A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Messina or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. It's also known for museums.

Messina and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Pompeii?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Pompeii, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii is more popular for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Pompeii that are not to be missed. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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 Pompeii? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Messina is very good for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Messina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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).

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

Messina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Pompeii?

Messina is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Families?

Both Messina and Pompeii 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, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Pompeii 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.

Pompeii makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Pompeii 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 Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Messina or Pompeii Better for Students?

Messina and Pompeii are notable 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 Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Is Messina or Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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 Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Messina or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Messina?

How long in Messina or Pompeii?

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

Couples should spend more time in Messina than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii, you'll find museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pompeii has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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 Pompeii. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Pompeii. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii than you might in Messina.

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

When is the best time to visit Messina or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Pompeii. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pompeii for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Pompeii in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Pompeii fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Pompeii. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Pompeii averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Pompeii. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Pompeii. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Pompeii. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Pompeii fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Messina