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

Should you visit Cadiz or Messina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cadiz and Messina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Cadiz

Cadiz is a historic, authentic, and friendly port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cadiz and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cadiz or Messina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina than Cadiz, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Messina is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Cadiz is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is more touristy than Cadiz and is known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Cadiz is popular for its long-running maritime history and its charming old town.

How is Cadiz different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Cadiz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. As the oldest city in Europe, there are countless historic sights and monuments to see. Some of the most interesting historic sights include Catedral Nueva, the Arcos de los Blancos, Torre Tavira, and Museo de Cádiz.

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 Cadiz or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at good restaurants in both Cadiz and Messina.

Cadiz offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The restaurants are good, but if you don't have reservations you're out of luck. Many restaurants fill up during the peak summer months. If you do have reservations then you can expect fresh seafood including everything from oysters to prawns and even fresh caught fish like Bluefin tuna. Make sure you try the shrimp fritters and papas con choco (cuttlefish and potato stew). Tapas are a great way to sample a number of small local dishes. Also finish your meal off with some churros.

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 Cadiz or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Messina offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cadiz. The nightlife scene is diverse, with both cultural activities and dance clubs to choose from. Whether you're looking for a late night party or a more mellow evening on the town, there are a number of options available.

Is Cadiz or Messina Better for Beaches?

Both Cadiz and Messina are considered to be decent beach destinations.

Cadiz is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches remain relatively undiscovered on the international level, so you won't have to deal with the crowds that you find at many Spanish beaches. They are urban beaches that make a good place to cool off, but aren't particularly scenic. The beaches are popular with nearby locals, and the atmosphere remains chill and relaxed. While there are many beaches to choose from outside of town, the closest in town beach is La Caleta. It's even been featured in a few Hollywood films such as Die Another Day.

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

Is Cadiz or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

Cadiz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town offers a patchwork network of cobblestone streets that intertwine plazas, churches, and historic buildings.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cadiz or Messina?

Cadiz is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Cadiz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's a diverse mix of local boutiques, food markets, shopping centers, and street markets where you can pick up everything from local items to European fashion. If you happen to be in town on a weekend, keep in mind that many shops are only open in the morning on Saturdays and closed all day Sundays.

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 Cadiz or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cadiz is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Cadiz is a family-friendly port city. The city has beaches where everyone can splash around, as well as some parks and playgrounds where kids can get their energy out. Outside of town you'll find waterparks and other fun activities as well.

Is Cadiz or Messina Better for Couples?

Both Cadiz and Messina are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cadiz is a nice destination for couples. With its history and beaches, there are many romantic activities that couples can enjoy. Wander around old town and enjoy local cuisine. Visit the historic ruins and take a hike outside of the city.

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 Cadiz or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Cadiz and Messina are good destinations for backpackers.

Cadiz is a good port city to visit for backpackers. One of the biggest draws to the city is there huge Carnival festival every February. This is a popular time to visit and backpackers will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

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 Cadiz or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Cadiz is not popular with students.

Messina is a good port city to visit for 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.

Cadiz is not popular with students.

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

Both Cadiz and Messina offer good public transit options.

Cadiz has a few public transit options. There are five bus lines around town. The buses are comfortable and air conditioned.

Messina has some public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Cadiz or Messina a more walkable city?

Cadiz and Messina both are great when exploring on foot.

Cadiz is very walkable. It is a walkable city that is historic and compact enough to explore on foot. It can be a bit of a walk to get from the old town to the beach though.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Cadiz?

How long in Cadiz or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cadiz and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Messina than in Cadiz. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Cadiz, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

One day in Cadiz or Messina?

In Cadiz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city 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, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Cadiz or Messina?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Cadiz or Messina?

Cadiz 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Cadiz or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cadiz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cadiz. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, 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 Cadiz and Messina, we can see that Cadiz is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina 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 Cadiz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cadiz than you might in Messina.

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

Which is Bigger, Cadiz or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Cadiz. When comparing the sizes of Cadiz 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 Cadiz 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 Cadiz or Messina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cadiz and Messina. The summer months attract visitors to Cadiz because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

Cadiz is around the same temperature as Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Cadiz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cadiz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Cadiz gets 356 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Cadiz or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cadiz as well as Messina. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cadiz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cadiz is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cadiz in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cadiz this time of the year. In the autumn, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Messina. Cadiz gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Cadiz usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Cadiz gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cadiz or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Cadiz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cadiz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cadiz is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Cadiz average around 13°C (55°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Cadiz usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Cadiz gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In January, Cadiz usually receives less rain than Messina. Cadiz gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cadiz or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Cadiz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cadiz in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Cadiz is around the same temperature as Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Cadiz averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cadiz. In the spring, Cadiz often gets more sunshine than Messina. Cadiz gets 253 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Cadiz usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Cadiz gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Cadiz