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

Should you visit Messina or Figueira da Foz?

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 Figueira da Foz 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 Figueira da Foz?

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.

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

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 Luxury Tours to Portugal, and The Best Budget Tours to Portugal.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Figueira da Foz?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Figueira da Foz, 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 Figueira da Foz?

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 Figueira da Foz in the Summer?

Both Figueira da Foz 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.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Figueira da Foz. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Figueira da Foz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Figueira da Foz during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Figueira da Foz. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Figueira da Foz in the Autumn?

Both Figueira da Foz 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.

Messina is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

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

Figueira da Foz 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 October than Figueira da Foz. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Figueira da Foz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Figueira da Foz. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

Figueira da Foz receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Figueira da Foz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Figueira da Foz. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Figueira da Foz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Figueira da Foz. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 217 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Figueira da Foz. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Figueira da Foz and Messina