A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Messina for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Granada or Messina?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Messina are both popular with visitors, Granada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its beaches and big city activities. Granada is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Granada different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada that are not to be missed. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Granada and Messina both to be good destinations.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Messina. 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 Granada or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Messina have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Granada or Messina Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Messina Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Messina?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Granada and Messina.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Granada. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Messina offers some nice shopping areas. 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 Granada or Messina Better for Families?

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

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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 Granada or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Messina Better for Students?

Granada is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

It's common for students to 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.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Granada and Messina.

Granada has some public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

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 Granada or Messina a more walkable city?

Granada and Messina are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

Messina is a very walkable city. 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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Granada?

How long in Granada or Messina?

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

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

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

One day in Granada or Messina?

In Granada, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Granada or Messina?

In Granada, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Granada 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 Granada or Messina?

Granada is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Granada or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Granada. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking 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.

Granada is around the same temperature as Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Messina. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and 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 the autumn, Granada is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Granada gets 213 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, Granada usually receives less rain than Messina. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Messina in the Winter?

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

In January, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Messina. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Granada usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Messina in the Spring?

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

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

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Messina and Granada