Top 15 Souvenirs to Purchase in Messina, Sicily

As you embark on the European cruise you’ve always envisioned, ensure that Messina is included in your travel plans. Located just off the coast of Italy, Sicily is rich in Italian traditions, alongside several unique customs that set it apart from the mainland. Keep an eye out for these 15 specialty items that encapsulate the essence of Messina as you explore the city.

1. Coppola Hat

The coppola hat, Sicily’s take on the classic English hunting cap, has been an essential part of Sicilian fashion for over 200 years. While its popularity may ebb and flow with changing fashion trends, this timeless hat is a stylish choice and makes for a wonderful keepsake. Depending on the season, you can find the coppola hat crafted from either wool or tweed materials.

2. Capers

The southeast coast of Sicily is renowned for producing some of the finest capers in the world, making it common to find fresh capers featured prominently in Sicilian cuisine. They can be creatively incorporated into salads, pastas, and a myriad of other dishes. To capture the rich, savory flavors from your travels, consider bringing home a jar of capers, which are typically preserved in salt or brine. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly before consumption.

3. Lava Stone Products

Sicily is home to two active volcanoes, and you can catch a glimpse of one — Mount Etna — right from your cruise ship at the port. Owning a piece of black lava stone from Messina serves as a beautiful reminder of the region's culture and history for years to come. Be sure to pick up a souvenir made from Messina’s lava stone, such as jewelry or kitchen items, before you depart.

4. Coffa Bag

Originally utilized by peasant farmers for animal feed, coffa bags have transformed into a popular and colorful fashion statement in Messina, Sicily. These handcrafted straw bags are adorned with pom-poms, brass charms, and painted designs inspired by the Sicilian landscape. Available in various sizes, you can choose from small purse-like bags or medium to large versions perfect for shopping or a day at the beach.

5. Coral Jewelry

The captivating hues of Sicilian coral—ranging from peach to pink to deep red—make it a favored jewelry choice among both locals and tourists. Crafted from tiny fossilized pieces, coral jewelry features unique shapes and vibrant colors that beautifully complement other accessories like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Be sure to take home a piece of exquisite coral jewelry created by artisans in Messina before you leave.

6. Chocolate

Sicilian chocolate sets itself apart from other Italian varieties, often presenting a unique flavor profile that some may take time to appreciate. Its texture is grainy and crumbly, reminiscent of the chocolate brought back by Spanish conquistadors from the Aztecs.

If you're uncertain about which flavor of Sicilian chocolate to choose, popular options include cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, and even chili-infused bars. Just remember to keep your chocolate unopened and sealed as you make your way back home.

7. Marranzano

If you're passionate about music, consider picking up a marranzano, also known as a mouth harp, an instrument deeply rooted in Sicilian musical traditions. As one of the oldest and most universally played instruments in history, the marranzano has been featured in folk music worldwide.

8. Martorana Fruit

As you wander through Messina, you'll undoubtedly notice the vibrant displays of waxy fruit in the windows of local pastry shops. A beloved treat in the region, Martorana fruit is crafted from marzipan and meticulously shaped into lifelike fruits like lemons, cherries, and prickly pears. You might even find some cleverly designed to resemble sandwiches and shrimp.

9. Olive Oil

Sampling and purchasing olive oil in Italy is nearly a tradition. While Tuscany is often recognized as the leading producer, Sicily has a long-standing history of olive oil production. Bringing home Sicilian olive oil is a delightful way to savor the flavors of Sicily yourself or to share with loved ones.

10. Pasta

After enjoying authentic Sicilian dishes, you might feel inspired to recreate your favorite meals back home. The essential ingredient? Pasta! Common varieties include tubular shapes like ziti and penne, as well as long, thin strands such as bucatini and spaghetti, which are perfect for hearty sauces. Be sure to grab a few packs from any local grocery store in Messina before you leave.

11. Pistachio Pesto

Sicily is rich in pistachios, and the locals incorporate these delightful nuts into various dishes, from swordfish to gelato. A favored savory creation is pistachio pesto, typically made with basil, garlic, and of course, pistachios. Grab a bag of pistachios along with a jar of pesto to toss with pasta for a quick, satisfying meal infused with authentic Sicilian flavors.

12. Pottery

For those who appreciate souvenirs adorned with vibrant colors and striking designs, Sicilian pottery from Caltagirone is a must-see. Look for hand-painted serving dishes, plates, bowls, and decorative items in bright shades of blue, green, and yellow that can enhance your home collection. The pieces often feature Baroque swirls and bold patterns, making each item a unique conversation starter.

13. Salt

Off the coast of Messina, Sicily, you'll find salt pans where locals have been harvesting naturally occurring salt for generations. Once the sun evaporates the water, the residual salt dries in the open air for a full year. The outcome is a flavorful salt rich in potassium and magnesium, surpassing regular table salt. Be sure to grab a package at local markets or stores in Messina and use it to elevate your favorite dishes at home.

14. Puppets

Sicilian Puppet Theater, which originated in the 19th century, beautifully encapsulates Italy's rich storytelling heritage. The main attractions are the elaborately crafted puppets that dance across the stage like marionettes.

After enjoying one of these captivating performances in Messina, consider bringing home a cherished character like Ruggiero, Rinaldo, or Orlando to create your own puppet shows.

15. Wine

Julius Caesar once lauded the wines of Sicily, yet it took centuries for the rest of the world to fully appreciate them. Today, Sicily is famed for its wines, particularly marsala and syrah, along with a range of other red and white varieties. If you decide to purchase a 750-ml bottle while in Messina, your ship’s crew will gladly store it safely for you until you disembark.

After embarking on that long-awaited European cruise and stopping at the stunning island of Sicily, you'll find yourself longing to return. While you explore the rich culture and beauty of the island, don’t forget to pick up one or more of these top 15 memorable souvenirs to keep the spirit of Sicily with you for years to come.