Our cruise stops in Messina for a day... any suggestions on what do do?

I'd head to Taormina.

Definitely head to the Greek theatre in Taormina before the rest of the cruise ship tours get there. Then hit the rest of the town including taking the funicular down to the beach for a fabulous view and seafood lunch!

Syracuse is definately worth a visit, especially the Isle of Ortigia which is the medieval centre. However, it is further down the coast from Messina. The city was built on an ancient Greek colony. There is a Greek and a Roman amphitheatre, a Temple of Apollo and the cathedral on Ortegia incorporates part of the Temple of Minerva.

Taormina, especially if you are there for only a day.Charming town, views are incredable and the Greek Theater is a must see.

Hi TFF - Taormina's your best bet, I think.

Syracusa is lovely - but it's really too far for a day-trip IMO.

Steve

Agree with Steve-Ortigia is fabulous but you cannot do it from a daytrip off a cruise ship in Messina. When we were in Taormina, the cruise ship crowd was starting to arrive between 9-11am and needed to be back before 5pm so there would be no way possible to get that far south. Besides,Ortigia shouldn't be rushed!