A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Almeria vs. Messina for Food, Beaches, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Almeria or Messina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Almeria and Messina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Almeria and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Almeria or Messina?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Almeria. Messina is bigger than Almeria, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Almeria is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Almeria is more touristy than Messina and is known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Almeria different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Almeria is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Almeria have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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 Almeria or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. 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 Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Almeria or Messina Better for Resorts?

Almeria is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Almeria or Messina Better for Beaches?

Almeria is renowned for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

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

Is Almeria or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Almeria is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Almeria is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Almeria or Messina Better for Hiking?

Almeria is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Almeria or Messina?

Messina is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Messina to go shopping. 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.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Almeria or Messina Better for Families?

Both Almeria and Messina are very good family-friendly destinations.

Almeria is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Messina is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Almeria or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

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 Almeria or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Almeria. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Almeria or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for students. However, Almeria is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. 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.

Almeria is not popular with students.

Is Almeria 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 Almeria and Messina.

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

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 Almeria or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

Messina is a very walkable destination. 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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable region. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Almeria?

How long in Almeria or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Almeria and Messina. In our opinion, Almeria has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Almeria than Messina. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Almeria, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Almeria 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 Almeria.

One day in Almeria or Messina?

In Almeria, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This region offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Almeria or Messina?

In Almeria, you'll find food and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Almeria has to offer.

In Messina, 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 Messina has to offer.

Five days in Almeria or Messina?

Almeria is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 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.

A week in Almeria or Messina?

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

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Almeria and Messina, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Almeria or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Almeria. When comparing the sizes of Almeria 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 Almeria 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 Almeria or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Almeria are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Almeria for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Almeria is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Almeria in July average around 26°C (78°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. Almeria usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Almeria gets 343 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Almeria usually receives less rain than Messina. Almeria gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Almeria or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Almeria during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Almeria because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In October, Almeria is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Almeria average around 20°C (68°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Almeria. In the autumn, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Messina. Almeria gets 220 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. Almeria usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Almeria gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Almeria or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Almeria and Messina. The cuisine are the main draw to Almeria this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Almeria is around the same temperature as Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Almeria averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Almeria usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Almeria gets 186 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, Almeria usually receives less rain than Messina. Almeria gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Almeria or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Almeria as well as Messina. Many travelers come to Almeria for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Almeria is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Almeria in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Messina averages at about 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 Almeria this time of the year. In the spring, Almeria often gets more sunshine than Messina. Almeria gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Almeria usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Almeria gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Almeria