The sea beyond the strait

This Sicilian itinerary commences in Messina, the city which greets visitors arriving via ferry boat from Reggio Calabria and the Italian mainland.

Messina is the city where the great 15th century artist, Antonio di Giovanni de Antonio, better known as Antonello da Messina, was born.
Antonello's "San Gregorio Polyptic" is housed in the city's Peloritano Museum, where it hangs alongside Caravaggio's "Adoration of the Shepherds" and "Resurrection of Lazarus".

Tindari and Capo d'Orlando

On the stretch of coast which from Messina leads to Palermo, there are a number of towns worthy of visit, including that of Tindari, situated just after Capo Milazzo and characterized by the presence of numerous little salt lakes.
The Greek city of Tyndaris, founded in 396 B.C by Dionigi of Siracusa, is an absolute must for those interested in archaeology.
History lovers should be sure to make the trip to Capo d'Orlando, to admire the Sanctuary, the ruins of Orlando Castle and the ancient fishing village of San Gregorio.

S.Agata and Santo Stefano di Camastra

S.Agata di Militello is famous for its spectacular beaches but also for the traditional Cattle fair held here twice a year (on the 14th and 15th of April and the 14th and 15th of November).
Over the years the event has changed somewhat but it still offers visitors a unique opportunity to admire the animals, dressed for the occasion with bells and ornate harnesses.

Sicily's spectacular Aeolian islands: Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli, and Vulcano, are all just a short boat ride away from S.Agata!

Lying half way between Messina and Palermo, Santo Stefano di Camastra is famous for its ceramics and the ideal place in which purchase a souvenir or gift for those back home.

Cefalù and the Madonie

Continuing on our journey towards Palermo, we stop at Cefalù, known not only for its beaches of Capo Playa, Mezzoforno, Caldura and S.Ambrogio, but also for its immense artistic and cultural heritage.
Among the town's many tourist attractions there is the Cathedral, rich in splendid mosaics, and the Mandralistica Museum, in which a number of works by Antonello da Messina are housed.

From Cefalù head inland to visit the area known as the Madonie and the towns of Polizzi, Genrosa, Castelbuono, Petralia Soprana and Petralia Sottana