Milazzo

Milazzo is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Messina, Sicily, Italy. It lies on the northeastern tip of the island, at the end of a narrow peninsula that forms the Gulf of Milazzo and faces the Tyrrhenian Sea. The port area is a major maritime hub, with commercial traffic and a passenger terminal that provides regular ferries to the Aeolian Islands.

The site has ancient roots and was known in antiquity as Mylae. Through the Middle Ages and early modern period it came under various rulers, including the Normans and the Aragonese. The promontory hosts a fortress that has shaped the town’s defense and urban development, and the historic center preserves medieval and early modern architecture.

Milazzo’s economy centers on port activities—fishing, trade, and passenger services—alongside tourism and services for residents and visitors. The surrounding hinterland supports agriculture and local crafts. Tourism is boosted by sea views, beaches, and the town’s historic core, as well as by easy access to the Aeolian Islands.

Among the main attractions is the Castello di Milazzo, perched above the harbor, which offers views over the sea and the town. The seaside areas, churches, and narrow streets of the historic center provide a sense of the locality’s heritage and Mediterranean character. The ferry terminal connects Milazzo to Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Panarea, and Salina, making boat trips a common activity for both locals and tourists.

Milazzo is connected by road and rail to Messina and other Sicilian towns, supporting commerce and mobility within eastern Sicily.