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Exceptional!

Messina is about to become the ideal place for music lovers with an exciting series of concerts on the horizon. From Vinicio Capossela to Ligabue, from Massimo Ranieri to Pinguini Tattici Nucleari, there are events for everyone's taste. Here is a list of the concerts you can't miss:

1. Vinicio Capossela at Teatro Vittorio Emanuele

Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Teatro Vittorio Emanuele
How to get there: Teatro Vittorio Emanuele is just a few minutes' walk from our property, approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take public transportation by boarding bus number 37 from the nearest stop to our property.

The legend of Italian music, Vinicio Capossela, will perform at Teatro Vittorio Emanuele for a magical evening. With his poetic songs and unique voice, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience for his fans.

2. Elio e le Storie Tese at Teatro Vittorio Emanuele

Date: November 8, 2023
Location: Teatro Vittorio Emanuele

Get ready to laugh and dance with the eccentric band Elio e le Storie Tese. This iconic group will bring their hilarious show and eclectic music to Teatro Vittorio Emanuele for a night of pure fun.

3. Ligabue at Palarescifina

Dates: November 30 and December 1, 2023
Location: Palarescifina
How to get there: From our property, you can take the shuttle (number 1) or bus 15 bis, which will take you to Palarescifina in just over 30 minutes.

Italy's beloved rock star, Ligabue, will perform at Palarescifina on two unmissable dates. Get ready to sing along to his famous songs and have an extraordinary experience.

Massimo Ranieri at Teatro Vittorio Emanuele:
Date: March 27, 2024
Location: Teatro Vittorio Emanuele

The great Massimo Ranieri will bring his incredible voice and repertoire of hits to Teatro Vittorio Emanuele. It will be a romantic and moving evening with one of Italy's finest performers.

4. Pinguini Tattici Nucleari at Palarescifina

Dates: May 28 and 29, 2024
Location: Palarescifina

Pinguini Tattici Nucleari is one of Italy's most appreciated emerging bands. Don't miss the opportunity to witness their energetic performances at Palarescifina and dance to the rhythm of their infectious songs.

5. Ultimo at Stadio San Filippo

Date: June 28, 2024
Location: Stadio San Filippo
How to get there: From our property, you can go to the nearest station and take bus 15 bis, which will take you to the stadium in a few minutes. However, for major concerts, the Municipality provides dedicated special lines, which will be communicated in the days leading up to the event, so stay tuned!

Young singer-songwriter Ultimo will close out the concert season in Messina with an epic event at Stadio San Filippo. This outdoor concert promises to be an extraordinary experience with one of the most talented artists of the new generation.

Messina is truly the city of music this year, and these unmissable concerts are the perfect opportunity to have unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Vinicio Capossela, a rock enthusiast of Ligabue, or a fan of the hilarious performances by Elio e le Storie Tese, there's something for everyone in this exceptional music season.

Remember that tickets for these extraordinary events sell out quickly, so don't delay. If you're looking for a comfortable and welcoming place to stay during your visit to Messina, we invite you to book a room at our accommodation, which will provide you with a pleasant and relaxing environment, ideal for resting after an exciting night of live music.

Be sure to book early to secure a comfortable stay and easy access to all the concerts you want to see. With our hospitality and the charm of Messina, your visit will be truly memorable.

We look forward to welcoming you to "Le Stanze" and sharing the magic of music in Messina. Prepare your musical wishlist and book now to secure your front-row seat for this extraordinary concert season!

Immersing oneself in local traditions is one of the best ways to discover the authenticity of a destination. And if there is one tradition that embodies the soul of Messina, it is undoubtedly the celebration of the "Vara." In this article, we will take you on a journey to explore the summer traditions of Messina, focusing on the magic of the Vara and the legend of Mata and Grifone.

The Vara: A Unique Expression of Devotion and Community

The celebration of the Vara is an annual religious event held on August 15th in Messina, in honor of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven. During this festival, a majestic 17-meter-high wooden structure called the "Vara" is carried on the shoulders of the "varraioli" through the city streets. The history of the Vara has ancient roots dating back to the 13th century. Initially, the characters depicted on the structure were real people, usually members of the local nobility or influential families. Over time, wooden statues representing biblical and historical figures replaced the real individuals, but the solemnity and importance of the procession were retained.

The Vara, beautifully adorned with flowers and sparkling lights, creates an impressive vision of devotion and tradition. The procession is accompanied by music, songs, and fireworks displays, transforming the streets of Messina into a stage of emotions.

It is not only a religious event but above all a moment of sharing and unity for the Messina community. Residents and visitors come together to participate in this unique celebration, celebrating their roots and the identity of the city.

The Legend of Mata and Grifone, the Legendary Founders of the City.

But the Vara procession is not the only expression of traditions celebrated in Messina during the summer. From August 10th to August 14th, the gigantic wooden statues of Mata and Grifone, the legendary founders of the city, tower over Messina and its inhabitants during a fascinating and unique procession.

According to legend, during the Saracen invasions of Sicily, a large Moor named Hassas Ibn-Hammar landed in Messina and fell in love with Marta, the daughter of the local lord Cosimo II da Casteluccio, originally from Camaro. Due to the local dialect, the girl's name was twisted to "Mata." The pirate desired to marry the young woman, but it only happened after he embraced the Christian faith. His name changed from Hassan to Grifo, or rather, Grifone, in reference to his imposing size. The two married and together founded the city of Messina as we know it today, populating it with their descendants.

Our accommodation, located in the heart of the city, will allow you to actively participate in the festivities, being just a few steps away from the streets animated by the processions.

