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

Should you visit Messina or Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Hondarribia?

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

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Hondarribia. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Messina is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Messina