The “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea” stands on the 'Peninsula of the Sun': the definitions sometimes understand and reveal truly extraordinary aspects of some places in our country and become suggestive evocations of reality that deserve to be known more closely.

Milazzo rises between the homonymous Gulf in the east and that of Patti in the West and has less than 32 thousand inhabitants; less than 40 km. yes Find Messina, the provincial capital. A Greek city originally and later Roman, Milazzo boasts a position as an absolute protagonist in history, starting from the First Punic War of 260 BC until the Great Battle by Milazzo of the red shirts of July 1860. Here are archaeological finds that come from the most diverse eras of the world, from the Bronze and Iron Age to the Greek and Roman Age, to the time when the Byzantines reigned, the Normans, the Arabs, the Angevins, the Spanish, until the Risorgimento, as if the lines of the history of this city provided privileged access and a unique view on the history of many peoples and nations. The finds date the founding of the city to 716 BC by the Greeks, at the time of the first colonization of the island. The Sun Peninsula was a privileged access point to the seven sisters, those Aeolian Islands on which myths and legends flourished. In Roman times, the city was famous for the historic and extraordinary victory reported over the Carthaginians by the Consul Caio Duilio; it became an episcopal seat during Byzantine rule and an important center commercial with the Arabs. Many characters have passed from Milazzo who determined the course of historical events: Roger the Norman, Frederick II of Swabia, Charles of Anjou and Alfonso of Aragon.

Three Milazzesi itineraries, between land and sea

we propose you some itineraries, without pretense to be able to exhaust the many extraordinary routes and the cultural and playful occasions that the place can offer.

For those who love history and culture, an ideal itinerary could wind between the upper part of the city, the seafaring district and the eastern seafront. Starting with the eighteenth-century Palace of the Marquises of Amico, restored before hosting the Library and the various cultural and artistic events of today; past the Palace the Governor, unfortunately left to his degradation, we arrive at the most important building in the city, the famous Castle or 'Walled City', the amp; #39; ancient heart of Milazzo where, walking through the walls, you can happen to find a coin from the 3rd century BC where it happened in 2005. The Norman-Swabian 'Keep', the 'Aragonese Cint' and the 'Spanish Cinta' form a powerful complex of fortifications thanks to which this city it was never conquered. The seaside district of Vaccarella is worth a walk on the seafront for its riot of colors in a succession of moored boats, antique buildings, painted facades and elegant portals, ending with the romantic beach of the Croce di Mare.

For those who appreciate contact with nature, an itinerary to suggest could be the one that starts from the Bay of San Antonio, and then walk or in mountain bike the path of the “Baronia”, among ancient olive trees and immense vineyards and glimpse from Punta Mazza a beach accessible only by sea, or make close encounters with rabbits wild people that inhabit the place.

For lovers of the sea and its hidden riches, a visit to make is that to its seabed. Capo Milazzo is one of the few areas along the coast between Palermo and Messina that has the morphological characteristics suitable for such a luxuriance of life and so fascinating scenarios. Great prairies of Posidonia, a plant indicating the health of the sea, are located along the coast, where you can admire different scenarios and species including seahorse, fish needle, tuna, sea pike, bluefish, snappers and rock grouper. The sea fans and the red gorgonias in some places reach considerable dimensions and the underwater caves are a must-have stop.

There are numerous seaside beaches: the Baia del Tono, the Phoenix, the Lido Azzurro, the Lido Mojito, the Open Sea, Playa Mignon, Ponentino Lido and the Sayonara Beach Club.

The marinas offer privileged access to the area: the Marina del Nettuno, on the Strait of Messina, can accommodate about 160 boats between 8 and 20 meters and & amp; egrave; for all intents and purposes a haven with all the basic services throughout the year.

The Port of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Milazzo, is the main port of connection with the Aeolian Islands; it can moor up to 320 boats of a maximum length of 100 meters. The Port also organizes historical, natural and underwater itineraries. The Marina Poseidon landing, less than a mile north of the Port of Milazzo, is protected by a floating dam and offers 350 meters of docks able to accommodate boats up to a length of 35 meters.

How to get there:

by car, SS. 113 or A21, leaving at the Milazzo toll booth. The city is about 40 km. from Messina and 225 from Palermo;

by bus, numerous lines connect the city to Messina and other provinces of Sicily;

by train, Milazzo is located on the lines of the main railway lines;

by plane, making a stop at Fontanarossa airport, in Catania;

by ship, Milazzo is served from various maritime lines including Siremar and NGI (Italian General Navigation).