A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Malaga vs. Messina for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Malaga 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 Malaga 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.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Malaga and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Malaga or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Malaga than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Malaga is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Malaga is more touristy than Messina and is known for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Alcazaba. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Malaga different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga 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, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Malaga is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Malaga is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga or Messina Better for Music?

Malaga is well known for live music. However, Messina is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Malaga. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Malaga or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Malaga is a port city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Malaga or Messina Better for Beaches?

Malaga is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Malaga. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

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

Is Malaga or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Malaga is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Malaga is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Malaga or Messina?

Both Malaga and Messina are nice shopping destinations.

Malaga offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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 Malaga or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly port city. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Malaga or Messina Better for Couples?

Malaga and Messina both nice destinations for a couple.

Malaga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Messina is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Malaga or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga or Messina Better for Students?

Malaga 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 Malaga. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

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

Both Malaga and Messina offer nice public transit options.

Malaga has a few public transit options. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

Messina has some public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Malaga or Messina a more walkable city?

Malaga and Messina both are very good when exploring on foot.

Malaga is a very walkable port city. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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 Malaga Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Malaga?

How long in Malaga or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Malaga and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Malaga than in Messina. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Malaga, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

One day in Malaga or Messina?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Malaga or Messina?

In Malaga, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Malaga or Messina?

Malaga is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Malaga has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Malaga or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Malaga. In Malaga, you'll find live music and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Spain, The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain, 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 Malaga and Messina, we can see that Malaga 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 Malaga would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Malaga 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 Malaga Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Malaga or Messina?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Malaga 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 Malaga 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 Malaga or Messina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Malaga and Messina. Most visitors come to Malaga for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, 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.

In July, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 25°C (77°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Malaga usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Malaga gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Malaga usually receives less rain than Messina. Malaga gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Malaga or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Malaga as well as Messina. The autumn months attract visitors to Malaga because of the shopping scene, the music 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.

Malaga is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Malaga averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga this time of the year. In the autumn, Malaga often gets more sunshine than Messina. Malaga gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Malaga usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Malaga gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Malaga or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Malaga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Malaga this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Malaga usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Malaga gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In January, Malaga usually receives less rain than Messina. Malaga gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Malaga or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Malaga during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Malaga for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Malaga is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Malaga average around 16°C (60°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Malaga. In the spring, Malaga often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Malaga gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Malaga usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Malaga gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Malaga