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| A traditional Sicilian "feluca" swordfish fishing boat docked near the massive steel transmission tower in Torre Faro |
After leaving captivating Capo d’Orlando, I caught the train to Messina, Sicily’s gateway between the island and mainland Italy, thanking myself for not carrying more luggage than my Baggallini Sling Bag (ad), Baggallini Backpack (ad), and SwissGear Suitcase ((ad).
Arriving at Messina’s bus station, again I had to figure out how to get to my Airbnb. My directions said to take Bus 1 whose route goes towards Torre Faro, but get off at Via Consolare Pompea.
đź’ˇ Travel Tip: Double-check with your Airbnb host about whether you need the train, tram, or bus for your arrival. A location listed as 10 minutes from the train station could actually mean 10 minutes from the tram stop rather than the regional train station!
🏠A Warm Sicilian Welcome
My Airbnb could not have been more
perfect: it was located right across the street from the local bus stop on Via
Consolare Pompea. Upon arrival, the host’s father patiently checked me in using
a combination of Italian, gestures, and smiles, explaining how the security
door operated, how the “dishwasher” worked, and the washer/dryer set-up.
When I accidentally locked myself out
because the door closed so quickly, “Dad,” who lived in the upstairs apartment,
immediately came down and got me back in. Not a word of English!! Welcome to
Sicily – got to love it!!
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| Due Becchi |
Right along this coastal stretch of Via Consolare Pompea lies the Storica fontana di Paradiso. Known to locals as the fountain of the “Due Becchi” (Two Spouts), it is a fascinating historic landmark. It serves as a popular social hub for runners, walkers, and locals carrying large jugs to collect fresh water. Catching glimpses of this daily Sicilian routine right outside my door added such a rich layer of local color to the neighborhood.
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| Local Vegetable/Fruit Stand |
A vibrant neighborhood fruit and vegetable stand displaying fresh Sicilian produce along Via Consolare Pompea.
Day Trip to Torre Faro
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| Forte degli Inglesi |
Right at the very edge of the cape, standing alongside the sandy shores, sits the historic Forte degli Inglesi (Fort of the English). Built by the British in the early 19th century to guard the strait against Napoleon's fleet, the sturdy stone fort contrasts beautifully against the wild coastal waters. Today, it has been wonderfully restored and houses the M.A.C.H.O. contemporary art museum.
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| Torre Faro / To the Fishermen / Fallen at Sea |
Just a short walk away along the promenade, facing directly into the swirling currents of the sea, I stopped before the Monumento ai Pescatori Caduti in Torre Faro Dedicated to the local fishermen lost to the deep waters, the white stone sculpture swoops upward like a powerful, cresting wave frozen in time. The plaque placed firmly at its base reads: "Torre Faro / Ai Pescatori / Caduti in Mare / 23 Aprile 2008"—a solemn reminder of how closely tied Torre Faro's identity is to both the gifts and the dangers of the Strait.
rising high above the shoreline. Standing directly beneath it, I photographed the lattice structure disappearing into the bright Sicilian sky. The tower’s scale is difficult to appreciate until you are standing at its base looking straight up!
Torre Faro also offered excellent views across the strait toward mainland Italy. Ferries crossed regularly between Sicily and Calabria while fishing boats moved through the busy waters below.
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| Astronomical Clock |
Before leaving Messina, I visited the Astronomical Clock beside the cathedral. The clock tower is one of the city’s best-known landmarks and draws visitors from around the world. Standing in the piazza, I appreciated both the craftsmanship and history behind this remarkable structure.
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| Mr Bear heading to Calarbria Next stop Pizzo |
