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

Should you visit Messina or Girona?

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 Girona 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.

Girona

Girona is a medieval, ancient, and charming city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Girona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Girona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina than Girona. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Girona attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Girona is famous for its ancient ruins, colorful old town, grand cathedral, and impressive local cuisine.

How is Messina different from Girona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Girona 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 Girona. Wander the ancient city walls, explore the beautiful Girona Cathedral, and learn about the Church of Sant Feliu. There are also some interesting museums in town including the Museum of Jewish History, the Archaeology Museum, and the Film Museum. Also make sure you walk across the famed Eiffel Bridge.

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 Girona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Girona 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, Girona makes for a great culinary experience. The small city is filled with cafes and restaurants that spill out into the street. There are also markets such as El Lleó Marketplace where you can check out fresh, local items. Many restaurants also have Catalonian style tapas, seafood such as octopus, and garlic shrimp. For breakfast, there are many pastry shops where you can enjoy a European breakfast.

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 Girona Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. However, Girona is not a good city for its evening party scene.

Messina offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Girona. It's a surprisingly quiet town, especially compared to other nearby party cities, but there are some nightclubs, bars, and music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Messina or Girona Better for Beaches?

Messina is a moderate port city for the beache. However, Girona is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Girona is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Girona Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Girona is one of the most recognized in the world. It's a beautiful medieval old town with many wandering streets that are lined with storefronts and classic European cafes.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Girona?

Girona is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Girona is an extremely popular place for shoppers. In and around the old town you'll find modern shops, local eateries, charming markets, and anything you might need to purchase. There's also no shortage of souvenir and trinket shops, but they have a bit of personality and character to them.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Messina or Girona Better for Families?

Messina is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Girona is not a good city for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Girona is not always a place people visit with their families. While the old town is beautiful, with charming colorful buildings, the city itself doesn't have a wide number of activities for kids. There are ice cream shops where they can enjoy a sweet treat. There are also several museums and many restaurants have kid-friendly menus.

Is Messina or Girona Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Girona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting is both beautiful and romantic. Couples can enjoy wandering the streets, popping in the many shops, and soaking up the atmosphere. There are also many great restaurants that make for a wonderful night out. Head up the hills towards the cathedral for the best viewpoints, or wander along the river and enjoy the colorful atmosphere.

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 Girona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Girona are nice 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 Girona. Prices aren't too crazy and it's not hard to find a place to stay for an affordable price, but you won't find the lively backpacker scene that is common in many nearby cities.

Is Messina or Girona Better for Students?

Messina and Girona are nice places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Girona. It's a smaller city with affordable accommodation and many great restaurants. It has a quintessential European atmosphere that makes it a fun place to spend some time as a student

Is Messina or Girona 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 Girona.

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 Girona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is small enough that you can likely walk anywhere you want to go, but if you need transit, there are 10 local bus routes.

Is Messina or Girona a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Girona on foot is easy. Everything is easily accessible on foot and its best not to bring a car into town.

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 Girona Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Girona or Messina?

How long in Messina or Girona?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Girona?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Girona, you'll find museums and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Girona?

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Girona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Girona has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Girona?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Girona is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Girona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Girona. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Girona. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Girona, we can see that Girona 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 Girona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Girona 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 Girona Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Girona?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Girona. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Girona, 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 Girona?

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 Girona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Girona. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Girona for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Girona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Girona this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Girona during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Girona. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Girona receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Girona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Girona. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Girona in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Girona. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Girona fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Girona. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 170 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Girona. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Girona receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Girona in the Winter?

Both Girona and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Girona for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Messina is much warmer than Girona in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Girona fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Girona during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Girona receives 148 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Girona. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Girona receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Girona in the Spring?

Both Girona and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Girona because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Girona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Girona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Girona. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Girona receives 177 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Girona. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Girona receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Girona and Messina