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

Should you visit Athens 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 Athens 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.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Messina?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Messina. Athens is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina is more popular for its beaches. Athens is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens 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 Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Athens is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Athens is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Messina Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beach. However, Athens is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Athens is not a beach destination.

Is Athens or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Athens is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Athens is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Messina?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Messina both offer plenty of notable spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Messina is a great destination for 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.

Is Athens or Messina Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Athens. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Messina Better for Couples?

Athens and Messina both notable destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. 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 Athens or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Messina Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Athens 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 Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

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 Athens or Messina a more walkable city?

Athens and Messina are very good when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Athens?

How long in Athens or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Athens and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Athens than in Messina. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Athens or Messina?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Messina?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Messina?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) 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 Athens and Messina, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Messina?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Messina. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In October, Athens is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Messina. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Athens is cooler than Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Messina. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Messina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Messina. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Messina. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Athens