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

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Messina?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a spectacular, iconic, and impressive destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and museums.

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.

Cape Sounion and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Messina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. 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 Cape Sounion different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Messina?

Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion that are not to be missed. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

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 Cape Sounion or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cape Sounion and Messina offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

Messina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion is a destination with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Sounion. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Messina?

Messina is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

Is Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Cape Sounion and Messina make for a notable place to visit.

Cape Sounion is a good destination for couples to visit. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

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 Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion and Messina are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Cape Sounion or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cape Sounion and Messina.

Cape Sounion has some public transit options. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Cape Sounion or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Messina?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Messina?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This destination 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 food and shopping that this historic port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Messina?

In Cape Sounion, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Sounion has to offer.

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Messina?

Cape Sounion 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Sounion. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Messina is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, 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 Cape Sounion and Messina, we can see that Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°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 Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Messina in the Autumn?

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

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

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 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, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Messina. Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Messina in the Winter?

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

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

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Messina in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°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 Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Messina. Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion