Territory
The Strait of Messina
The Strait of Messina is one of the most fascinating areas of the Mediterranean, a meeting point between Sicily and Calabria and a natural crossroads between Europe and Africa. This stretch of sea, about 32 km long and 3 to 16 km wide, is not just a geographical boundary but a place rich in history, culture, and biodiversity.
From an environmental perspective, the Strait is a unique ecosystem: some of the strongest currents in the Mediterranean sustain an abundance of fish, making it the ideal habitat for species such as swordfish, a symbol of the area. Its coasts alternate rocky landscapes with sandy beaches, while the Peloritani mountains in Sicily and Aspromonte in Calabria rise in the background, creating striking scenery.
The territory also preserves an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage: cities such as Messina and Reggio Calabria bear witness to centuries of civilization, trade, and artistic exchange. Myth and legend intertwine here with reality, from Scylla and Charybdis to major modern infrastructure projects.
The Strait of Messina is not only a maritime passage but also a symbol of connection, identity, and potential for economic, tourist, and cultural development.
The Cities of the Strait
Stretto di Messina
Messina and Reggio Calabria are two shores of the same identity. Separated by just a few kilometers of sea yet united by centuries of history, commerce, and cultural exchange, they form a single urban and social space. The Strait is not just a border, but a shared territory where traditions, economy, and everyday life intertwine, creating a dynamic hub of Mediterranean centrality.
Messina
Regione Sicilia
Messina is the gateway to Sicily, a city marked by a millenary history and strong maritime vocation. From its religious and cultural traditions to its architectural landmarks, it unites ancient identity with a modern spirit. Its port, university, and commercial activities make it a strategic hub, blending historical roots with economic growth in the Mediterranean.
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Reggio Calabria
Regione Calabria
Reggio Calabria is the cultural capital of the Calabrian shore of the Strait, renowned for the Riace Bronzes, extraordinary symbols of Magna Graecia. Its seafront, known as “the most beautiful kilometer of Italy,” offers a unique panorama of sea and mountains. A city of traditions, art, and gastronomy, Reggio is a vital economic and commercial center.
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Natural Landscapes
Stretto di Messina

Isola Bella – Taormina (ME)
The Strait’s natural landscapes combine the majesty of the Peloritani Mountains in Sicily and Aspromonte in Calabria, offering extraordinary views. Strong currents create a unique ecosystem, home to swordfish and many migratory species. Parks and nature reserves protect biodiversity and balance between unspoiled wilderness and community life.
Myths and Legends
Stretto di Messina
The Strait of Messina has always been enveloped in myths and legends that enhance its charm. Scylla and Charybdis, immortalized by Homer in the Odyssey, symbolize its turbulent waters and the power of nature. Over the centuries, seafaring tales and local traditions have enriched this narrative, making the Strait a symbolic place where myth and reality merge, reinforcing the shared cultural identity of Calabria and Sicily.

Santuario di Tindari – Patti (ME)
Traditions and Popular Culture
Stretto di Messina

Comune di Scilla (RC)
The traditions and popular culture of the Strait represent a unique heritage born from the meeting of Sicily and Calabria. Gastronomy, folklore, and local customs embody the cultural richness of a territory that unites two regions into one shared identity.
A Territory of Connections
Stretto di Messina
The Strait of Messina has always been a territory of connections and exchanges. The ferries between Villa San Giovanni and Messina have, for decades, ensured the flow of people, goods, and cultures between Calabria and Sicily. Ports, railways, and coastal roads have made this area a strategic hub of the Mediterranean.
Today, with the Bridge project, the Strait is preparing to strengthen its natural vocation: to unite, connect, and create new opportunities.

Collegamenti Capo Milazzo (ME)
A Crossroads of Peoples
Stretto di Messina
The Strait of Messina has always been a crossroads of peoples, legends, and sea routes. Here the past intertwines with the present: the myths of Scylla and Charybdis coexist with the modern cities of Messina and Reggio, symbols of resilience and rebirth. The future brings with it new challenges and opportunities: the Bridge as an icon of connection, cultural and natural tourism, sustainable innovation. The Strait remains a territory of shared identity, ready to tell the world its unique Mediterranean story.