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

Should you visit Corinth or Messina?

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

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

Corinth

Corinth is a ancient, unique, and fascinating archeological site. It's also known for 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.

Corinth and Messina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Corinth or Messina?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Messina than Corinth. While Corinth is larger than Messina, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Corinth is more popular for its museums. Corinth is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its historical ruins and fascinating temples. 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 Corinth different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Corinth
Messina

Corinth 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 Corinth. Visitors come to explore the ancient city of Corinth, which is now a significant archeological site. The Apollo Temple is an important landmark on the site. In a separate area you'll find the Acrocorinth, which is the ancient city's acropolis. Also a must-see is the Corinth Canal.

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 Corinth or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Messina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

Corinth offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a couple of restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat in the area, but most are not convenient.

Is Corinth or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Corinth is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Corinth. Most people visit the archeological sights and the canal as a day trip from Athens, so nightlife is not part of their itinerary.

Is Corinth or Messina Better for Beaches?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Corinth 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.

Corinth is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Corinth or Messina?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Corinth 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.

Corinth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Corinth or Messina Better for Families?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Corinth 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 Corinth. These archeological ruins will have a special draw for those kids who enjoy the Percy Jackson book series. The ruins and corresponding museum tell the story of lives lived millennia ago. For kids with an active imagination, this is a fascinating place to explore.

Is Corinth or Messina Better for Couples?

Corinth
Messina

Corinth and Messina are both notable to visit as a couple.

Corinth is a good archeological site for couples to visit. An easy day trip from Athens, these archeological ruins are unique and impressive to explore for couples who enjoy history and Greek mythology.

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 Corinth or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Corinth
Messina

Corinth and Messina are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Corinth. Most visitors come as a day trip from Athens. Public transportation options are plentiful so backpackers will find this an easy, independent trip to make.

Messina is a good archeological site to visit for backpackers. 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 Corinth or Messina Better for Students?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Corinth 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.

Corinth is not popular with students.

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

Corinth
Messina

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Corinth and Messina.

Corinth has some public transit options. There are buses and trains that connect Athens and Corinth but confirm that the schedule is convenient for your trip.

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 Corinth or Messina a more walkable city?

Corinth
Messina

Messina is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Corinth is lacking in good options 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.

Corinth is generally not very walkable. Many areas are spread out, so some parts are easily walkable and others are not.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Corinth?

How long in Corinth or Messina?

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

Families should spend more time in Messina than Corinth. 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 Corinth. 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 Corinth 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.


  • How many days in Corinth or Messina? Ideal Length of Stay
    Corinth 1-2 
    Messina 2-3

One day in Corinth or Messina?

In Corinth, you'll find museums. This archeological site 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, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Corinth or Messina?

In Corinth, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Corinth has to offer.

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


Five days in Corinth or Messina?

Corinth 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.

Messina 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.

A week in Corinth or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Corinth. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Corinth. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Messina or Corinth?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Corinth is €121, while the average daily cost in Messina is €118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Corinth and Messina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Corinth 72
    Messina 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Corinth 144
    Messina 130
Compare Hotels in Corinth and Messina

Looking for a hotel in Corinth or Messina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Corinth


Hotels in Messina


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Messina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Corinth 7.14
    Messina 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Corinth

Also for Corinth, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer & Guide in Mycenae and Epidaurus from Nafplio: $273
  • Shared Transfer to Mycenae & Epidaurus from Nafplio: $121
  • Taxi Transfer from Nafplio - Tolo to Athens Airport - Private up to 4 persons: $219
  • Transfer from Corinth-Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi to Athens-Pireaus-Athens Airport: $219

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Corinth or Messina?

Prices for flights to both Messina and Corinth change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Corinth 40
    Messina 37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Corinth

For Corinth, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Savor Nafplio Cooking Class: $126
  • Cooking Class OR Demonstration & lunch in Nafplio: $127
  • Nafplio Walking Food Tour: $141
  • Sustainbable Cooking class, explore a mountainous village: $235

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Corinth 21
    Messina 21

Tours and Activities in Corinth

For Corinth, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 3D Representations & Audiovisual Self-Guided tour: $7.48
  • Mycenae Archaeological Site & Agamemnon Tomb Skip-the-Line Ticket: $8.74
  • Hop on Hop Off Nafplio city tour: $8.87
  • The Sanctuary of Asclepius: E-ticket with Audio Tour: $15
  • Epidaurus: Refundable Ticket for the Temple of Asclepius &Theater: $19
  • Nafplio City Tour: $52
  • Nafplio Private Tasting Tour: $62
  • Ancient Corinth Private Tour from Corinth: $68
  • Loutraki Private Tour from Corinth: $76
  • Mycenae and Ancient Nemea Private Tour from Corinth: $82
  • Ancient Epidaurus Theater and Canal of Corinth Private Tour from Corinth: $82
  • Corinthian olive oil tour & tasting experience: $86

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
  • Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
  • From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
  • From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Corinth 16
    Messina 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Corinth

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Corinth:

  • Winery Tour and Organic Fine Wine Tastings: $16
  • Corinth Winery Tour and Organic Fine Wine Tastings: $21
  • Nemea - Wine Tasting from Nafplion: $175
  • Nemea Wine Tour from Athens, Nafplio or Nemea with Oenologists: $178
  • Wine tour at the footsteps of Hercules in Nemea from Nafplio: $188
  • 2. Wine Tour Nemea: The new wines of Nemea: $216
  • Peloponnese Private Tour & Nemea Wine Tour & Ancient Nemea: $674


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


Which is Bigger, Corinth or Messina?

Corinth has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Corinth 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 Corinth 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 Corinth or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Corinth during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Corinth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Corinth is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Corinth 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 Corinth. In the summer, Corinth often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Corinth gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

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


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Corinth 27°C (81°F) 
    Messina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Corinth and Messina. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

In Corinth, it's very sunny this time of the year. Corinth usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Corinth 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, Corinth usually receives less rain than Messina. Corinth gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Corinth 19°C (67°F) 
    Messina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Messina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Corinth as well as Messina. Many visitors come to Corinth in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. Corinth usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Corinth gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Corinth 10°C (51°F) 
    Messina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Corinth or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Corinth are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Corinth is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Corinth 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 Corinth. Corinth usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Corinth gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Corinth 16°C (60°F) 
    Messina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Messina and Corinth

Corinth Messina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)


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