A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Imperia for Nightlife, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Messina or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Imperia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Imperia is more popular for its impressive beauty. Messina is more touristy than Imperia and is known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Messina different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Imperia have notable 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.

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Imperia.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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).

Imperia has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Messina is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Messina has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Imperia?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Imperia 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 Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Families?

Messina is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly port city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Imperia are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Imperia makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Imperia 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 Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

Is Messina or Imperia Better for Students?

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

Messina is a good port city to visit for 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Imperia 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 Imperia.

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 Imperia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Messina or Imperia a more walkable city?

Messina is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Messina is a very walkable destination. 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.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Messina?

How long in Messina or Imperia?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Imperia 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 Messina.

One day in Messina or Imperia?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Imperia, you'll find nightlife and food. This town 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 Imperia?

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

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

Five days in Messina or Imperia?

Messina is a great place to explore. 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.

Imperia is a great place to explore. 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 Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Imperia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. 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 comparing the travel costs between Messina and Imperia, 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 Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Imperia?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Imperia. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Messina or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Imperia. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Messina is around the same temperature as Imperia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

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

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

Should I visit Messina or Imperia in the Winter?

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

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

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Imperia. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In April, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Imperia and Messina