Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto: what to see, where to eat, and what to do in the evening

Vanessa Korovina

Updated: 13 August 2025 ·

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What to see in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto

With such an important name, it can't help but spark curiosity in travelers wandering through this part of Sicily. This town is part of the metropolitan area of Messina, along with Milazzo, Castroreale, and other small villages nestled in the hills. For centuries under Spanish rule, the territory was entrusted to the D'Aragona family, who developed the city into an important commercial center. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its sea, beautiful beaches, points of interest scattered around the area, and nearby thermal baths. Let's discover what to see, where to eat, and what to do in the evening in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto.

1 - Duomo di San Sebastiano

Barcelona Pozzo di Gotto San Sebastiano Basilica

Not to be missed, this church towers over the city, almost in contrast to the small size of the town. In neoclassical style with a majestic dome of 16 meters in diameter, it offers visitors a beautiful interior with three naves, featuring wooden statues and paintings from the 1700s and 1800s.

2 - Sanctuary of Saint Anthony

Convent of San Antonio Barcelona — Photo by Effems.

This sanctuary consists of a beautiful church with an attached convent. Since 1613, the Franciscan friars dedicated to the worship of Saint Anthony of Padua have turned the sanctuary into an important destination for Christian pilgrims. The crucifix on the altar is from the 15th century.

3 - Church of San Giovanni Battista

Facade of the Church of San Giovanni Battista — Photo by Effems.

Declared a national monument in 1969, this magnificent church is located at the entrance of the city in the San Giovanni neighborhood and was the first building in Barcellona from which the urban agglomeration developed by Spanish design in 1635. The facade features two bell towers with statues nestled in niches, and the interior is opulent with frescoes and stuccos, but it is the baldachin altar that leaves visitors breathless.

4 - Ethnohistorical Museum

The museum reconstructs 45 ancient craft shops, complete with about 20,000 historical artifacts. Due to the quantity and quality of its collections, it is one of the most important ethno-anthropological sites in Italy. Here, study conferences on general anthropology, history, theater, architecture, music, and literature are regularly scheduled.

5 - Calderà Beach

This beach stretches for many kilometers and is one of the most frequented by tourists due to its beach facilities and restaurants, but especially for the clear water and the spacious pebbly beach with shallow waters, making it suitable for families with children. There are also sections of free beach.

6 - Milazzo Castle

This fortified citadel has its foundations on archaeological sites dating back to 4000 B.C.; it then developed into its current structure over the centuries. Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, and Spanish influences have contributed to beautifying the entire complex, making it imposing and usable for various purposes during World War I and II. In the 20th century, it was declared a National Monument and is one of the favorite tourist destinations in the entire Messina area.

7 - Old Town of Milazzo

The Old Town is the historic center of Milazzo, rich in medieval and Norman buildings, a beautiful central square, the Palace of the Viceroys dating back to the 18th century, and the infamous church of the Madonna del Rosario, which housed the Inquisition Tribunal until 1783. Many shops and local establishments guide tourists through the narrow streets of the center.

8 - Venus Pool

A beautiful walk that starts from the Old Town to the end of Capo Milazzo will lead you to a natural pool set among the rocks, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. The "Venus Pool", simply called "the pond" here, is one of the most picturesque beaches along the coast and even though there are no services or bars, it is always crowded due to its beauty and the turquoise water.

9 - Duomo di Castroreale

Duomo di Castroreale 1 — Photo by Effems.

Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, this 15th-century church has a beautiful baroque facade and a very rich interior. Statues, altars, and paintings of remarkable workmanship and from various historical periods, ranging from the 1400s to the 1700s, alternate in the three naves, but what strikes the most is the majesty of the pipe organ.

10 - Jalari Park Museum

Covering 35 hectares, this park-museum offers visitors 15,000 historical artifacts placed in over 40 shops that recreate the atmosphere of times gone by. Everything is guided through avenues and streets rich in statues, gardens, and water features, making the experience almost magical.

One-Day Itinerary in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto

Start your day exploring the Venus Pool, a stunning natural inlet with crystal-clear water, an ideal spot to admire the natural beauty of the Sicilian coast. Continue with a walk in the Old Town of Milazzo, where you can explore the historic streets and visit the castle, one of the largest in Sicily. After admiring Milazzo, head to the Duomo di San Sebastiano in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, the main church of the city, a remarkable example of neoclassical architecture. Just a short walk away is the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a charming little church that reflects the importance of the local religious heritage.

Next, visit the Ethnohistorical Museum Nello Cassata, where you can discover local traditions and culture through objects and historical exhibits. Continue your tour with a visit to the Duomo di Castroreale, a beautiful church that dominates the surrounding landscape and offers a deep dive into sacred art and history. Conclude your day at the Jalari Park Museum, a picturesque outdoor museum that combines art, culture, and nature, with nature trails and artworks that blend with the natural landscape.

Venus Pool Get directions / Visit time: 1 hour
Old Town of Milazzo To reach this stop: 10 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 1 hour
Duomo di San Sebastiano To reach this stop: 20 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 30 min
Church of San Giovanni Battista To reach this stop: 5 min on foot (Get directions) / Visit time: 20 min
Ethnohistorical Museum To reach this stop: 10 min on foot (Get directions) / Visit time: 1 hour
Duomo di Castroreale To reach this stop: 20 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 30 min
Jalari Park Museum To reach this stop: 15 min by car (Get directions) / Visit time: 1.5 hours

Where to Eat in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto

La Rosa Nera in this simple restaurant you can probably enjoy the best pizza in the entire metropolitan area of Messina Average price per person: $15.00 Address and contact: via Sant'Andrea, 173 - Get directions / tel: 3883047864
La Torre in a historic building, you can taste traditional Sicilian dishes and pizza Average price per person: $35.00 Address and contact: via Torre di protonotaro - Get directions / tel: 3331670928
Panini Casdia sandwich shop offering local products, perfect for a quick lunch Average price per person: $10.00 Address and contact: via Roma, 12 - Get directions / tel: 0909799444
Masterchef Steak House a restaurant specializing in grilled meat Average price per person: $20.00 Address and contact: Largo Ferdinando D'Amico, 9 - Get directions / tel: 0902400401
Enotria l'Osteria a restaurant serving typical cuisine, mostly based on fish Average price per person: $25.00 Address and contact: via Umberto I, 421 - Get directions / tel: 3921842769

What to Do in the Evening: Nightlife Areas and Best Venues

Fun is surely not lacking. With a sea like the Sicilian one, even a simple beach bar and a bonfire will suffice. Many pubs in various town centers, some of which also offer quick dishes and appetizers, are frequented by both tourists and locals. In this area, gathering places are preferred, offering live music, but disco clubs and DJ sets are also available.

Drinkami the ideal place for aperitifs, open late Address and contact: Piazza Libertà, 2 - Get directions
DOP open from early morning until late at night, ideal for cocktails or appetizers Address and contact: Piazza Stazione, 23/24 - Get directions
Discoteca La Pineta 30 km from Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, famous nightclub with DJ sets and events Address and contact: via Pola - Get directions

Plan Your Stay in Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto: Useful Information and Tips

How to get there the nearest airport is Fontanarossa in Catania. From there, you can take the Sais bus company or rent a car. Most Italian provincial capitals are connected to Messina by Flixbus with prices starting at $19.00
How to get around the best way to explore the Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto area and nearby villages is definitely by car, so if you are not on vacation with your own, it is recommended to rent one. The company Sicily Rent offers great rates starting at $39.99 per day
Where to park you can park on via Cicerata at Parking, open 24/7, with rates starting at $1.20 per hour. In Milazzo, at via Minniti 77, the Garage Ferrari has indoor and outdoor parking, but you can also find many public parking spots in the port area.
Where to stay compare the selection of accommodations on booking
What to see in the surroundings if you have a few days available, it is worth embarking from Milazzo to the Aeolian Islands. Ferries depart daily at reasonable fares even during the high season. The islands are among the most beautiful archipelagos in the Tyrrhenian Sea, and a visit for a dip in the beautiful waters of Lipari or Vulcano is definitely worth the trip.