A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Braga for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Messina or Braga?

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 Braga 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.

Where Should I go: Messina or Braga?

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

Braga

Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Porto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Braga or Messina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Messina is €118, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Messina and Braga in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Messina 65
    Braga 54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Messina 130
    Braga 108
Compare Hotels in Messina and Braga

Looking for a hotel in Messina or Braga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Messina


Hotels in Braga


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Messina Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Messina 22
    Braga 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:

  • Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
  • Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Messina or Braga?

Prices for flights to both Braga and Messina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Messina 37
    Braga 40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.

  • Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Messina 21
    Braga 16

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • Guided City Highlights Walking Tour: $47
  • The Godfather Movie Tour from Messina: $84
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • Messina and Taormina City Tour from Messina - Private tour: $87
  • Taormina Shore Excursion from Messina - Shared tour: $87
  • Taormina and Castelmola Tour from Messina: $98
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Taormina and Castelmola: Private tour: $149

Tours and Activities in Braga

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:

  • Casa dos Coimbras ( Chapel and Tower ) ticket & drink: $5.35
  • Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $7.65
  • Braga Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tourer Hunt: $7.82
  • Tuk Tuk City Tour: $16
  • Bravaes Kayak Park Private Adventure: $38
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $42
  • Small-Group Braga Half-Day Tour with Bom Jesus: $43
  • Guimarães Old Town Private Walking Tour: $54
  • KAYAK TOUR I Descent of the River Lima in Kayak: $55
  • Stand Up Paddle Tour: $55
  • Lagoons and Waterfalls Tour - Serra do Soajo: $60
  • Tour Soajo - Peneda-Gerês National Park: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Messina 18
    Braga 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Braga

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:

  • Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
  • Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
  • Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
  • Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535


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


Which is Bigger, Messina or Braga?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Braga, 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 Braga?

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 Braga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Braga. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Braga fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Braga during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Braga. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Messina 27°C (80°F) 
    Braga 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Messina or Braga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Braga. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Messina is a little warmer than Braga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Braga. Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Braga. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Messina 21°C (69°F) 
    Braga 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Messina or Braga in the Winter?

Both Braga and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Braga averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Braga during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives less rain than Braga. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Messina 13°C (55°F) 
    Braga 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Messina or Braga in the Spring?

Both Braga and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Braga fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Braga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 217 hours of full sun.

Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Messina usually gets less rain in April than Braga. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Messina 16°C (60°F) 
    Braga 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Braga and Messina

Messina Braga
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Feb 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 169 mm (6.7 in)
Mar 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in) 20°C (69°F) 22 mm (0.9 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 17°C (62°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)