A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Amalfi?

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 Amalfi 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 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a charming, picturesque, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Amalfi?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Amalfi. Although Messina and Amalfi are popular destinations, Amalfi has more sights and attractions for tourists. Amalfi is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Messina and is known for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. It is also well known for the dramatic coastline. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Amalfi 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 Amalfi?

Both Messina and Amalfi have nice 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.

Amalfi offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around 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 Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Many people head to Amalfi for the nightlife scene. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town 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 Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Amalfi is a town with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Amalfi. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

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

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

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

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Amalfi?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amalfi and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Amalfi. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Families?

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Amalfi offers lots of family activities. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Couples?

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

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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 Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a port city with good options for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known 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.

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

Is Messina or Amalfi Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Amalfi 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.

Amalfi is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Amalfi 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 Amalfi.

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 Amalfi offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Messina or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Amalfi on foot is easy. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

Messina is a very walkable port 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 Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Amalfi Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Messina?

How long in Messina or Amalfi?

Both Messina and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Messina. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Amalfi?

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.

In Amalfi, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Amalfi has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Amalfi?

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.

Amalfi 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 Amalfi has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Amalfi?

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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Amalfi?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Amalfi averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Amalfi. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Amalfi in the Autumn?

Both Amalfi and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amalfi for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Amalfi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Amalfi. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Amalfi. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Messina is much warmer than Amalfi in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amalfi. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Amalfi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Amalfi. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Amalfi for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Amalfi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Amalfi. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Messina