Messina Car Rental

Founded by the Sicilians under the name of “Zancle” (“Falce”), Messina lies on the extreme north-eastern tip of Sicily, right near Cape Peloro.

Considered the “gateway to Sicily”, the city has always been the island’s intersection, an almost obligatory place for the passage of both people and goods.

Over the centuries, Messina has had to face wars, raids and terrible earthquakes. Some of these events completely destroyed the city, but it has always been able to recover, rising each time from its own ashes.

Visiting Messina means immersing yourself in a place full of history that offers tourists not only countless artistic treasures, but also a 24 km long coastline and a cuisine full of traditional specialities.

List of Locations Messina

What to see in and around Messina

A car is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the city and surrounding area, whether travelling with family or friends.

To rent a car in the city, you can go to Maggiore’s car rental office in Messina, located in Via Emanuele near the port.

In fact, renting a vehicle is quick and easy with Maggiore, and you can choose from a wide range of models and additional services by requesting them directly.

Great attention is paid to the safety of travellers, which is why each vehicle is carefully checked and thoroughly sanitised before delivery.

Once you’ve reached the historic centre by car, among the first things to see in Messina are the Duomo, namely the Basilica of Santa Maria, which was destroyed in the1908 earthquake and then rebuilt in the 1920s, maintaining its original Norman features and its famous Campanile (belltower). It is 60 metres tall and its majestic clock is considered to be the largest astronomical clock in the world.

Also worth seeing are the Church of the Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, dating back to the Byzantine era, and the Church of Santa Maria degli Alemanni, one of the best examples of Gothic art in the Mediterranean, while civil buildings include Palazzo Calapaj, which “survived” the 1908 earthquake, Palazzo Zanca and the beautiful Vittorio Emanuele Theatre.

There are many places to visit in Messina such as the 1557 Neptune Fountain, and the Madonnina del Porto, 35 metres above sea level. If you want to take in a breath-taking view, climb to the Sacrario del Re (King’s Memorial), which rises 60 metres above sea level.

After completing your visit to the city centre, get back in the car to discover the beautiful area surrounding Messina.

First, you can stop at Ganzirri, about 10 km away, a hamlet of great naturalistic value due to the presence of the two lakes: Pantano Grande and Pantano Piccolo. Then you can head to Castelmola, where you can taste the delicious wine-flavoured almonds.

Heading inland, it is worth visiting the village of Montalbano Elicona, known for its medieval historic centre and the nearby Rocche dell’Argimusco Plateau, and Novara di Sicilia, a picturesque village surrounded by woods.

After reaching the coastline again, stop at Tindari, famous for the Laghetti di Marineo Nature Reserve and the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, and Capo Milazzo where the pool of Venus and the Sanctuary of St Anthony are located.


The most beautiful beaches in and around Messina

Messina and its province are not only the ideal place for a holiday full of art, but also for relaxation, thanks to its many beautiful beaches.

With a rental car you can reach almost all of them, giving you the opportunity to discover some of the most evocative “corners” of the island.

Staying in the city, you can stop at Pace beach, a true oasis of tranquillity, or drive the 15 km to Punta del Faro beach, a long sandy shore where you can enjoy a well-deserved swim.

Other beaches worth seeing in Messina are Capo Rasocolmo, a completely unspoilt area, while 30 and 50 minutes away, respectively, are the beaches of Alì Terme and Brolo.

Be sure to also visit the famous beach of Capo d’Orlando, close to the Nevrodi mountains, Capo Calavà beach in Gioiosa Marea and the Milazzo beach.

A tour of the area surrounding Messina would not be complete without including a trip to the Aeolian Islands, which include the magnificent isles of Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari and Panarea as well as the two volcanoes of Stromboli and Vulcano.

Exploring Messina and its surrounding area by car will give you unique and unforgettable emotions and allow you to fully enjoy your stay in Sicily.