Milazzo, places to visit , seaside attractions and suggested hotels

Last Updated: August 20, 2023

Access to the Aeolian Islands

Milazzo offers much more than just a starting point for ferries to the Aeolian Islands. Stop and you will find yourself immersed in a lively town, with a beautiful beach and many monuments to discover.

Milazzo

It serves as the main entrance to the Aeolian Islands. All those who want to reach the beautiful Sicilian archipelago must go from here to embark to Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, Alicudi or Salina. Located a few kilometers west of Messina, along the north coast of Sicily, at the foot of the peninsula of Capo Milazzo, this town has over 30,000 inhabitants and boasts a thousand-year history.

With its beaches, caves, charming churches and ancient monuments, it is much more than just a stop for the Aeolian Islands; on the contrary, it can become a real must for a traveling holiday along the north coast of Sicily, allowing you to spend two or three lovely days before embarking on the enchanting islands.

What to see in Milazzo

If during your trip to the Aeolian Islands you wish to make a short stop in this city, surely you will find interesting ideas. Here are the main attractions to visit in the city.

Ancient Cathedral

Among all the churches of the city, the Duomo Antico is one of the largest and certainly one of the most important. Built at the beginning of the seventeenth century to a design by Camillo Camilliani, it was consecrated in 1616 and remained the cathedral until 1860, when the new cathedral was built.

Today the church stands on the esplanade of the Walled City and inside you can admire a series of monuments, sculptures and details that are definitely worth a visit, although after 1860 it suffered a looting and much of the original heritage remains very little.

Ancient village

The ancient village, as we know it today, dates back to the fifteenth century and is the most fascinating part of the city to visit. Among its attractions are the Viceroy and Governor’s Palace, the Polyphemus Cave and several historic churches.

Walking through the streets of the ancient village you can still breathe the atmosphere of past times and it is pleasant to get lost in the shady streets, overlooking the houses of the center.

Access to the Aeolian Islands
Milazzo
What to see in Milazzo
Beaches in Milazzo and surroundings
Tours and activities in Milazzo and surroundings
Where to sleep in Milazzo
How to reach Milazzo

Beaches in Milazzo and surroundings

Located along Capo Milazzo, the town is surrounded by beaches frequented mainly by local residents. Below we present the most important of the area.

West Beach

The Spiaggia di Ponente is a long stretch that stretches for a few kilometers along the west coast of Capo Milazzo. Most of it is free, but there are equipped beaches where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as areas dedicated to services such as pedal boats, restaurants and bars. In the area closest to the old town, during the summer the beach can be quite crowded, but just move a few hundred meters to the south or north to find tranquility. The water is clear and warm, and the beach is composed of fine sand.

The Spiaggia di Ponente extends to the Tono cliff, known by the locals as “a puntitta”. In this area there is an area dedicated to the practice of naturism.

Pool of Venus

The Pool of Venus is a beautiful natural pool between the rocks, located on the northern tip of Capo Milazzo. The road to reach it can be a bit ‘challenging, but it is definitely worth it, as you walk along a scenic path surrounded by unspoilt nature until you reach this charming cove among the rocks, perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the crystal clear waters of Sicily.

The area is quite isolated and lacks services, so it is recommended to bring plenty of sunscreen, water and food.

Tours and activities in Milazzo and surroundings

The most obvious tour to do is the one directed towards the Aeolian Islands, which we highly recommend if the archipelago is not your final destination of travel. However, if you are in transit as an intermediate stop before sailing to the islands, do not miss the opportunity to visit the particular IllusionVille Museum, also ideal for children.

Located in Via Giorgio Rizzo, a few steps from the embarkation for the Aeolian Islands, this museum is dedicated to illusions and will transport you to a reality made of surprises at every corner, questioning all your certainties.

Where to sleep in Milazzo

In the northern part overlooking the eastern side of Capo Milazzo, there is a good concentration of hotels, especially at the foot of the castle, along Via Marina Garibaldi and in the immediate vicinity. This area is ideal for staying close to the monuments of the city and, at the same time, is about a kilometer walk from the beach of Ponente.

For those who choose to stay in Milazzo before embarking for the Aeolian Islands, you can opt for accommodation near the port, an area equipped with various services, bars and restaurants, and at the same time convenient for the proximity to the ferry.

How to reach Milazzo

From Messina, you can reach Milazzo in just over half an hour along the A20 motorway towards Palermo, exiting at the Milazzo – Aeolian Islands exit. For those coming from Catania or Fontanarossa airport, you will need to follow the A18 motorway to Messina and then take the A20. In this case, the journey takes about an hour and 30 minutes.

Italian version

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