A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Finale Ligure for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Finale Ligure

Finale Ligure is a beautiful, scenic, and historic area. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Messina and Finale Ligure: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Finale Ligure?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Finale Ligure are both popular with visitors, Messina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Messina is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities, while Finale Ligure is known for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Finale Ligure is popular for its sandy beaches and great food.

How is Messina different from Finale Ligure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Finale Ligure have good 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.

Finale Ligure offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The natural beauty is the main attraction to this part of Liguria, but there are also medieval towns such as Finalborgo and historic places such as Castel Gavone.

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

Finale Ligure 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, Finale Ligure makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood, local flavors, and even a couple of Michelin starred restaurants make this area a foodie's paradise. The dishes are rich in flavors and fine dining is common throughout the area.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife. However, Finale Ligure is a area with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. 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.

Finale Ligure doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This beautiful coastline is filled with fine dining restaurants and some nice wine and cocktail bars. It's not known for its party scene, but there are some nice places to spend the evening.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure Better for Resorts?

Finale Ligure is a area with good options for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Finale Ligure has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find a mix of smaller local hotels, many with pools, along the coastline. There are also a number of apartments to choose from.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure Better for Beaches?

Finale Ligure is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Finale Ligure attract visitors from all over. This stretch of coastline has the longest sandy beaches in Liguria. You'll also find dramatic cliffs and beautiful views.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Finale Ligure. There are many walking and trekking trails along the coast and through the hills. You'll pass medieval towns and beautiful viewpoints that let you experience the Ligurian coastline in all of its beauty.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Finale Ligure?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure. You'll find clothing boutiques, food specialty stores, and places to pick up anything that you may have forgotten.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure Better for Families?

Both Messina and Finale Ligure are excellent 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, Finale Ligure is very family-friendly. This section of the Italian Riviera has the longest sandy beach in Liguria. There are also places where kids can swim and just relax from sightseeing and travel.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure Better for Couples?

Finale Ligure is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Finale Ligure frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its sandy beaches and seaside cliffs, this area makes a great romantic getaway. Italian food on the Italian Riviera - what could be more romantic.

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 Finale Ligure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Finale Ligure are good 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 Finale Ligure. While there aren't a lot of hostels, there are a few reasonably priced guesthouses to choose from.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for students. However, Finale Ligure is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. 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.

Finale Ligure is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure.

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 Finale Ligure offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both trains and buses through the area.

Is Messina or Finale Ligure a more walkable city?

Messina is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Finale Ligure is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Finale Ligure is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walking routes throughout this stretch of coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Finale Ligure or Messina?

How long in Messina or Finale Ligure?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or Finale Ligure. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Finale Ligure due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Finale Ligure.

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

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

One day in Messina or Finale Ligure?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Finale Ligure, you'll find museums and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This area 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 Finale Ligure?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Finale Ligure, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Finale Ligure has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Finale Ligure?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Finale Ligure is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Finale Ligure?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Messina. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Finale Ligure. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Finale Ligure. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Finale Ligure, we can see that Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Finale Ligure 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 Finale Ligure Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Finale Ligure?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Finale Ligure. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Finale Ligure, 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 Finale Ligure?

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 Finale Ligure in the Summer?

Both Finale Ligure and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Finale Ligure in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Messina is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Finale Ligure. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Finale Ligure during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Finale Ligure. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Finale Ligure in the Autumn?

Both Finale Ligure and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Finale Ligure for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Messina is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Finale Ligure averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Finale Ligure. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Finale Ligure. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Finale Ligure in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Finale Ligure. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Finale Ligure because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Messina is generally a little warmer than Finale Ligure. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Finale Ligure during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Finale Ligure receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Finale Ligure. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Finale Ligure in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Finale Ligure. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Finale Ligure this time of year.

Messina is around the same temperature as Finale Ligure in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Finale Ligure fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

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 Finale Ligure. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Finale Ligure receives 198 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Finale Ligure. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Finale Ligure receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Finale Ligure and Messina