay in Messina the first time, I chose to stay here. This is a four star bed and breakfast right in the centre of Messina and very close to the Church of Sant'Elia and other historical sites.
They did not have breakfast on site, however they had an arrangement with a local cafe for breakfast, which was really nice. So you are not stuck inside the B&B. You get to go for a walk in the morning, which I really enjoyed.
They also helped us out with parking instructions, which you can read more about in our Messina travel guide. This is my favourite place for where to stay in Messina on a budget.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Il Galleone.
B&B Emme
B&B Emme is a fantastic bed and breakfast in Messina. They have soundproof rooms, which is a real plus. If you are travelling with friends or family, they have singles and triples at a very good price.
It is also quite large, so they have their own bar, library, and even a hair salon. On top of that, if you are travelling around Sicily, they do have laundry facilities and also parking at a fairly reasonable rate.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Emme.
B&B Cairoli
B&B Cairoli is a fairly new bed and breakfast in Messina, having been around since 2015. It is very boutique and only has five rooms, so you get that intimate property feel.
All the rooms are laid out very nicely with TVs, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. From what I have heard, standout pluses include parking and a great breakfast included.
Find out more information and check the prices for B&B Cairoli.
Where to stay in Messina with a family
When looking at family accommodation, we checked for proximity to beaches, availability of parking if you are bringing a car, whether they have a swimming pool, and whether they have babysitting facilities. Here are my favourites for where to stay in Messina as a family.
Villa Pulejo
I'll start off with Villa Pulejo, and you can see in the picture that it's nice. This is a four-star family resort in Messina. The villa was built in the 1880s and is a classic historic Sicilian home.
You get a lot of family amenities such as a pool, a tennis court, a Jacuzzi, a spa, and even a restaurant.
Lots and lots of facilities for the family, and this is my top pick for where to stay in Messina as a family.
Find out more information and check the prices for Villa Pulejo.
Villa Morgana Resort & Spa
Villa Morgana Resort & Spa is closer to the Strait of Messina and the Ganzirri Lagoons. It is a 1970s renovated villa, and what I love is that it has an infinity pool that looks out to the lagoon.
It was also recently renovated just a few years ago. The family amenities include a wellness centre, restaurants, gym, sauna, and bar.
They also have free parking, access to cribs for the family, and the rooms are soundproofed, which is hard to find.
Find out more information and check the prices for Villa Morgana Resort & Spa.
Residence dei Margi
Residence dei Margi. This one is a lot larger and is a very peaceful four star property with 34 apartments. You can choose from one, two, or even three bedroom apartments, so if you are looking for where to stay for a big family, this is a great option.
They have a swimming pool as well as a playground and even soccer fields for the kids. The Residence dei Margi is also very close to the beach, making it great for days out.
Find out more information and check the prices for Residence dei Margi.
Tips for booking where to stay in Messina
- A few tips before you book. First, take a look at other reviews as well. I hope you enjoy this blog but always have a look at all the reviews too.
- Also, book early. Messina is quite a popular town so I would recommend booking at least six months out.
- If you are booking a rental car, looking for where to stay in Messina can be a little tricky. Look for properties that either have free parking or parking for a small fee, or have parking nearby. You can read more about parking in our Messina travel guide.
Where To Stay In Messina FAQ's
What are the best areas to stay in Messina?
Accommodation in Messina's city centre and the area around the Strait of Messina are popular choices. Look for where to stay in Messina near Piazza Duomo, the Cathedral, or along the waterfront for a central and scenic location.
Is Messina a good place to stay?
Yes, Messina is a great place to stay. It is a little bit of a quieter town and I would probably recommend at least two to three days there. You can read more in our Messina travel guide.
What are the advantages of staying near the Strait of Messina?
Choosing accommodations near the Strait provides stunning views and easy access to ferry terminals for day trips to nearby islands like Sicily and Calabria. Wondering where to stay in Messina? These locations offer both convenience and breath-taking vistas
Is it recommended to stay in historic districts?
Yes, staying in or near historic districts like the Old Town allows you to immerse yourself in the city's rich history. There are many things to do in Messina with landmarks, museums, and authentic local experiences at your doorstep.
Is there family-friendly accommodation in Messina?
Absolutely! Look for properties that offer family rooms and amenities catering to children such as Villa Pulejo and Residence dei Margi. The city's welcoming atmosphere makes it suitable for family vacations.
Is it better to stay in Messina or Taormina?
Choosing between Messina and Taormina can be quite difficult. I have been to both towns so I can give you my firsthand experience. I would probably say Messina is a good place to start your Sicilian trip as it is a little bit quieter and you can start to enjoy the Sicilian history.
Taormina is a luxury town and you can read more in our Taormina travel guide, but it is a lot busier. If you do not mind that, it also has a little bit more to do and some really famous beaches like Isola Bella. You can also check out our guide on where to stay in Taormina if you are considering both.