Messina's Coast: Tyndaris and Cefalù

Tyndaris is an ancient village dating back to the Hellenic era, located on a hill overlooking the Tyrrhenian coast. Antica Tyndaris was one of the most important Greek colonies in Sicily. In addition to the imposing Greek ruins (amphitheater and remains of the baths and the village), Tyndaris is also famous for the Sanctuary, where one of the rare icons of the Black Madonna is kept. The Sanctuary of the Black Madonna is the central religious attraction of Tyndaris. Cefalù is a charming unspoiled village with winding, narrow, medieval streets and delightful restaurants overlooking a rocky coast. The beautiful coastal city of Cefalù has an excellent historical center, dominated by the imposing Norman cathedral, dated 1131. Along the walk through the picturesque streets of the center, we will stop to visit the famous museum "Mandralisca," which houses a masterpiece by Antonello da Messina, in addition to a rare collection of coins, ceramics, vases, minerals, and shells. If there is time, we will continue along the coast to the village of Santo Stefano di Camastra, famous for its ceramics and its lovely bars, restaurants, and pastry shops. After the visit we return to Messina.