A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Beaches

Should you visit Messina or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a stunning, traditional, and charming coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and food.

Messina and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Messina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Messina different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Messina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region 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 Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

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 Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Cinque Terre is one of the most recognized in the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Cinque Terre?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

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

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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 Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre 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.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

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 Cinque Terre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Messina or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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 Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Messina?

How long in Messina or Cinque Terre?

In either Messina or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Messina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Messina or Cinque Terre?

In Messina, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region 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 Cinque Terre?

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Cinque Terre?

Messina is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Cinque Terre?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terre. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Messina