Messina Strait, Italy

The Messina Strait is the narrow passage between the eastern tip of Sicily and the southern tip of Calabria in the south of Italy. It connects the Tyrrhenian Sea with the Ionian Sea, within the central Mediterranean. At its narrowest point, it measures 3.1 km (1.9 miles) in width, though near the town of Messina the width is some 5.1 km (3.2 miles) and maximum depth is 250 m (830 ft). A ferry connects Messina on Sicily with the mainland at Villa San Giovanni and Reggio in Calabria. There is also a hydrofoil service from Messina to Reggio.

Things to see and do

* Torre Faro - observation tower over Messina Strait
* Archeological Museum of Reggio di Calabria
* Lungomare - promenade at Reggio

Cruise Season - Feb - Jan
Currency - Euro (EUR)
Language - Italian
Population - 250,000 approx (Messina)
Electricity - 2 round pins European style
Time - GMT plus one hour
International Country Telephone Code - + 39

Port Location - Cruise ships dock in downtown Messina, within easy walking to a popular piazza.

Transport Links - There are at least hourly ferries to Villa San Giovanni on the mainland and also several hydrofoils each day to Reggio di Calabria.

Messina is Sicily's link to the main Italian train network. Long distance trains from Rome and Naples cross the Straits of Messina by ferry and continue on to Palermo and Catania. Regular regional trains also run to Milazzo, Cefalu, Taormina and Syracuse.

Long-distance buses stop in Messina, linking Rome and Naples to Catania and Palermo. Regular buses also run to Taormina and Milazzo (for the Aeolian Islands).

Flights are available to and from Reggio's airport at Ravagnese.