Free walking tours in Milazzo and what to see

Must-sees

Milazzo occupies an isthmus reaching into the Tyrrhenian, on the north coast of the province of Messina. At the top is the castle, with a core from the time of Frederick II surrounded by the great circuit of Spanish walls. Inside are the old cathedral, begun in the early 17th century, and other remains of the fortified town. On the way down you pass through the old quarter, with baroque churches and palazzi.

The modern part is laid out around the seafront and the harbour, from which boats leave for the Aeolian Islands. To the north, a road runs along Capo Milazzo among olive trees and viewpoints. On the way is the sanctuary of Sant'Antonio da Padova, built over the cave where tradition says the saint took shelter, and at the end you walk down to the Piscina di Venere, a natural pool of clear water in a marine protected area.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Milazzo. What Civitatis offers are boat trips to the Aeolians from the harbour: to Vulcano and Lipari, to Stromboli and Panarea, or a longer outing taking in Lipari, Stromboli and Panarea. They are full days with free time on each island. The town itself is easy to visit on your own and on foot.

How long to spend

The castle and old quarter need half a day, and the cape with the Piscina di Venere another half. With two days you see the town and have a swim; with three or four you can add one or two island trips. If you are just passing through on the way to the Aeolians, it is worth arriving the day before and going up to the castle.

Where to stay

The centre, near the seafront and the harbour, is the most practical option, with hotels and B&Bs a few steps from the boats. If you want the beach, the Ponente coast and the cape have quieter places to stay and houses with gardens, although a car or the bus is advisable.