A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Korcula for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Korcula?

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 Korcula 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Korcula

Korcula is a historic, scenic, and laid back island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Messina and Korcula: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Korcula?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Korcula. Although Messina and Korcula are popular destinations, Korcula has more sights and attractions for tourists. Korcula is very popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Korcula is more touristy than Messina and is known for its small old town and its beautiful natural setting. It is also well known for St Mark's Cathedral. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Korcula?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Korcula have nice 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.

Korcula offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most of the sights are concentrated in Korcula Town, which has a charming old town that is filled with stone houses. In the center of the old town is St Mark's Cathedral. Other points of interest include Abbey Treasury and Marco Polo's House.

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

Korcula 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, Korcula makes for a great culinary experience. Food is a way of life on the island, and you'll likely enjoy bread, salad, soup, and grilled meat or seafood at most meals. The ingredients are locally produced and fresh.

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 Korcula Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Korcula is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Korcula doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The party scene is lacking in the old town, so this isn't the place to visit for nightlife. Many of the restaurants become cocktail bars at night, and there is a club or two that has opened in recent years.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Korcula is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Korcula. There are a few snorkeling tours that leave from the island.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Korcula attract visitors from all over. There are a number of beautiful beaches around the island. Head south for the sandier beaches and north for the pebbly, shallower beaches. Many people think that Lumbarda has the best beaches on the island.

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 Korcula Better for its Old Town?

Korcula is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Korcula is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is filled with interesting buildings and historic streets that you can explore.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Korcula. There are many natural and hiking areas on the island so you can enjoy a full day hike or a shorter stroll through the area.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Korcula?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Korcula 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 Korcula. You'll find boutiques, small retail shops, or stores selling knick knacks around town.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Families?

Both Messina and Korcula are great 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, Korcula is very family-friendly. The island has many great hikes that are appropriate for all ages. There are also pebbly beaches where the kids can play in the water and explore.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Korcula frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful old town, striking coastline, and wonderful natural beauty make for a great honeymoon or romantic escape. There are many nice hikes in the area and the beaches are nice for cooling off.

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 Korcula Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Korcula 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 Korcula. You'll find enough hostels around the island to choose from and there are usually plenty of backpackers hanging out.

Is Messina or Korcula Better for Students?

Messina and Korcula 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 Korcula. More students have been moving to the island, and you'll find a growing student population.

Is Messina or Korcula 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 Korcula.

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 Korcula offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around the island but not all routes are very frequent.

Is Messina or Korcula a more walkable city?

Messina is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Korcula is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Korcula is a somewhat walkable port city. There are foot paths and trails all over the island but you'll want to rent a bike if you're going long distances.

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

Should I spend more time in Korcula or Messina?

How long in Messina or Korcula?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Korcula. In our opinion, Korcula has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Korcula than Messina. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Korcula?

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 Korcula, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling 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 Korcula has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Korcula?

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.

Korcula 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Korcula. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Korcula, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Korcula much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Korcula would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Korcula 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Korcula.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Messina Expensive? and Is Korcula Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Korcula?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Korcula. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Korcula, 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 Korcula?

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 Korcula in the Summer?

Both Korcula 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. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Korcula this time of year.

In the summer, Messina is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Korcula averages at about 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Korcula. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Korcula. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Korcula in the Autumn?

Both Korcula 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Korcula for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Korcula. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Korcula fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Korcula, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Korcula. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 200 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Messina or Korcula in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Korcula. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Korcula in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Messina is a little warmer than Korcula in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Korcula fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Korcula during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Korcula receives 128 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 Korcula. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Korcula in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Korcula. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Korcula for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Messina is around the same temperature as Korcula. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Korcula averages at about 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Korcula. 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 Korcula. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Korcula receives 212 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Korcula. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Korcula receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Korcula and Messina