Porta Messina: A Gateway Through Time
Dive into the historical tapestry of Porta Messina, one of Taormina's ancient gateways, and uncover the secrets of its past, from Greek settlers to Roman conquerors.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Porta Messina with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Make your stay in Taormina complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We were a group of 5 from 19 to mid 50’s and we all found this tour interesting and informative. Mirco was able to tell us a lot about the history of Taormina and brought this to life with old photos on his iPad. We managed to avoid the crowds by using back streets and saw some interesting buildings and heard interesting stories. A very nice introduction to our stay here."
"We had a great time with Asya! Smart and super sweet. We had a large group of 11 and one with food allergies and she accommodated perfectly which is hard to do but did it with ease. She engaged the whole group and taught us a lot about the city while eating amazing food along the way. Come hungry :)"
"Very engaging and fun evening learning about Sicilian history and food. Asha was very knowledgeable and ensured we did not go hungry!! Would highly recommend this tour as a great way to learn about Sicily, Taormina and enjoy some local delicacies."
"Asya was a great guide, showing us around the town while sampling great food and drinks! The personal connections she had with the restaurants and bakeries made the tour even better - especially the cannoli magician Roberto! She was super fun, and her knowledge of Sicilian history is amazing. She had great recommendations for places to visit, restaurants to try, and overly tourist places to stay away from, Thanks Asya! "
"We had a great morning exploring Taormina with Maria Grazia! She was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and we learned a lot about the city, its culture and history. Highly recommend her tour!"
"Our tour of Taormina with Maria Grazia was a highlight of our trip. Maria is very knowledgeable and generously shared tips and information about our special interests. It was a pleasure to be guided by Maria to locations in Taormina that we would not have found on our own. I highly recommend this experience and have already recommended this to friends who are visiting later in the year. Thank you! "
"Our tour started off with a warm welcome from. Chris and Barbara. They are from the area which made the experience wonderful. The highlight was Nove which is an incredible place which focuses on pistachios. The different bruschetta featured many flavours. The cannoli at the end of the tour ended the evening perfectly. Thank you to our hosts for a wonderful evening. I would highly recommend this to all. "
"Mirco is the secret to visiting Taormina! Passionate about history and the Sicilian culture, he guided us off the main paths and we discovered Taormina through his eyes. Just fabulous and highly recommend this visit with Mirco who was delightful. "
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Taormina with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Taormina has to offer
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Discover the allure of Porta Messina in Taormina, Sicily. This ancient gateway beckons you to explore the historical and cultural wonders of this charming town. Book your private tour today and unlock the secrets of Taormina with our expert local guides.
Dive into the historical tapestry of Porta Messina, one of Taormina's ancient gateways, and uncover the secrets of its past, from Greek settlers to Roman conquerors.
Experience the vibrant culture of Taormina through Porta Messina, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Explore nearby shops, cafes, and soak in the Sicilian atmosphere.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Sicily near Porta Messina! Savor fresh seafood, arancini, and the sweet notes of cannoli, paired with local wines. Explore the culinary heart of Taormina.
Although not directly linked to Porta Messina, the renowned playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited Taormina, captivated by its beauty and charm, much like visitors today are drawn to the iconic gateway.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Discover Porta Messina and Taormina's hidden gems with a passionate local guide. Uncover captivating stories, explore charming streets, and create unique memories. Book your private tour now and experience Taormina like a local! Limited spots available.