Messina and Mt. Etna, Italy

Messina is the last port before our final destination, Rome. We arrived here around 7 a.m. and left at 1 p.m., so I didn’t get to see a lot of it. In fact, this early morning shot from the deck of the ship is really about all I saw of Messina.

In this photograph is the Clock Tower Cathedral, the Madonna di Montalto behind it and the dome of the Sacrario Cristo Re in the upper right.

And this is a view of the port.

I had selected the tour that took us to see Mt. Etna, the largest volcano in Europe. When we got within viewing distance, it was not visible because of the clouds.

But in a few minutes, the clouds parted and revealed with beautiful snow covered spectacle. The guide told us that we were very lucky because it has been raining and foggy and just awful weather for several days, and it was not possible to see it.

Soon thereafter, it was hidden again.

We drove along the Ionian Coast up the southern slopes of Mt. Etna through several little villages. They looked deserted. Windows were shuttered, shops dimmed, and streets were almost empty. Most of the sidewalks, streets, and many of the older houses are made from lava rock.

We stopped at the Hotel Airone (Heron) for tea. The hotel dining room was sunny as we enjoyed some delicious tea cakes and the view down to the cost. We were at a height of 750 meters. I don’t know how many feet that is.

They put on a nice spread for us.

From there, we went to see the colata lavica 1992 which is the place where the lava flow stopped just short of the first house in the village. The people felt that it was a miracle and built a shrine to the Virgin Mary in thanksgiving for her protection.

Lava rock is everywhere in this region, but it is quite impressive here.

A nearby town is called the “City of Honey.” They make predominately lemon honey from the blossoms of the many lemon trees. The local women set up tables at the colata lavica area to give samples to tourists to try to entice them to buy some. It was delicious, but no one seemed interested in trying to transport it back in their suitcases.

We were back on the ship by 1 p.m. and on our way shortly thereafter. Messina is situated on the northeastern coast of Sicily on the western shore of the Strait of Messina. On the eastern shore is the toe of the boot of Italy.


The ocean was rough last night and continues to be rough right now with waves 7.5 to 12 feet. The wind is also blowing a gale. This is the kind of water I expected crossing the Atlantic, but not here.

Anyway, I am rocking and rolling as I sadly pack my bag to leave the ship tomorrow. I would gladly sail for another month. We will be in Rome for two nights, then begin our flight home on Friday.

I am unsure if I will have access to internet until I get back in the states, but if I do, I will write.