Port of Messina, Port in Messina, Sicily, Italy

The Port of Messina opens on the western shore of the Strait of Messina, enclosed by a natural sickle-shaped arm that gives the city its ancient Sicilian name Zancle. Its basin covers about 820,000 m², with a 400-metre-wide entrance between Forte San Salvatore and the harbourmaster's office. The eleven quays, equipped with fixed and mobile cranes and rail tracks, total roughly 1,770 metres.

The harbor was established at a strategically vital location where the strait separates mainland Italy from Sicily, serving as a maritime crossing since ancient times. This position made it a major trading hub for centuries, facilitating commerce and travel between the continent and the island.

The port's name echoes that of the city, whose original Sicilian name Zancle means "sickle", after the curved San Raineri peninsula that encloses the harbour. On that peninsula stand private shipyards and the public Arsenale di Messina; at the Rodriquez yards the world's first hydrofoil was built.

The harbor is located directly at Messina's city center, making it easy to access when arriving by ferry, ship, or cruise vessel. From the port, visitors can walk into the city or use local transport to reach nearby landmarks and attractions.

The strait is so narrow that from the harbor, one can clearly see the Italian mainland, creating an unusual sense of closeness between the two shores. Ferry passengers can observe the powerful current running through the waterway during their crossing, which demands skillful navigation from ship captains.