A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Messina and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Messina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Messina is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Messina is very good for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Messina is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Messina. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Messina is great for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Messina is very good for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Both Messina and Plitvice Lakes National Park are superb 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, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Plitvice Lakes National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. 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.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Students?

Messina is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Messina. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Messina is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Public transit is generally limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Plitvice Lakes National Park is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Plitvice Lakes National Park on foot is easy. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Messina?

How long in Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Messina than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, you'll find . 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Messina. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

The bustling port city of Messina offers nightlife and food. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many people enjoy the when visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 10-Day Tours in Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Plitvice Lakes National Park, we can see that Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Messina is much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Plitvice Lakes National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Plitvice Lakes National Park in the winter. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the natural beauty.

Messina is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Messina