For anyone who has not heard of Milazzo, this charming Sicilian town that may not enjoy the fame of Taormina is a magnificent seaside town on the north coast of Sicily overlooking the Aeolian Islands.
Actually, this is where you have to go to board the hydrofoils or the ferry to get to the Aeolian Islands.
Milazzo is a historical place where signs show the presence of different civilizations from the Neolithic Age.
And as it seems it was part of Ancient Greek History since we find mentions even in Thucydides’ texts…
“During the same summer different operations were carried on by the different belligerents in Sicily; by the Siceliots themselves against each other, and by the Athenians and their allies: I shall, however, confine myself to the actions in which the Athenians took part, choosing the most important. [2] The death of the Athenian general Charoeades, killed by the Syracusans in battle, left Laches in the sole command of the fleet, which he now directed in concert with the allies against Mylae, a place belonging to the Messinese. Two Messinese battalions in garrison at Mylae laid an ambush for the party landing from the ships, [3] but were routed with great slaughter by the Athenians and their allies, who thereupon assaulted the fortification and compelled them to surrender the Acropolis and to march with them upon Messina. [4] This town afterwards also submitted upon the approach of the Athenians and their allies, and gave hostages and all other securities required.”
Translation by Thomas Hobbes, 1843.
While in Homer’s Odyssey Milazzo is where Ulysses is shipwrecked and meets Polyphemus!
Art Lovers, you should know that Milazzo is a lively place with a local community that loves arts and culture.
It seems as if art runs in the blood of the locals since in very recent years at Palazzo D’ Amico, there have been exhibitions showcasing the masterpieces of Caravaggio, Picasso, and Da Vinci!
When to Visit
Picture yourself strolling along the cobblestone streets of Milazzo, a charming town that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.
The sun is shining, but not too hot, and there is a gentle breeze that carries the scent of the sea.
The streets are quiet, and you can hear the sound of church bells ringing in the distance. This is what it feels like to visit Milazzo in the spring or fall when the weather is simply perfect.
If you’re planning a trip to Milazzo, keep in mind that the summer months can be hot and crowded, with hordes of holidaymakers descending upon the coast.
While the beaches are certainly beautiful, the tourist crowds can detract from the peaceful charm of the town.
If you’re looking for a more serene and authentic experience, it’s best to avoid the peak tourist season.
However, don’t let the chilly and rainy winter months deter you from visiting Milazzo.
The town has a unique charm even in the off-season, and there’s something special about exploring the streets with a warm coat and a scarf wrapped around your neck.
Plus, there’s plenty of delicious local cuisine to enjoy, from hearty soups to fresh seafood dishes.
How to Get to Milazzo
Milazzo is well-connected to other major cities in Sicily and the rest of Italy, making it easy to reach by various modes of transportation.
By air: The nearest airport to Milazzo is Catania-Fontanarossa Airport, which is located about 140 km away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Milazzo.
By train: Milazzo has a train station that is served by both regional and express trains. Trains run frequently from major cities in Sicily, such as Palermo and Catania.
By car: Milazzo is easily accessible by car via the A20 highway. If you’re coming from Catania or Palermo, take the highway towards Messina and exit at Milazzo.
By ferry: Milazzo is a major port for ferries to the Aeolian Islands, with regular services running throughout the day. You can take a ferry from Milazzo to islands such as Lipari, Salina, and Vulcano.
By bus: Milazzo is also well-served by regional buses, with connections to major cities in Sicily such as Catania, Messina, and Palermo.
No matter how you choose to get to Milazzo, the journey will be worth it to experience the beauty and charm of this Sicilian town.