A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Carcassonne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Messina or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne 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 historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Messina and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Messina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Carcassonne is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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.

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

Carcassonne 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, Carcassonne makes for a great culinary experience. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

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 Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Messina or Carcassonne Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Carcassonne to see the historical old town. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Carcassonne?

Messina is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Messina is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Messina is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Messina or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Carcassonne are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Is Messina or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Messina or Carcassonne Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne.

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 Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Messina or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Messina?

How long in Messina or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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

One day in Messina or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling port city of Messina. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Carcassonne?

The historic port city of Messina offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Carcassonne?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Carcassonne. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Messina is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Carcassonne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 275 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Carcassonne. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Messina is generally a little warmer than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Carcassonne. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Carcassonne receives 88 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Carcassonne. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Carcassonne. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Carcassonne during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Carcassonne receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Carcassonne. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Messina