Which place is cheaper, Messina or Gran Canaria?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Gran Canaria or Messina?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Gran Canaria 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: Gran Canaria or Messina?
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
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 Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Adventure Tours to Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGran Canaria €125Messina €118
The average daily cost (per person) in Gran Canaria is €125, 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 Gran Canaria and Messina in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGran Canaria €63Messina €65
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGran Canaria €126Messina €130
Compare Hotels in Gran Canaria and Messina
Looking for a hotel in Gran Canaria 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Gran Canaria €46Messina €22
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61
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 Gran Canaria or Messina?
Prices for flights to both Messina and Gran Canaria 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
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Food Meals for one dayGran Canaria €34Messina €37
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Gran Canaria €20Messina €21
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
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
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGran Canaria €7.14Messina €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When comparing the travel costs between Gran Canaria and Messina, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Gran Canaria or Messina?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria or Messina in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Gran Canaria as well as Messina. Additionally, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Gran Canaria is cooler than Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Gran Canaria in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Messina averages at about 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 Gran Canaria this time of the year. In the summer, Gran Canaria often gets less sunshine than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 293 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.
Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Messina 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Messina in the Autumn?
Both Messina and Gran Canaria 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 October, Gran Canaria is generally a little warmer than Messina. Daily temperatures in Gran Canaria average around 23°C (73°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Gran Canaria gets 213 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, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGran Canaria 23°C (73°F)Messina 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Messina in the Winter?
Both Messina and Gran Canaria during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year.
Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Gran Canaria averages around 18°C (64°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Gran Canaria often gets more sunshine than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 187 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. Gran Canaria usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGran Canaria 18°C (64°F)Messina 13°C (55°F)
Should I visit Gran Canaria or Messina in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gran Canaria and Messina. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Gran Canaria is a little warmer than Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Gran Canaria in April average around 19°C (66°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gran Canaria usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Gran Canaria gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Gran Canaria usually receives less rain than Messina. Gran Canaria gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGran Canaria 19°C (66°F)Messina 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Messina and Gran Canaria
| Gran Canaria | Messina | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Feb | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
| Apr | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
| Jul | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.