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

Should you visit Messina or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a peaceful, relaxing, and laid-back coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or La Rochelle?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Rochelle than Messina. While Messina is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Rochelle is very popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Messina attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also well known for The Old Port.

How is Messina different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Messina is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Messina or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Rochelle. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

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 La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a coastal town with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or La Rochelle?

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Messina or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Messina is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Messina is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Messina or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Messina or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Messina and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is Messina or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Messina or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Messina and La Rochelle both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable port city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Messina?

How long in Messina or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Messina or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local port city of Messina. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Messina or La Rochelle?

The local port city of Messina offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than La Rochelle. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Messina is much warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than La Rochelle. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Messina