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.



Make your stay in Taormina complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had a good tour in Taramino wit Asya. Asya it extremely well versed in the history of Taramino. All the food stops were excellent. We had some of the best cannolis I’ve ever had. We had excellent gelato. The rice balls we had we both made up of tomato and pistachio. The final stop was ours, calamari, eggplant, Parm, and a bottle of wine He certainly got your moneys worth out of the store. She was very pleasant and did an excellent job."
"Our adult family of four really enjoyed touring Taormina with Mirco. His passion for Sicily, Taormina, and its history was evident, and his ability to show us around that charming town everywhere while avoiding the crowds was very appreciated. We thoroughly enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the Parco Florence Trevelyan. First rate tour! "
"It was a pleasure to meet with Chris. He showed us some interesting parts of Taomarina, introduced us to some fantastic pistachio food products, the best Aranchino and cannolo. Teally enjoyed this personalised tour- thanks Chris for fitting us in at the last minute."
"Mirco was an excellent guide and gave us a fantastic local tour of the VERY touristy town of Taormina. We saw sights and learned about thr history of the town that we wouldn't have normally seen on our own. It feels like we got a perspective of the city that tourists do not normally get to see or learn about. Mirco was so kind and flexible with us as well. We would highly recommend taking a tour with Mirco anytime!"
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
Discover experiences based on your interest





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.
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.
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.
"I was a bit concerned to see the loads of people coming from a cruise liner as we entered Taormina. BUT - Mirco had all the answers! My group of 9 women did not encounter any of this - as he took them exploring the historic side of Taormina. He was fun, interesting and tuned into everyone. I will definitely invite Mirco to guide my next group."
"My family and I had a wonderful food tour in Taormina with Christopher and his wife Barbara! They took us to their favorite places, told great stories, shared local pro tips to help us enjoy our vacation, and we're just warm, genuine people! They made our first day very welcoming and fun! Our Sicilian adventure started out perfectly. Highly recommend this tour and these locals. Thank you Christopher and Barbara!"
" Our food tour with Barbara and Chris was just perfect and a real highlight to our time in Sicily for our Anniversary Taormina is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been The time spent felt like we were with friends as Barbara and Chris were so warm, friendly and accommodating We visited some wonderful places and tried Arancino, sampled pistachio in different ways at Nova and even made our own Cannoli at a family ran Bakery We had a wonderful time from start to finish and would definitely recommend this tour to anyone that wants to make their trip extra special Thank you Barbara & Chris!! "
"We had a wonderful time with Asya, her knowledge and passion about Sicily are infectious. The food was great and we learned a lot!"
"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 :)"
"Chris and Barbara were fantastic hosts, so friendly and excellent guides around the city. We had a great time with them and they showed us all the best spots to eat around Taormina. Afterwards they gave us some great recommendations for the rest of our trip around Sicily too. "
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.