Cruise destination: Messina Cruise destination: Messina Cruise destination: Messina

This busy seaport has a colorful history that includes occupation by the Arabs in the 9th century A.D. and an insurrection against the Bourbons in the late 1700s. Today, this charming city entices tourists with its historical settings, including a museum with works by Caravaggio, the active Stromboli volcano and the town's cathedral, whose bell tower features an animated retelling of the town's history every day at noon. Messina also serves as the gateway to Taormina, where visitors can experience amazing views of the snowcapped Mount Etna.