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

Should you visit Heraklion or Messina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Messina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Messina?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Messina. While Messina is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Heraklion different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Heraklion makes for a great culinary experience. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Messina Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Messina.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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.

Is Heraklion or Messina Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Messina?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Messina.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Messina to go shopping. 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 Heraklion or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Messina is very family-friendly. 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 Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Messina.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

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 Heraklion or Messina a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Messina are great when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Messina. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Messina. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Messina?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Messina. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Messina?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Messina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Messina?

Heraklion 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local port city of Messina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. 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.

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours 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 Heraklion and Messina, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Messina.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Messina. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Messina. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 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, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Messina. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Messina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Messina. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), 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 Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Messina. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Heraklion