A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Aix-en-Provence 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.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Aix-en-Provence. Messina is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Messina different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

Both Messina and Aix-en-Provence have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Aix-en-Provence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Messina is well known for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Aix-en-Provence are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university 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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Aix-en-Provence.

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.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Messina or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Messina and Aix-en-Provence both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable port city. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Messina?

How long in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

The historic destination of Messina offers nightlife and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Aix-en-Provence, you'll find museums and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, 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 Aix-en-Provence has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

Messina is a great place to explore. This port city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Aix-en-Provence 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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Aix-en-Provence. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Messina or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

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

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

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

Messina is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Messina often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

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

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Messina