Messina is a city distinguished by its rich history and fascinating traditions, and these festivals are an opportunity to immerse yourself in Messina's culture, living an unforgettable experience.

The city of Messina, located on the northeastern tip of Sicily, is a true paradise for sea lovers and those seeking breathtaking beaches. With its picturesque coastline, it offers a myriad of enchanting beaches that attract visitors from all corners of the world. In this article, we will guide you through the most beautiful beaches in Messina, where the meeting of the crystal-clear sea and the Sicilian land creates dreamlike landscapes.

The territory of our city is vast and is composed of two distinct coastlines: the southern coast that extends towards Catania and the northern coast that winds towards Palermo. At Punta Faro beach, the two souls of the province of Messina come together, creating a unique experience for beachgoers.

The southern coast

The southern coast of the province of Messina is characterized by a series of enchanting seaside resorts overlooking the Ionian Sea. Here, the waters are turquoise and crystal-clear, and the beaches are surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. The coastal resorts of Taormina, Giardini Naxos, and Letojanni are some of the gems of this coast, undisputed attractions for tourists from all over the world.

Taormina beach is undoubtedly the most charming on the southern coastline, enhanced by its proximity to Isola Bella. It is an islet located in front of Taormina beach and connected to it by a very narrow strip of land that forms during low tide. This delicate balance between land and sea creates a magical atmosphere and makes the islet easily accessible on foot for visitors. For many years, this natural treasure was inaccessible to the public, but it has recently been reopened for tourist visits. Now, nature lovers and those seeking idyllic scenery can explore this small paradise. In Taormina, you can engage in a multitude of water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling. However, the most popular excursion is the boat tour departing from the port of Giardini Naxos, which includes visits to all four bays from Giardini Naxos to the Bay of the Sirens.

How to get to Taormina from Messina

There is a direct connection from Messina, operated by Interbus, with departures from the main station at Piazza della Repubblica in Messina, and multiple daily trips available.

The northern coast

The northern coast of Messina is a true natural paradise that stretches towards Palermo, offering spectacular landscapes and a variety of attractions that captivate visitors from all over the world. From Torre Faro to Capo d’Orlando and beyond, the beaches provide an ideal refuge for sea and sun lovers. The sandy beaches, some of which are more secluded and tranquil, invite you to relax and enjoy the warmth of the Sicilian sun.

Torre Faro

The beach of Torre Faro, better known as Capo Peloro, is one of the most enchanting places in all of Sicily. It marks the easternmost point of Sicily, the closest stretch to Calabria where the Strait is "narrowest." But the beach of Torre Faro is also the place where the southern and northern coasts meet, a magical spot where beachgoers can clearly feel the currents of the cold Ionian Sea and the warm Tyrrhenian Sea. This place offers a unique perspective, allowing one to perceive the meeting of two seas and two worlds, blending without mixing. It is a paradise for nature and sea enthusiasts, where the charm of Messina reaches its peak.

How to get to Torre Faro from Messina city center

The local buses that have stops at Torre Faro are numbers 31 and 1, and the journey can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

The beaches of Milazzo boast one of the most beautiful and evocative sunsets in Sicily. The magic of these places is amplified by the presence of the famous "Piscina di Venere" (Venus's Pool), a natural wonder that adds a touch of mystery and beauty to the already spectacular sunset scene.

The Piscina di Venere is a true geological gem: a natural pool with crystal-clear waters, located right at the foot of Capo Milazzo, a scenic rocky peninsula that extends into the sea. This natural pool is legendary, surrounded by mythological stories that give it a fairytale-like atmosphere. Legend has it that Venus, the goddess of love, frequented this pool to quench her thirst and bathe.

But the wonders of Milazzo do not end with the Venus's Pool. The city's beaches, such as Ponente and Levante, offer enchanting scenery, ideal for long walks on the golden sand or for relaxing in the sun. The crystal-clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling, allowing you to explore the marine life-rich seabed.

How to get to Milazzo from Messina

You can reach Milazzo by bus and trains. The train journey between Messina and Milazzo takes about 31 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 33 km. Operated by Trenitalia and Trenitalia Intercity, trains from Messina to Milazzo depart from Messina Centrale and arrive at Milazzo. Normally, 161 trains operate weekly, although schedules may vary on weekends and holidays, so it's best to check the timetable in advance. The buses providing transportation from Messina to Milazzo are operated by the Giuntabus company.

Capo D'Orlando Beach

Capo d'Orlando Beach and its famous harbor are definitely worth a visit. This beautiful beach stretches for kilometers along the coast, with its crystal-clear sea and views of the Aeolian Islands making it a true paradise destination. Also, don't miss the lively and bustling town, with its many small shops, bars serving excellent granita, restaurants, and sandwich shops offering delicious local products and excellent seafood.

How to get to Capo D'Orlando from Messina

You can reach Capo D'Orlando by both bus and train. The travel time between Messina and Capo D'Orlando is about 1 hour, covering a distance of approximately 94 km. The bus service is provided by MagTour, while the train service is operated by Trenitalia and Trenitalia Intercity.

Ringo Beach

While more distant beaches may offer more suggestive or unique landscapes, Ringo Beach is a perfect option for those seeking a relaxing moment without venturing too far from the city center. This urban oasis provides a place of sea and nature easily accessible without the need for long journeys. Located on the northern coast of the city, this beautiful beach offers a range of amenities close at hand, making it perfect for a day of relaxation and fun. It can also be reached via the city tram service, which connects it directly to the center of Messina. This convenience allows you to avoid using a car or long-distance public transport, saving time and effort. Its proximity to the city center, however, does not compromise the quality of the water or the beauty of the surrounding landscape.