A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Fethiye vs. Messina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Fethiye or Messina?

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

Should I visit Fethiye 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.

Where Should I go: Fethiye or Messina?

Fethiye

Fethiye is a tourist town in Lycia on the Mediterranean coast. It has a beautiful marina and plenty of activities during the day or night. Fethiye's size, location, and easy access to transportation make it a great central starting point to explore the area. It's also a popular place to pick up the "Blue Cruise," a popular boat tour along the Mediterranean coast.

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Messina or Fethiye?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Fethiye is $109, while the average daily cost in Messina is $127. 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 Fethiye and Messina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Fethiye $48
    Messina $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Fethiye $96
    Messina $140
Compare Hotels in Fethiye and Messina

Looking for a hotel in Fethiye 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 Fethiye


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: Fethiye Hotel Prices and Messina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Fethiye $34
    Messina $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fethiye

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Fethiye are as follows:


  • Local Bus
    $0.26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fethiye

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

  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Calis Beach Hotels: $289
  • Antalya Airport AYT Transfers to Olympos Hotels: $115
  • Antalya Calis Beach Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $240
  • Antalya Olympos Hotels to Antalya Airport AYT Transfers: $114
  • Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Calis Beach Hotels: $71
  • Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Fethiye City Center Hotels: $71
  • Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers to Hisaronu (Fethiye) Hotels: $82
  • Dalaman Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer from/to Fethiye: $75
  • Dalaman Int Airport (DLM): Private Transfer to Fethiye: $119
  • Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip With Free Hotel Transfer & Lunch: $38
  • Fethiye City Center Hotels to Dalaman Airport DLM Transfers: $82
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience With Free Hotel Transfer Service: $40

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 Fethiye or Messina?

Prices for flights to both Messina and Fethiye 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
    Fethiye $35
    Messina $40
Typical Food Prices in Fethiye

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Fethiye:


  • Fruit
    $0.22
  • Soda
    $0.09

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.
    Fethiye $38
    Messina $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fethiye

For Fethiye, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Paragliding
    $7.42
  • Gorge Walk entry and photo
    $0.17

Tours and Activities in Fethiye

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fethiye.

  • Quad Safari Adventure from Fethiye: $24
  • Full-Day Jeep Tour w/ Saklikent Visit & Lunch: $26
  • Fethiye Jeep Safari Tour: $28
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye: $28
  • Tlos, Yakapark and Countryside Highlights Jeep Tour: $29
  • 7-HourJeep Safari Adventure in Fethiye Turkey: $31
  • Turkish Bath Experience in Fethiye : $33
  • Fethiye Horse Riding Experience: $38
  • Full-Day Boat Tour in Fethiye Islands: $38
  • Private & Sharing Boat Tours from Fethiye: $38
  • Jeep Safari Tour to Tlos Ruins & Yakapark with BBQ: $40
  • Food Market and Kayakoy "Ghost Town" Tour from Fethiye: $40

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
    Fethiye $17
    Messina $19


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


Which is Bigger, Fethiye or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Fethiye. When comparing the sizes of Fethiye 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 Fethiye 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 Fethiye or Messina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Fethiye as well as Messina. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Fethiye is around the same temperature as Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Messina fluctuates around 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 Fethiye this time of the year. In the summer, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Messina. Fethiye gets 385 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Fethiye usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Fethiye gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Fethiye 28°C (82°F) 
    Messina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Fethiye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Fethiye gets 249 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, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Messina. Fethiye gets 47 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
    Fethiye 20°C (68°F) 
    Messina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Fethiye during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In January, Fethiye is generally cooler than Messina. Daily temperatures in Fethiye average around 10°C (50°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Fethiye often gets more sunshine than Messina. Fethiye gets 147 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. It rains a lot this time of the year in Fethiye. Fethiye usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Messina. Fethiye gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Fethiye 10°C (50°F) 
    Messina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Fethiye or Messina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Fethiye and Messina. Furthermore, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Fethiye is around the same temperature as Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Fethiye averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Fethiye, it's very sunny this time of the year. Fethiye usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Fethiye gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Fethiye usually receives less rain than Messina. Fethiye gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Fethiye 16°C (61°F) 
    Messina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Messina and Fethiye

Fethiye Messina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in)
Sep 25°C (77°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 124 mm (4.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)