English 
Elevation
[?]
Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
8
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
218000
Real Population (5km)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
283200
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
84
Region
Sicilia
Walkability
Walker’s Paradise
Housing availability
[?]
Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
High
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
229
/ 124
Climate Description
Warm, mild climate; rare snow; abundant sunshine; moderate rainfall; stable temperatures.
Messina
Sicilia
Northeastern Sicilian town offers culture, notable landmarks, beaches, and a diverse local economy.
Messina Demographics
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
218000
Real Population (5km band)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
283200
Births Per 100 Deaths
50.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
[?]
Calculation of tourist density index for the city, comparing its total tourist number to the overall average tourist number of the region
relative to its own population.The index indicates how a location’s tourist density compares to the average, with values above
100 representing higher-than-average density and values below 100 representing lower-than-average density.
Not Touristic
Income per capita (2023)
[?]
This is an estimation of average income per resident for this town, based on 2023 data from the Italian Ministry of Finance.
21800
Income rank in Italy (2023)
[?]
This is a ranking of the town's average income per resident, against the full list of townships in Italy.
2853 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
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Closest Airport
Name
Tito Minniti (Reggio Calabria)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
6
Driving Time
44min(s)
Reggio Calabria Airport, also known as Tito Minniti (IATA: REG), is located in the southern part of Calabria, Italy, approximately 7 km from Reggio Calabria city centre. As one of the busiest airports in Calabria, it offers regular flights within Italy to destinations like Milan Linate and Rome Fiumicino, and international seasonal services to Tirana. Known for serving as an access point for the Strait of Messina region, the airport connects travellers primarily through ITA Airways and Ryanair, catering to both domestic and select European routes.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Catania Fontanarossa (Catania)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
52min(s)
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA) is situated in Sicily, Italy, and serves as a significant air travel hub in the Mediterranean. This airport facilitates connections to numerous European cities such as Rome, Munich, Amsterdam, and London, with key routes including Catania to Rome, one of Italy’s busiest. Notably, it accommodates low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, making it accessible for budget travellers and providing direct flights to leisure destinations. Recent terminal expansions enhance passenger experience, although the airport experienced a temporary disruption in July 2023 due to a fire in the terminal.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Lamezia Terme (Lamezia)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
5
Driving Time
76min(s)
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is located in Calabria, southern Italy, approximately 9 km south of the city of Lamezia Terme. It overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea and is especially busy during the summer months, accommodating over 2.6 million passengers in 2022. The airport is a hub for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, and WizzAir, offering connections to major Italian cities like Rome and Milan, as well as seasonal flights to destinations like Toronto, Vienna, and Cologne. Notably, the airport does not emphasize any particular hub designation but offers significant connectivity for both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient option for travellers seeking both leisure and business routes.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Contesse
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
6
Driving Time
13min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Contesse offers regional and limited high-speed services, primarily operated by Trenitalia. The rail lines that service this station connect to major destinations such as Messina, Catania, and Taormina. Trains to Messina operate approximately every 30 to 60 minutes, while other regional routes vary in frequency, with few departures throughout the day. The station does not primarily serve high-speed trains but does provide a mix of regional and some intercity connections.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Messina Centrale
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
8
Driving Time
14min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Messina Centrale offers a variety of rail lines connecting Sicily with the mainland. The main rail lines that stop here include those operated by Trenitalia. Key destinations connected by direct trains include Catania, Palermo, and Taormina. Trenitalia provides the majority of services, while Italo may offer limited connections in the region.
In terms of frequency, train departures vary, with frequent services to major cities such as Catania and Palermo typically operating every 30 to 60 minutes during peak times, and a few services throughout the day to lesser-known destinations.
Stazione di Messina Centrale supports a mix of high-speed and regional trains, providing both rapid connections and local services across the island of Sicily. Therefore, it stands as a key transit point for both high-speed and regional rail travel.
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Galati
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
16min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Galati offers a number of rail connections and operational details. The station is served primarily by regional rail lines, providing connectivity to various destinations in Italy. Key destinations connected directly include major cities such as Messina and Bàrlad. The primary train operator servicing this station is Trenitalia, with fewer services operated by Italo.
