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

Should you visit Antalya or Messina?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Messina? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a relaxing, luxurious, and historic vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Messina?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antalya than Messina. Antalya is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antalya is better known for its museums, food, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its big city activities. Antalya is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Antalya different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antalya 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 Antalya. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antalya 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, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya or Messina Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Messina.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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.

Is Antalya or Messina Better for Music?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for live music. However, Messina is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Messina Better for Resorts?

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

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Messina Better for Beaches?

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

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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

Is Antalya or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

Antalya is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Messina Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Messina?

Antalya is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Antalya is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. 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 Antalya or Messina Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Antalya or Messina.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Antalya. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Antalya or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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 Antalya or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya 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 Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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 Antalya or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Antalya is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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 Antalya or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Messina. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Antalya or Messina?

In Antalya, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This vacation spot offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Antalya or Messina?

In Antalya, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 Antalya 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 Antalya or Messina?

Antalya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antalya has to offer. 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 Antalya or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antalya. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Messina, we can see that Antalya 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 Antalya Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Messina?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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 Antalya or Messina?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Antalya during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antalya in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Antalya is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antalya. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Messina. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Messina. Most visitors come to Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Messina. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Messina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Messina. The winter months attract visitors to Antalya because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

Antalya is cooler than Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Messina. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Antalya receives a lot of rain in the winter. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Messina. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Antalya this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Antalya is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives less rain than Messina. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Antalya