A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Messina for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Messina?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Messina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Messina are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its museums and big city activities. Lagos is more touristy than Messina and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Lagos different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lagos 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, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Messina.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. 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 Lagos or Messina Better for Resorts?

Lagos is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Messina Better for Beaches?

Lagos is renowned for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

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

Is Lagos or Messina Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Messina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Messina and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. 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 Lagos or Messina Better for Families?

Lagos is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

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.

Is Lagos or Messina Better for Couples?

Lagos is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Messina is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Messina is very walkable. 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.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Messina. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Messina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Lagos or Messina?

In Lagos, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This resort town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or Messina?

In Lagos, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Messina?

Lagos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lagos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Lagos. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos or Messina?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lagos or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Messina. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Lagos during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In the autumn, Lagos is a little warmer than Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Messina. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Messina. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Messina. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Messina. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Messina. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Lagos is much warmer than Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the spring. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Messina. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Lagos