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

Should you visit Chania or Messina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania 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.

Chania

Chania is a charming, picturesque, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Messina?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Messina. While Messina is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is better known for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Messina is more popular for its nightlife. Chania is more touristy than Messina and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Also, Chania is famous for The Venetian Harbor. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Chania different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chania 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 Chania. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

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 Chania or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania 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 Chania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

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 Chania or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Is Chania or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a city 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 Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Messina Better for Beaches?

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

Chania is considered to be a world-class beach destination. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

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

Is Chania or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Messina Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Messina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Messina and Chania.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Chania or Messina Better for Families?

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

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Messina is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Chania or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

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 Chania or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania 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 Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

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 Chania or Messina Better for Students?

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

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania 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 Chania and Messina.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

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 Chania or Messina a more walkable city?

Chania and Messina both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

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 Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Chania?

How long in Chania or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Messina. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Chania or Messina?

In Chania, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Chania or Messina?

In Chania, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Chania or Messina?

Chania is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

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 Chania or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Chania. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in 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 Chania and Messina, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Chania.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania 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 Chania 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 Chania or Messina in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Chania is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Messina during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Messina. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Messina in the Autumn?

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

In October, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Chania gets 198 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. Chania usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Messina. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for 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.

Chania is around the same temperature as Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Messina. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Messina in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Chania is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Messina averages at about 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 Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Messina. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Chania