A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Messina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alicante or Messina?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Messina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Messina?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Messina than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Messina, Messina has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Alicante attracts visitors for its museums, food, beaches, and historical sights. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Alicante different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Messina and Alicante. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Messina?

Alicante is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alicante. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alicante is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Alicante makes for a great culinary experience. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Alicante to see the historical old town. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Messina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Messina and Alicante.

Alicante offers some nice shopping areas. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Messina.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Couples?

Alicante is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Messina are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

It's common for backpackers to visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Students?

Alicante and Messina are nice places to visit for students.

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Is Alicante or Messina Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Alicante and Messina.

You'll find some public transit in Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Alicante or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Messina. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

Families should spend more time in Alicante than Messina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Alicante, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Alicante than Messina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alicante that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alicante than Messina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Alicante.

One day in Alicante or Messina?

In Alicante, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Messina?

In Alicante, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Alicante has to offer.

Messina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Messina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Messina?

Alicante is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Messina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Messina, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Alicante Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Messina?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 25% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Messina, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Alicante or Messina?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Messina. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Messina. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Messina. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Alicante is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Messina. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Messina. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In April, Alicante is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Messina. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Alicante