Discover the rugged charm of Sicily’s Ionian Sea aboard local boats from Catania. Visit Taormina and Isola Bella for crystal-clear swims, volcanic views, and rich Sicilian culture.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–7 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels due to gentle boat rides and light walking on flat, paved streets.
Wildlife
History
Taormina boasts roots dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times and was historically a cultural crossroads in Sicily.
Conservation
Discover Messina supports sustainable tourism by limiting group sizes and promoting local artisan economies to reduce environmental impact.
Discover Messina
Discover the rugged charm of Sicily’s Ionian Sea aboard local boats from Catania. Visit Taormina and Isola Bella for crystal-clear swims, volcanic views, and rich Sicilian culture.
Discover Messina is a Taormina-based tour operator offering guided experiences across Taormina, Messina, Mount Etna and nearby towns.
The operator provides a diverse portfolio of day trips, shore excursions, private tours and specialist experiences departing from regional hubs including Catania, Messina, Giardini Naxos and Taormina.
Offerings include Mount Etna wine tours and off-road adventures, hands-on pizza and pasta cooking classes, guided visits to the Greek‑Roman theatre in Taormina, cultural walking tours of Messina’s historic centre, street food tastings, boat trips to Isola Bella, snorkeling in marine reserves and themed excursions such as Godfather and film-location tours.
Many trips are led by specialist guides — for example, volcanological guides on Etna off‑road tours and food experts for street food experiences — ensuring informative commentary and attention to safety.
Discover Messina’s catalogue lists fifty distinct tours and experiences, ranging from short three‑hour city walks to seven‑hour wine, cooking and full-day excursions.
Itineraries commonly include tastings, lunches or boat rides depending on the trip, and meeting points are typically at ports or central city locations.
This range of local, specialist-led tours makes Discover Messina a practical choice for travelers seeking authentic Sicilian wine, food, history and outdoor experiences in eastern Sicily.
Location
Taormina, Sicily
Operates across Taormina, Messina and Etna
Etna Tours
Mount Etna
Wine, hiking and off-road experiences
Tours Offered
50 tours
Day trips, classes, boat trips and more
Specialist Guides
Volcanologists & food experts
Guides for Etna and food tours
Check availability for wine tours, cooking classes, private walks and boat trips — secure a preferred date and itinerary.
Bring swimwear and towel
Pack your swimsuit and towel for a chance to take a refreshing dip near Isola Bella.
Wear comfortable shoes
The walking portion in Taormina includes cobblestone streets—sturdy shoes make exploring easier and safer.
Protect against sun exposure
Sicily’s sun can be strong; sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are recommended for the boat tour and walking segments.
Bring cash for local purchases
Many artisan shops and small eateries accept cash only, so it’s wise to carry some euros with you.
Swimsuit
For swimming stops near Isola Bella’s clear waters.
summer
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for uneven cobblestone streets and short walks in Taormina.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin from strong Mediterranean sun exposure.
spring|summer|fall
Light jacket or windbreaker
Useful for wind or cooler temperatures during boat rides.
spring|fall|winter