Trains depart at varying frequencies throughout the day, generally operating on an hourly basis, though some routes may have fewer departures. Currently, the station does not feature high-speed trains, focusing predominantly on regional services, thus catering to local and short-distance travel requirements. Overall, the infrastructure supports essential travel links for both commuters and visitors in the region.
Infrastructure & Amenities
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Healthcare
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Housing & Property Market
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Connectivity & Digital Access
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Education
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Climate & Weather
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Precipitation
[?] Based on daily climate data for precipitation from OPEN-METEO this parameter indicates how a city's annual precipitation compares to others in terms of percentage, with values ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). For example, a percentile rank of 0.75 means the city's total precipitation is higher than 75% of other cities.
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Sunshine
Very High (81st-90th percentile)
Snowfall
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Climate Description
Messina, situated in Italy, offers a climate that balances warmth with moderate rainfall. Throughout the year, the weather remains generally mild, with temperatures rarely dipping low, making the city an ideal location for expats and retirees seeking a stable, comfortable environment. Summers in Messina are notably warm but not overwhelmingly so, providing perfect conditions for exploring the enchanting landscapes or enjoying the local culture. Winters are brief and mild, and snowfall is a rare spectacle, adding a touch of magic without causing disruption. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, ensuring that days are bright and inviting for the majority of the year.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
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Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
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Sunny Days By Month
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Environmental & Air Quality
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Classifications
PM10
[?]
PM10 levels indicate Good air quality at 0–20 µg/m³, Fair at 20–40 µg/m³, Moderate at 40–50 µg/m³, Poor at 50–100 µg/m³, Very Poor at 100–150 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 150–1200 µg/m³.
Good
PM2.5
[?]
PM2.5 is Good if PM2.5 levels are between 0–10 µg/m³, Fair between 10–20 µg/m³, Moderate between 20–25 µg/m³, Poor between 25–50 µg/m³, Very Poor between 50–75 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor between 75–800 µg/m³.
Good
NO2
[?]
NO₂ levels are considered Good at 0–40 µg/m³, Fair at 40–90 µg/m³, Moderate at 90–120 µg/m³, Poor at 120–230 µg/m³, Very Poor at 230–340 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 340–1000 µg/m³.
Good
SO2
[?]
SO₂ levels indicate Good air quality at 0–100 µg/m³, Fair at 100–200 µg/m³, Moderate at 200–350 µg/m³, Poor at 350–500 µg/m³, Very Poor at 500–750 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 750–1250 µg/m³.
Good
O₃
[?]
For O₃, the air is Good at 0–50 µg/m³, Fair at 50–100 µg/m³, Moderate at 100–130 µg/m³, Poor at 130–240 µg/m³, Very Poor at 240–380 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 380–800 µg/m³.
Fair
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
84
Air Quality Description
In Messina, Italy, the air quality presents a generally pleasing environment for expats and retirees, aligning with its picturesque settings. The town maintains good levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, contributing to a clean and breathable atmosphere throughout the year. Sulfur dioxide levels are also commendably low, enhancing the coastal clarity that residents often relish. However, attention might occasionally be required for ozone levels, which typically range in moderate conditions. Overall, Messina provides an inviting locale where air quality notably supports those in search of serene living spaces after a bustling career.
In Messina, Italy, the air quality presents a generally pleasing environment for expats and retirees, aligning with its picturesque settings. The town maintains good levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, contributing to a clean and breathable atmosphere throughout the year. Sulfur dioxide levels are also commendably low, enhancing the coastal clarity that residents often relish. However, attention might occasionally be required for ozone levels, which typically range in moderate conditions. Overall, Messina provides an inviting locale where air quality notably supports those in search of serene living spaces after a bustling career.
