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

Should you visit Arachova or Messina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Arachova or Messina, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Arachova

Arachova is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and bustling town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Arachova and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Arachova or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Arachova. Although Arachova and Messina are both popular with visitors, Arachova has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Arachova is more popular for its skiing, food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Messina is known for its beaches and big city activities. Arachova is more touristy than Messina and is known for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing. It is also home to Mount Parnassus Ski Resort. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Arachova different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Arachova or Messina Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a town with good options for winter skiing. However, Messina is not a skiing destination.

Arachova is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Messina is not a skiing destination.

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

Both Arachova and Messina have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Arachova is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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 Arachova or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Arachova 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, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

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 Arachova or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Arachova and Messina.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. 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 Arachova or Messina Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Arachova or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Arachova or Messina Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Arachova or Messina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Messina and Arachova.

Arachova is a great destination for shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

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 Arachova or Messina Better for Families?

Arachova and Messina are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Arachova is a very family-friendly place to visit. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Messina is very family-friendly. 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 Arachova or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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 Arachova or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Arachova is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

Is Arachova or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for students. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not popular with students.

Is Arachova 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 Arachova and Messina.

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

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 Arachova or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Messina is very walkable. 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.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Arachova?

How long in Arachova or Messina?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Arachova 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 Messina.

One day in Arachova or Messina?

In Arachova, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Arachova or Messina?

In Arachova, you'll find museums and skiing. 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Messina?

Arachova is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Arachova or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arachova. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Arachova. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Arachova or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Arachova. When comparing the sizes of Arachova 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 Arachova 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 Arachova or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Arachova are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arachova this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Arachova is around the same temperature as Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, 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 Arachova. Arachova usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Arachova gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Arachova usually receives less rain than Messina. Arachova gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Arachova or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Arachova during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Arachova is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Arachova in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Arachova. In the autumn, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Messina. Arachova gets 206 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. Arachova usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Arachova gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Arachova or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Arachova and Messina. Many visitors come to Arachova in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Arachova is generally cooler than Messina. Daily temperatures in Arachova average around 10°C (51°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Arachova usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Arachova gets 143 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, Arachova usually receives less rain than Messina. Arachova gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Arachova or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Arachova as well as Messina. Most visitors come to Arachova for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Arachova is around the same temperature as Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Arachova averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, 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 Arachova this time of the year. In the spring, Arachova often gets more sunshine than Messina. Arachova gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Arachova usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Arachova gets 25 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 Arachova