A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Catania for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Messina or Catania?

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 Catania 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Catania?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Catania than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Catania is more touristy than Messina and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Catania 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.

Catania offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania 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 Catania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Catania for the nightlife scene. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

Is Messina or Catania Better for Beaches?

Catania 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 Catania. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

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 Catania Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Catania to see the historical old town. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Catania Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Catania?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Catania 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 Catania. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Messina or Catania Better for Families?

Both Messina and Catania are superb to visit with kids.

Messina is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Catania is very family-friendly. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Is Messina or Catania Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Catania are nice 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.

Catania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Messina or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania 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 Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania Better for Students?

Catania 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 Catania. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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 Catania Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Catania is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Catania a more walkable city?

Messina and Catania both are superb 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.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Catania Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Catania or Messina?

How long in Messina or Catania?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Catania to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Catania 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 Catania.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Catania?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Catania, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city 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 Catania?

In Messina, 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 Messina has to offer.

In Catania, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Catania has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Catania?

Messina 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.

Catania is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Catania. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Catania. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Catania, we can see that Catania 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 Catania Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Catania, 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 Catania?

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 Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Catania. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Messina is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania 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 Catania during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Catania. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Catania. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Catania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Catania. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Catania fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Catania. Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Catania this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Catania in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Catania fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Catania during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Catania. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Messina is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Catania, 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 Catania. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Catania. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Catania and Messina