Town Descriptions
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Getting There
Messina is accessible via the A20 autostrada, connecting it to northern Sicilian towns and ferry terminals. The nearest airport is Tito Minniti in Reggio Calabria, followed by Catania Fontanarossa. Train stations nearby offer regular services, enhancing regional connectivity.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Messina’s culinary scene exemplifies the rich heritage of Sicilian cuisine, characterized by a range of traditional dishes that showcase regional ingredients and techniques. Notable local specialties include Frutta Martorana, decorative marzipan sweets; Arancini, fried rice balls filled with various ingredients; and Sciusceddu, a type of bread made with various meats. The city’s seafood is also prominent, featuring dishes such as Pasta con le Sarde and Parmigiana di Melanzane. Apart from traditional offerings, Messina hosts a variety of restaurants that cater to international tastes, presenting influences from different cuisines while remaining true to local flavors. Noteworthy Michelin-starred restaurants such as Marina del Nettuno and Modì emphasize the depth of the culinary landscape in Messina, indicating a commitment to excellence in dining. Overall, the town offers a dynamic gastronomic experience blending tradition with contemporary culinary trends.
Shopping Overview
This area features a diverse shopping landscape, comprising town centres with designer boutiques, local handicrafts, and groceries. Supermarkets and minimarkets are prevalent for everyday needs, complemented by vibrant markets offering unique goods and bargains. Shopping centres and outlets provide a wider selection, including clothing, shoes, and home décor. Specialty shops focus on local products such as ceramics and artisanal items, while online options cater to broader needs post-visit.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Messina, located in Sicily, offers notable green spaces and outdoor activities. Key locations include the Orto Botanico Pietro Castelli, which showcases diverse flora, and Parco Ecologico San Jachiddu, known for its ecological significance. For hiking enthusiasts, Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani provides trail options with varied difficulty levels. Additionally, the Lago di Ganzirri is a prominent spot known for its picturesque water views, often attracting walking and nature tours. These locations provide diverse outdoor experiences suited to active residents or retirees exploring leisure activities in natural settings.
✅ Pros
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for community integration and building friendships.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Moderate healthcare quality with accessible medical services nearby.
– Decent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Sufficient transportation options for easy regional travel.
– Non-touristic setting offers tranquility and local experiences.
– Local markets provide fresh produce and support community.
– Internet connectivity is generally reliable for remote work.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality can be inconsistent across different facilities.
– Limited educational facilities may not meet all expatriate needs.
– Unemployment rate slightly higher than national average for locals.
– Some areas may lack modern infrastructure and amenities.
– Transportation options may be limited during off-peak hours.
– Local job market can be challenging for newcomers to navigate.
– Cultural integration may take time and effort for newcomers.
– Summer heat can be intense, requiring adaptation for comfort.
– Limited nightlife and entertainment options may feel restrictive.
– Rural setting may lack certain conveniences found in cities.
FAQs
Summary
Messina, located in northeastern Sicily, presents a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern conveniences for expats and retirees. With a vibrant artistic and cultural scene, the city is home to notable landmarks such as the Bell Tower of the Duomo and various street food traditions, including arancini and focaccia. Its proximity to beautiful beaches and natural attractions like the Alcantara Gorges provides ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. The local economy thrives on fishing, agriculture, and tourism, ensuring a unique culinary landscape influenced by fresh seafood and regional dishes.
However, Messina is often viewed through a critical lens by locals, being known as “la provincia babba” in Italian, reflecting some of the cultural perceptions that may affect expat life. The city also grapples with infrastructural challenges and a healthcare system that may not fully meet the high standards some may expect, making it essential for potential residents to weigh their options carefully against these factors.
✅ Pros
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and appreciate.
– Opportunities for community integration and building friendships.
– Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities.
– Moderate healthcare quality with accessible medical services nearby.
– Decent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Sufficient transportation options for easy regional travel.
– Non-touristic setting offers tranquility and local experiences.
– Local markets provide fresh produce and support community.
– Internet connectivity is generally reliable for remote work.
❌ Cons
– Healthcare quality can be inconsistent across different facilities.
– Limited educational facilities may not meet all expatriate needs.
– Unemployment rate slightly higher than national average for locals.
– Some areas may lack modern infrastructure and amenities.
– Transportation options may be limited during off-peak hours.
– Local job market can be challenging for newcomers to navigate.
– Cultural integration may take time and effort for newcomers.
– Summer heat can be intense, requiring adaptation for comfort.
– Limited nightlife and entertainment options may feel restrictive.
– Rural setting may lack certain conveniences found in cities.
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