As Sicily’s main gateway to mainland Italy, **Messina** serves as both a cultural destination and a crucial transport hub. Overlooking the Strait of Messina, it connects travelers by ferry, train, and highway to the rest of the island and beyond. Yet, beyond its practicality, Messina offers art, history, and coastal charm worth exploring before you move on.
With its golden beach, medieval streets, and iconic cathedral set against the dramatic backdrop of **La Rocca**, **Cefalù** is one of Sicily’s most picturesque coastal towns. Located just an hour from Palermo, it combines seaside relaxation with rich Norman history.
Located in the very heart of Sicily, **Enna** is the island’s highest provincial capital and one of its most scenic hill towns. Known as the **“Belvedere of Sicily”**, Enna offers sweeping views, ancient legends, and a more authentic glimpse of inland Sicilian life.
After the devastating earthquake of 1693, Sicily’s southeastern region was reborn in a blaze of **Baroque architecture**. The towns of **Ragusa, Modica, and Noto** rose from the ruins, becoming masterpieces of urban design and artistry that today form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.